Angkor’s Finest Examples in Brief
Angkor’s Finest
Examples in Brief
Tourists simply cannot say they’ve been to Siem Reap if they haven’t visited its biggest claim to
fame: the Angkor Temples. Built in the early 12th century, Angkor is one of few UNESCO
World heritage-listed sites and Cambodia’s most valuable monument.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Defining Angkor, Siem Reap’s contribution to the world of awe and splendour, in detail is a monstrosity of a task, often seen as an impossible feat. Covering hundreds of square kilometres, this contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage List has much to offer to squeeze into one day.
When only one day to spare to see, wander around and imagine how this vast Kingdom once thrived under the various rulers, this exploration of this archaeological vastness brings the absolute pinnacle of its civilisation to the foreground. From the Angkor Wat to the entwined Ta Phrom, we are perfectly weaving the highlights into this full day tour without cutting corners.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 17:30
We will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap at around 8am and head to the main gate of the Angkor temples. Our journey starts at the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the great Khmer Empire. You will visit the sprawling Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the enchanting Bayon. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom City and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur.
The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the main features are the towers each with 3 or 4 gently smiling faces, over 200 in total. Part of the greater Bayon temple complex are lesser-known temples yet boast a very interesting story; the Phimeanakas Temple within the Royal Palace enclosure, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King belong to the whole complex and are within easy walking distance of each other. Interwoven in the rich history, these only will add to the magical world called Angkor.
After lunch, we visit a favourite amongst visitors because it has become part of the jungle, Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII as a shrine to his mother and is another must for anyone coming to Siem Reap. While clearing back the forest, it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discovers found it and other temples. The rest of the afternoon is reserved for the Angkor Wat.
Arguably the largest religious building in the world, with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt; it is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag.
We will be able to admire sunset from outside of this temple before we bring you back to your hotel at around 5:30pm.
