Ultimate & Luxurious Siem Reap
5 days/ 4 nights
Angkor was firstly “discovered” by French botanist Henri Mouhot in 1862, and when scenes from the movie Tomb Raider were filmed at Angkor Wat in 2000, tourism was already on the rise. Today, Angkor is symbol of Cambodia and a UNESCO world heritage site. For this package, you will not explore Angkor in a classic way that most tourists do, but in a more adventurous and challenging way, that is hopefully more rewarding. There will be no air-con comfortable car, just take your bike and be ready to ride or jump to an open-air jeep and conquer Siem Reap’s hidden temples, rustic villages, spend overnight in a tented camp under a starlight sky.
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival (D)
Arrive in Siem Reap, treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, where you’re warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
We will visit Angkor National Museum which will bring an enjoyable and fascinating experience through a picturesque legendary exhibition using the state of art multimedia technology that would easily take you back to the ancient Khmer civilization. The museum’s exhibited artifacts are set into 8 galleries in the chorological order with the exclusive gallery of 1000 Buddha statues showing how the Buddhist religion affecting to the ancient Khmer civilization and to today development. And you will be amazed by the most prestigious collection ever assembled.
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In the evening, enjoy your welcome dinner with the Apsara Dance show. For travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, no visit to the country is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as 'Apsara Dance' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as 'dance-drama' in that they are also meant to convey a story or message.
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Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples by Bicycle (B) We start on our bike and cycle to world heritage areas on the roads less traveled. Ride among the jungle passing local villages and local shops. It’s a very special and interesting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will enter Angkor Thom from the West Gate – less discovered by mass tourists. You will visit:
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The afternoon starts with a visit to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1992 for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Siem Reap – Sunrise, Giving Alms and more temples (B)
For early risers, wake up early and drive through the sleeping town to witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listen to singing birds over the ancient land of the Angkor area. We will walk to the nearby Pagoda and offer food to monks. Back to your hotel for breakfast before continuing another busy day. You will visit more significant temples including:
Day 3: Siem Reap – Sunrise, Giving Alms and more temples (B)
For early risers, wake up early and drive through the sleeping town to witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat temple and listen to singing birds over the ancient land of the Angkor area. We will walk to the nearby Pagoda and offer food to monks. Back to your hotel for breakfast before continuing another busy day. You will visit more significant temples including:
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We continue to visit:
Day 4: Siem Reap - Countryside Jeep tour – Hidden temples – Overnight in Luxury Tent (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Breakfast at your hotel and take off to get a real taste of the authentic Cambodian countryside in your Jeep with your driver & guide:
From this small temple we go to visit one of the local markets nearby called “Phsar Rolous”.
“Phsar Rolous” is not a tourist market so not the ideal place for souvenir hunting. Locals come for its wide range of ingredients used in traditional Cambodian cuisine, and if you want to spend a few moments in the local spirit you should definitely give it a try!
We drive up to Svey Leu to discover a hidden place called “Poeung Komnou”. It’s a private place for your picnic lunch, amidst ancient Hindu carvings mainly featuring Ganesh, the elephant god, remover of obstacles.
By noon time, enjoy a simple tasty lunch in this natural environment, comfortably seated at a set table.
In the afternoon, we head to explore the archeological site of “Beng Mealea”. Reports of Beng Mealea began circulating in the late 1990s. A few intrepid souls brought back tales of being escorted by villagers to a lost temple buried under the vegetation. Built by Jayarvaman VII in the style of Angkor Wat, its size is truly impressive covering well over one square kilometer within its moat.
- The fabulous Ta Prohm - embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
- Prasat Kravan – With its unique brick sculptures
- Srah Srang – The Royal Baths were once used for ritual bathing
- Banteay Kdei – Surrounded by four concentric walls
- Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple
Day 4: Siem Reap - Countryside Jeep tour – Hidden temples – Overnight in Luxury Tent (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Breakfast at your hotel and take off to get a real taste of the authentic Cambodian countryside in your Jeep with your driver & guide:
- From lush countryside to isolated villages – a glance at the reality of Khmer rural life
- Strikingly beautiful views of the rice paddies and villages
- Visit the Prei Monti temple, built in the 9th century (non touristic temple)
From this small temple we go to visit one of the local markets nearby called “Phsar Rolous”.
“Phsar Rolous” is not a tourist market so not the ideal place for souvenir hunting. Locals come for its wide range of ingredients used in traditional Cambodian cuisine, and if you want to spend a few moments in the local spirit you should definitely give it a try!
We drive up to Svey Leu to discover a hidden place called “Poeung Komnou”. It’s a private place for your picnic lunch, amidst ancient Hindu carvings mainly featuring Ganesh, the elephant god, remover of obstacles.
By noon time, enjoy a simple tasty lunch in this natural environment, comfortably seated at a set table.
In the afternoon, we head to explore the archeological site of “Beng Mealea”. Reports of Beng Mealea began circulating in the late 1990s. A few intrepid souls brought back tales of being escorted by villagers to a lost temple buried under the vegetation. Built by Jayarvaman VII in the style of Angkor Wat, its size is truly impressive covering well over one square kilometer within its moat.
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By sunset, depart from Beng Mealea to the secluded Banteay Ampeul temple, where your luxury tent camp awaits. Your retreat starts at nightfall with fresh towels and a perfectly concocted cocktail on arrival. Your spacious private tent’s amenities provide for maximum relaxation. Furnished with fans, plush mattresses, pillows and premium linen, your comfort is provided for …
Romantic retreats like no other, the few tents are havens of intimacy. Verandahs for soaking in the magical jungle canopy surrounded by a thousand oil lamps and candle lights. Your tent is equipped with private, separate bathroom facilities including a flush toilet, a washbasin and premium amenities. |
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Day 5: Ride an ox cart to the nearby village for transfer back to town & Departure (Breakfast)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and privately linger around the Banteay Ampeul temple which very few tourists can or dare to reach because of its remoteness and road conditions. Between 9:30 am to 10:00 am, experience more of countryside life outside Siem Reap by riding an ox cart to nearby village. See rice field, local people working on field and children on their way to school. Then transfer back to downtown by minivan. Check in to a mini hotel for a shower before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight. |
:>> Our prices include:
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
> Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room
> Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver
> The services of an experienced English-speaking guide throughout the tour (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination)
> Where necessary, entry fees and permission to enter border areas for all visits mentioned in the program
> Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available
> VAT and other taxes
:>> Our prices do not include:
> International flight tickets and airport tax
> Vietnamese Visa handling and stamp fee
> Dinners, except as specified above
> Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
> Camera fees (if any)
> Insurance
