| Day 1 |
Siem Reap
Arrival in Siem Reap
Transfer
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Angkor Thom
The fortified city of ANGKOR THOM covers an area of 10 square km.
Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor's
most popular sights. Enter by the monumental SOUTH GATE over a
causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each
carrying a giant naga. Continue to the TERRACE OF THE ELEPHANTS and
the TERRACE OF THE LEPER KINGS, former spaces for public cermonies,
both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined BAPHUON,
ROYAL ENCLOSURE and PHIMEANAKAS before continuing to the mysterious
BAYON TEMPLE. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling
in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs
and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you
will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from
every angle.
Visit a temple for sunset
Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper
terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.
Overnight in Siem Reap. |
| Day 2 |
Siem Reap
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Angkor Wat
The crowning jewel of Khmer architecture, ANGKOR WAT is the national
symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best
preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples,
Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully
proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings.
To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a
broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. As you enter the main
building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before
reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over
the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop
to enjoy the intricate stonecarvings that adorn nearly every surface,
with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the
walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous
bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology,
including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is
stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially
beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Visit Ta Prohm
TA PROHM: one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the
jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the
Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first
stumbled across them.
Visit Banteay Srei Temple
Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, BANTEAY
SREI is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in
pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved
carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like
atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple
is often a favorite with visitors.
Overnight in Siem Reap. |