Luxurious Cambodia

Start your visit of the wonderfully rich Angkor Archeological Park by driving about a half-hour from Siem Reap to discover one of the oldest sites: Roluos temples. Begin with the impressive Bakong, a ninth-century temple still in very good shape, then see Preah Ko and Lolei, which today houses a small monastery. This visit is an ideal introduction to Angkor because it allows you to understand how the Khmer city was organized. Take a pleasant bicycle ride around Bakong and the surrounding countryside where you will be served an aperitif. Return to the hotel.

In the early morning visit the ancient Ta Prohm monastery. Here immense branches have taken root in the stones. Beyond this impressive vegetation you’ll find splendid sculptured Devatas and an atmosphere that is special and unique to this temple, making it one of the most loved of all Angkor temples. Continue on with a short stop at refreshing Srah Srang, also referred to as “The Baths,” and then the 10th century Pre Rup temple which was the state temple of King Râjendravarman. From the top of Pre Rup, you can have a panoramic view of the green plain bellow. Following is Mebon Oriental temple of the same style which was built originally on the food-growing island on the Roluos River. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit the Great City of Angkor Thom beginning at the south gate and the famous Bayon temple of the 12th and 13th centuries. Dedicated to Buddhism, Bayon consists of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Then, cross to the Elephant Terrace which, at 350 meters long, was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. Afterward, move to the raised terrace of the Leper King, from the 12th century, which bears many beautifully sculptured Apsara statues. You will leave the place full of admiration for the grandeur of the vestiges as well as their builder: the great Jayavarman VII.

More wonders await you ahead. Today, you will discover the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat, a world heritage site with soaring towers and impressive bas-reliefs. It is one of the most extraordinary monuments ever conceived by man and was erected in the 12th century (1112-1152) in honor of Vishnu. In the afternoon, leave for Banteay Srei to see one of the most refined jewels of Khmer art. Erected in the 10th century, this small pink sandstone temple is known as the Citadel of Women. It houses some remarkably well-conserved sculptured lintels and was made famous by Andre Malraux in the early 20th century when, in 1923, he returned the Apsara heads that he had previously removed. In the evening, visit Angkor Wat by night, when it will appear a totally different city.

In the morning, transfer to the pier at Chong Khneas where you’ll board a large wooden boat. You’ll spend the day onboard exploring the lake and arriving at either Kompong Phluk (from August to February) or Prek Toal depending on water levels. Here you’ll get to know these floating villages and their interesting way of life. Lunch onboard and, in the afternoon, relax by enjoying a massage on the boat. Return to Siem Reap at the end of the day.

Have a special morning by flying by helicopter to this temple far removed from mass tourism because of how difficult it is to access. The great Preah Khan was only recently opened and is one of the last temples that gives you a real feel and insight into what Angkor’s first explorers would have experienced. This temple is almost entirely wild and is one of the most beautiful testaments to the grandeur of past royalty. Picnic lunch onsite. Return by helicopter to Siem Reap and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. For dinner, we offer a specially organized private dinner at a very special place. Overnight at the hotel.

Spend the morning free at leisure (at hotel's pool or Old Centre Market) before your transfer to airport for a brief flight to Phnom Penh. Warmly welcomed by your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check in. After a short rest, we will discover the city Phnom Penh which is situated at the confluence of the four arms of the Mekong. Visit the Royal Palace built in 1866 by King Norodom comprising different structures which group together in one area the remarkable art of the Khmer and the Silver Pagoda which features major works including a massive golden Buddha encrusted with 9584 diamonds and weighing 90kgs, and a Buddha of emerald and Baccarat crystal dating to the 17th century. Move south, then, to understand another period of history- that of the Khmer Rouge. You will visit Tuol Sleng, the Genocide Museum, an old secondary school which was transformed into a detention centre under the Khmer Rouge. The prison gate still carries the fearful name S21- S stands for security. Here, thousands of prisoners were detained, tortured and killed. Back to town.

Note:
+ Visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda will be conducted by their own guide as ours are not authorized to do so.
+ The Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda are sometimes closed without notice due to official ceremonies. If this happens, an alternative tour will be arranged.

Today we will take a leisurely ride of around 25km totally in distance and take this chance to learn more about daily life of locals. In between of the trip we will use public boats and ferries and cycle on small roads with very quiet traffic. The riding is as diverse as it gets and even in such a short distance, you will pass through very different landscapes. It is a completely unique activity in a city that at times struggles to provide new things to do asides from the heavily visited tourist sites. After lunch, we continue with a visit to ancient Khmer art at the National Museum, a major architectural monument which now houses the magnificent art which once adorned in the temples of Angkor. To round off the day, tour the central market, a pretty art deco building and do some shopping if you might wish. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Note:
+ Visits to the National Museum will be conducted by their own guide as ours are not authorized to do so.
+ The market is closed on public holidays

Free time until transfer to Phnom Penh airport for your departure flight. Your room is available until noon.