With a flight time of just 2 hours away, Siem Reap makes an excellent retreat destination for people looking for a short respite from work. It is best known as the gateway to the Angkor ruins, a sprawling UNESCO world heritage site of more than 400 ancient temples including the magnificent Angkor Wat. Contrary to popular misconception, Siem Reap is not just about temples and ruins. Culture bluff can explore the old French colonial town, watch traditional Apsara dance performances, and attend wood craving and pottery classes. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are a few wildlife sanctuaries like Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity and Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. For adventure adrenalists, there are ample outdoor activities like countryside cycling, quad biking and trekking. Couples can enjoy a romantic sunset cruise along the Tonle Sap Lake. It is also a popular resort town with world class boutique hotels and spas.
ITINERARY
Day 01
SINGAPORE – SIEM REAP
Fly direct from Singapore to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to your hotel in town. Today, you will visit some of the best museums in Cambodia to gain an insight into her history and culture. Take a journey back in time through the Khmer Kingdom with the interactive exhibits at Angkor National Museum. The War Museum and the Landmine Museum cover the genocidal history of the Khmer Rouge during the last three decades of the 2oth century. There is a vast array of military exhibits like T-54 tanks, a Chinese jet fighter, heavy artillery, AK-47 etc. Depending on your interests, we can also arrange other activities like silk farm visit, wildlife conservation center visit, cooking lesson or even wood carving lesson.
Overnight: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 02
ANGKOR WAT – ANGKOR THOM
Wake up early in the morning at 4am to catch sunrise over at Angkor Wat. Prepare your camera for the quintessential shot of the mighty temple silhouetted against the lotus pond. After sunrise, you will proceed to Angkor Thom – the last capital of the ingenious Khmer Empire. Within the old city compound are some of the most representative temples and structures of the Khmer Empire: the well restored South Gate which was used for a scene in the Tomb Raider movie; The Terrace of the Elephants and The Terrace of the Leper King; the Bayon Temple with its smiling face Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara; the Colossal Baphuon – aka the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle. After lunch, you will return back to Angkor Wat to explore its compound as afternoon offers the best lighting condition to reveal its grandeur. Imagine a symmetrical temple complex that spreads over 200 hectares with multiple courtyards, a 65 meters high central tower surrounded by four smaller towers and a series of enclosure walls with intricate bas relief and all of it surrounded by a 4m deep moat that encompasses a perimeter of more than 5 km. The temple layout recreates the image of Mount Meru, a legendary place in Hindu mythology that is said to lie beyond the Himalayas and be the abode of gods. You will return to hotel for some rest before going out again for dinner at Phare, The Cambodian Circus (http://pharecircus.org/) where performers use theater, music, dance and modern circus arts to tell uniquely Cambodian stories; historical, folk and modern.
Overnight: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 03
TA PROHM – BANTEAY SREI
In the morning and afternoon, you will visit another two iconic ruins of the Khmer Kingdom: Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei. The sight of a tree growing on top of the Ta Prohm ruin with its octopus-like roots hugging over the entrance of the building is the best representative of the reclaiming power of nature over man’s creation. Bayan, Kapok and Strangler Fig trees snaked their roots deep into the loosened stones of the building which was built entirely without mortar. The result is an astonishing display of the merger of nature and architecture. Remember to look out for the questionable stegosaurus-like (a dinosaur) carving on one of the wall. The beautiful pink colour Banteay Srei (aka Citadel of Women) has the finest and most intricate carvings in Angkor and is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Angkorian art. It was even suggested that the temple was built by a woman, as the elaborate carvings are supposedly too fine for the hand of man. After your excursion, you can return to town to relax in one of the many affordable and good quality spas to soothe your aching muscles. In the evening, you will visit Phnom Bakheng for beautiful sunset view of Angkor Wat in the distance. Thereafter, you will proceed to Pub Street which has some of the best restaurants and pubs in Siem Reap for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 04
SIEM REAP – SINGAPORE
Free and easy before transfer to airport for your flight home.
Package includes:
- All land transport including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodations in Siem Reap
- Hotel breakfasts
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to museums
- Entrance fee to Angkor Archaeological Park
Package excludes:
- Return international air ticket
- Travel insurance
- All meals not indicated
- Tips for guide and driver
- All expenses of a personal nature
FAQ
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