Temples, Culture & Floating Village

Day1: Local Market-Kampong Phluk Community of “Tonle Sap Lake”

8:00 AM – Pick up and depart to the local market, and start your day bright and early to experience the market at its most vibrant. Most stalls open, offering you a glimpse into the daily routine of local shoppers. Head into the bustling atmosphere, and discover the local daily life from this local market.
10:00 AM – Head back to the Hotel.
2:30 PM– Head toward Kampong Phluk Community.
3:15 PM– Take a private traditional long-tail boat and embark on a cruise onto the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It’s more than just a massive freshwater lake (the largest in the region!), it’s a pulsating ecosystem and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in biodiversity and is home to several floating villages that are deeply intertwined with Cambodian life.
Upon you reach the open lake; you pass the Kampong Phluk Community “a cluster of three villages of stilted houses built within the floodplain of the Great Lake Tonle Sap. The village comprises approximately 3000 inhabitants; you will get a firsthand experience of life on the water, observing stilted houses, schools, markets, police boxes, a church, a Buddhist monastery built on an artificial island, floating restaurants, etc. Interact with locals and learn about their fishing practices and adaptation to the changing water levels.
Stop at the Floating port, and Take a paddle boat rowing through the Flooded Mangrove Forest. As you paddle through the tranquil waters, you’ll be surrounded by the verdant mangrove trees, their intricate root systems forming a labyrinthine underwater world. The silence will be broken only by the gentle lapping of water and the calls of birds.

After paddling the boat through the mangrove forest your next journey is viewing the sunset. Viewing the sunset from a boat allows you to experience the lake from a different perspective. You can observe the floating villages bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, creating a picturesque scene. Capturing the beauty of the sunset with your camera or simply etching it in your memory will ensure this experience stays with you long after your trip.
5:30 PM– Depart from Kampong Phluk, and return to Siem Reap.

Day2: Angkor Wat sunrise-Ta Prohm-Banteay Kdei-Srah Srang-Angkor thom Complex.

4:30 AM- Depart to Angkor Wat temple whisking you through the sleepy Siem Reap streets, past slumbering cafes and shuttered shops. Reaching the Angkor Wat grounds, let’s begin your day before dawn, to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of this ancient temple. Witness the temple’s silhouette transform from a majestic outline to a glowing masterpiece bathed in golden light.
7:15 AM– Head toward Ta Prohm temple, while you can enjoy your breakfast box on your private car.
7:30 AM– Start to explore the North Gate of Ta Prohm, then walk to the main temple, and explore it more. Ta Prohm “Ancestor Brahma” is one of the large temples built in the late 12th century by King Jayavaraman VII for dedicating to his mother. It is renowned for its art, architecture, intricate carving, and complicated plan. This temple is also famous for its dramatic trees growing out of the ruins, creating a mystical, Be sure to see the iconic overgrown trees, then take your time to capture the photogenic spots and soak in the atmosphere.
8:30 AM– Move to explore the nearby temple “Banteay Kdei”. Banteay Kdei, meaning “Citadel of Monks’ Cells,” offers a serene escape within the bustling Angkor Archaeological Park. Built at the end of the 12th century under King Jayavarman VII, it exudes a unique charm distinct from its more famous neighbors.
9:30 AM– Your final stop for this morning is Srah Srang, which translates to “Royal Bath” in Khmer. This man-made lake stretches 700 meters by 350 meters and is still filled with water today. Explore the impressive platform built from laterite with sandstone molding is a popular feature. It has a cross shape with serpent balustrades and mythical creature decorations.
10:00 AM– Head back to the Hotel.
2:00 PM– Pick up, and head to the East Gate of Angkor Thom.
2:30 PM– Explore the East Gate of Angkor Thom, the grand capital of the Khmer Empire at its peak. Imagine this 9 km² walled city bustling with life in the 12th century. The towering gates, enigmatic sculptures, and grand avenues whisper tales of the past. Then we will walk on and along the city wall towards the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.
3:15 PM– Head to the next journey, Preah Palilay temple. Upon reaching Preah Palilay we will walk past Tep Pranam Buddhist monastery, where you will see people get the Water-Blessing by Buddhist Monk. Then, continue to Prasat Preah Palilay, which offers a serene escape from the grandeur of its more famous neighbors. Though small, this Buddhist sanctuary holds its unique charm.
4:00 PM– Explore the Centre of Angkor Thom City “Prasat Bayon” a state temple adorned with hundreds of serene, enigmatic faces peering out from its towers. Each face, believed to represent the compassionate king Jayavarman VII, embodies the spirit of the Khmer Empire – powerful yet benevolent. Beyond the Bayon, explore architectural wonders, bas-reliefs depicting the Khmer history and daily life, Apsara the celestial dancers who perform for the god, etc.
5: 00 PM– Move onto the South Gate of Angkor Thom, then view the sunset at the moat of this capital city. After sunset we head back to the Hotel.