Cambodia
SECRETS OF SIEM REAP
A wonderful introduction to an ancient civilization, this 5-day Siem Reap discovery covers the highlights of the Angkor Archeological Park and includes options to experience local Khmer art and culture. Witness the magnificent sunrise at Angkor Wat, ride a gondola at sunset and receive a blessing from a monk. The program can be customized according to your interest with optional excursions to visit remote temples by helicopter or to explore life on the “Great Lake” by boat.
Siem Reap
5 days, 4 nights
GATEWAY TO ANGKOR
A quaint town in northwest Cambodia, Siem Reap is most famous as the gateway to the legendary Angkor Archeological Park and its many-splendored temples. At its heart, Siem Reap is a charming town with French colonial shop-houses, tree-lined boulevards and a slow-flowing river. Upon arrival, an immigration officer collects your passport, immigration form and visa fee and you are fast-tracked through the airport. After a warm welcome by locals in traditional costume, you are transferred to your hotel and your passport is returned. Later, visit the Angkor National Museum for an introduction to Khmer art and culture. Explore the fascinating displays of artifacts which were mostly discovered in and around Angkor.
Overnight at Amansara, Siem Reap
Meals:
ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER WORLD
Begin your exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and be transported to another time, another world. Pass through the South Gate of Angkor Thom and tour the ancient walled city with its famous 4-faced Bayon, an architectural masterpiece. Stroll around the ruins to see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Next, visit Ta Prohm, a mysterious temple entwined by strangler figs which retains much of its lost-temple-in-the-jungle charm. Then sip champagne over canapés while drifting along the moat of the ancient city on a gondola at sunset. In the evening, experience amazing vibes at Phare, the Cambodian Circus, where talented young artists perform acts of acrobatics, arts and live music!
Overnight at Amansara, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SUNRISE AND A TRADITIONAL BLESSING
Begin early this morning and travel in local style by remork to experience the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat. Watch the first rays of the sun hit the ancient stones and bathe the scene in magnificent color and light, a perfect photo moment. Walk around the temple to discover the decorative details and skilled architecture, a spectacular achievement of Southeast Asia's greatest civilization. Then drive to a local pagoda to take part in an almsgiving ceremony, a special Buddhist ritual which is thought to expel bad luck. Next, visit Banteay Srei, a picturesque 10th-century temple which pre-dates Angkor Wat. Built entirely of pink sandstone, the temple is covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy.
Overnight at Amansara, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
REMOTE TEMPLES OR LOCAL LIFE
Today, the choice is yours! You can travel by helicopter to discover more remote temples or experience local life and culture at an artist’s house followed by a leisurely boat ride.
Option 1: Fly over beautiful scenery to reach Koh Ker, an ancient pyramid-like structure deep in the Cambodian countryside. Then continue to Beng Mealea, a sprawling site lost in the jungle and almost forgotten in time.
Option 2: Visit the home of a Cambodian artist and designer, Theam, whose elegant house is a museum displaying paintings and sculptures, plus a tranquil garden. Then explore Tonle Sap, Cambodia’s “Great Lake” to witness centuries-old traditions of riparian life.
In the evening, you have the option of dining in marvelous style in an intimate setting amidst lush rice fields or, for true exclusivity, dine on the grounds of an ancient temple at night.
Overnight at Amansara, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LAST LOOK AT SIEM REAP
Spend your last moments in Siem Reap at leisure. If time permits, you may choose to explore more of the local culture and visit a local market or take a laid-back stroll through the backstreets of town. Alternatively, you may enjoy an easy morning relaxing and enjoying the facilities at your hotel. Your guide will meet you at your hotel at the appropriate time and accompany you on the short transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes. En route, take a last look at the life and energy of Siem Reap, one of the fastest growing cities in modern Cambodia. The friendly locals will be ready to welcome you again to their amazing home whenever you choose to return.
Meals: Breakfast