DAY 1: Siem Reap - Roluos Temple Complex - Angkor Wat
The first morning is spent visiting the Roluos Temple Complex, the earliest of the Angkor temples. You will visit its three principal monuments; Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch in Siem Reap before heading to the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat, the most famous and best preserved of all the Angkor temples. You will have plenty time for a thorough exploration of this huge architectural wonder. At the end of the day, watch the sunset over the jungle from the top of a centuries-old temple.
DAY 2: Angkor Thom - Angkor National Museum - Dinner Dance Show
Begin your day at the South Gate of Angkor Thom and walk along the ancient city wall to see the lost temple of Prasat Chruong. On the walk you may be lucky enough to spot some of the birds that make the area their home such as thrushes, egrets, drongos and warblers. Next, you will start your exploration of the centerpiece of this ancient city, the Bayon.
The Bayon is complete with 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatically smiling stone faces. The morning tour also visits the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, as well as Ta Prohm Temple which was made famous by the movie Tomb Raider. In the afternoon, visit the Angkor National Museum to see displays of numerous artifacts and multimedia presentations of Angkorian history and culture. The day ends with a traditional Apsara dance show, bringing ancient Khmer culture to life while you enjoy the Cambodian cuisine.
DAY 3: Banteay Srei – Kbal Spean - Preah Khan
Rise early to witness a beautiful sunrise over Sra Srang, the former Royal pond. After breakfast, you will explore the exquisite Banteay Srei, which roughly translates as “Citadel of the Women”. This architectural gem is home to some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. Continue your exploration of the area with a visit to Kbal Spean. Commonly referred to as the ‘River of a Thousand Lingas’, here you can see a beautifully carved riverbed. End your day with a visit to Preah Khan, which translates as“Sacred Sword”. The structure was originally built as a Buddhist monastery school in the late 12th century.
DAY 4: Tonle Sap Lake – Birdwatching – Floating Villages
This full-day ecotour begins early with a drive to the Tonle Sap Lake. Breakfast is served onboard your boat during a one and a half hour expedition across the lake and its flooded forest. Your guide will discuss the ecosystem and habitats of the local flora and fauna. After registration at the environmental station, climb aboard a local boat to glide through the waterways into the bird sanctuary. The rest of the morning is dedicated to bird watching along the waterways, the lakeshore and from the top of the watching towers where local rangers guard the colonies. After lunch, visit the Tonle Sap’s famous floating villages by community paddleboat. Discover distinctive aspects of village life here from crocodile farming to the floating schools. Learn about the local Osmose project, which raises environmental awareness among the local population through the environmental education school. At the project there are also some beautiful floating gardens and a water hyacinth handicraft workshop.
DAY 5: Beng Mealea
In the morning, you will be driven to Beng Mealea Temple, about 70 kilometres from Siem Reap. Beng Mealea is a true jungle temple and a must-see for the adventurous. Still largely submerged in lush vegetation, it is similar in structure and design to Angkor Wat. The rest of the day is at leisure until you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Note: The paddleboat visit of the village is unavailable at certain times of the year when the water level is too low. Generally the itinerary can only be run between November and March.