Highlights of Cambodia

Day1: A single, magical day at the temples following our well researched  itinerary, including Ta Prohm of ‘Tomb Raider’ fame, the forest to lightly visit of Ta Nei, Mountain temple of Ta Keo known as the ” Bronze Peaks” admire its five-tired pyramid structure, Angkor Thom: Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, Baphuon, and the Bayon with its captivating stone faces. After your Angkor tours enjoy a wonderful local lunch break.

Evening: You’re magical and trek up to Sunset View with a leisurely from Phnom Bakheng [Mountain] and view hidden elements of the ancient Khmer water systems, relaxing in hand and accompanied by the sound of birds, songs and villagers.

Day 2: Angkor Wat sunrise and Exploration: Rising at the crack of dawn, we journey out to the Mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Believed to be the world’s largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmer’s. Built in the 12^th century by King Suryavrman II; this is the most famous temple at Angkor. As the crowds return to their hotels, we venture into Angkor Wat to enjoy its magnificence in peace and quiet. We begin by unravelling the mysteries of bas – reliefs that tell tales from Hindu mythology and of the glories of the Khmer empire.

Then after local breakfast break travel across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and paddies to Banteay Srei [AD967], This beautiful pink sandstone temple is well-known for its intricate carvings, of which hardly any space is left untouched and it’s in perfect state of preservation.

Day 3: Take a private boat onto the Tonle Sap lake, the richest freshwater fishing ground in the world, to visit one of the authentic stilted villages (either Kompong Kleang or Kompong Phluk depending on water levels). A local lunch break. In the afternoon head into the countryside to jungle-clad Beng Mealea temple which, in a much collapsed state, retains a very atmospheric feel.

Day 4: Road by private air-condition vehicle a long the National Road6 and up the National Road5 to Battambang, the center of agriculture in Cambodia’s fertile southwest. There is an opportunity to stop at several places along the way as we pass the villages, markets and rural scenery, including Preah Netpheah to learn more about Cambodia craft of stone carving. Evening enjoy the beautiful scenery with journey before Sunset by visiting the “Bat Army.” Thousands of bats fly out of their caves.

Day 5: In the morning explore some of the local markets and the French Colonial architecture around Battambang town, before a ride on the famous bamboo train. This afternoon journey back to Siem Reap.