Siem Reap Highlights: Angkor Wat & Beng Mealea

Itinerary

• Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap

  Welcome to Cambodia, a country where culture and nature perfectly blend. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport, and take you straight to the hotel.

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• Day 2: Unveil the Mysteries of Angkor Complex

  Starting from the South Gate of Angkor Thom, observe the solemn stone carvings on both sides of the causeway. Wander through the towers, look up, and see the smiles of the Buddha statues, understanding what is "the Smile of Khmer" in the Bayon Temple. Afterward, step on the striking 350-meter-long and 2.5-meter-high Terrace of the Elephants. Imagine the scenes of the emperor reviewing the returning triumphant army about 800 years ago.

  Next is the most famous Angkor Wat, the ultimate expression of Khmer genius. The walls of the temples are covered with carvings depicting the Khmer people's lives in the great civilization. Strolling through the Buddhist temple complex, tracing the texts engraved on the stone pillars, feel as if you have traveled back in time to the once-mighty Khmer Empire.

  Round off today with a stroll around the old market in Siem Reap. Taste the local snacks and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

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• Day 3: Angkor Temples Discovery by Bicycle

  Discover the grandeur of Siem Reap's ancient temples on this exhilarating cycling tour.

  Begin early at the stunning 10th-century Hindu temple of Banteay Srei, the jewel of Khmer art. Upon close observation, the lintels above the doorways can be spotted elaborately carved with various elements. You can also see statues of goddesses with elegant and charming poses, and be amazed by the fluency and delicacy of the carvers. Afterward, cycle on the back roads to Preah Khan, touch the Buddha statue carvings that have been through vicissitudes and explore the graceful female god reliefs in the rubble.

  At noon, have lunch at a Khmer restaurant next to Sreah Srang (Royal Swimming Pool). With your appetite satiated, continue your cycling to discover two exquisite yet lesser-known jewels of Angkor - Banteay Kdei citadel and Neak Pean. Should time and vigor permit, you may venture into Ta Prohm Temple, where remnants of the mighty Khmer empire have succumbed to the relentless advance of nature. You can see massive of gigantic creepers and fig trees have infiltrated the crumbling walls.

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• Day 4: Discover Cambodian Cuisine and Tonle Sap Lake

  Today you will embark on a culinary class. A personal driver will take you to Le Tigre de Papier Cooking School for a hands-on course in Khmer cuisine. Over the next three hours, unlock the secrets of Cambodian cooking under the guidance of the chef. At a local market, discover fresh produce, spices, and meat to be used in your cooking. Then prepare classic Cambodian dishes from scratch, including chicken curry, beef loc lac, and fish amok. Indulge in the delectable dishes you have prepared by yourself!

  In the afternoon, explore the floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. You can see corrugated iron and wood houses built on the water and residents driving small boats to transport goods. Understand the daily life of residents living on the late and gain further insight into the local customs.

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• Day 5: Explore Koulen Mountain & Beng Mealea

  Ready for a jungle adventure like Lara Croft? Today, delve into Koulen Mountain, the birthplace of the Angkor Empire. After a scenic drive along the bumpy mountain road, a dramatic sight will come into your view. Lush forests line the sides of the valley and a thunderous waterfall cascade down the sheer cliff. Alongside your guide, admire a giant reclining Buddha at the Wat Preah Ang Thom and explore the "River of a Thousand Lingas".

  Afterward, Beng Mealea is waiting for you. In this lost world, there is a hidden beauty of imperfection. Appreciate the original appearance of the ruins and broken walls harmoniously coexist with nature. Walk on the suspended wooden plank walkway or crawl through the dark caves.

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• Day 6: Say Goodbye to Siem Reap

  This six-day adventure in Siem Reap comes to a close with a private transfer to the airport, where you will board a flight either home or to your next destination.

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