Angkor Discovery Trek: Temples & Nature Adventure

Day1: Banteay Srei-Kbal Spean-Banteay Samre-Pre Rup-Sunset at Srah Srang

6:30 AM- head toward Banteay Srei temple.

7:30 AM– explore Prasat Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei “Citadel of Women” which is a modern name for this temple, but based on the inscription this temple was originally called Tribhuvanamahesvara. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size, and excellence of intricate decoration. The unanimous opinion amongst French archeologists who worked at Angkor is that Banteay Srei is a precious gem and jewelry in Khmer art.

8:45 AM– Move to Kbal Spean.

9:00 AM– Enjoy your new experience with a short trek through Kbal Spean’s “Kulen Hill Range, and National Park”, reaching the sacred “River of a Thousand Lingas.” Witness intricate carvings etched directly onto the riverbed, depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. Learn how this hidden sanctuary served as a spiritual retreat for ancient kings. The final stop is a waterfall you can get a refresher from this sacred water.

At Noon –

1:30 PM– Head to your next journey, and stop along the way to explore the palm production village to get more experience about local life.

3:00 PM- Explore Prasat Banteay Samre. It was constructed in the 12th century for dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. No inscription has been found for this temple, but the style of most of the architecture is similar to Angkor Wat.

4:00 PM– Explore the 10th-century temple-mountain with five towers on top. This temple was a state temple of King Rajendravaraman II dedicated to the supreme god Shiva as East Mebon dedicated to his ancestor. Unlike many Angkor-era temples that rest on a single level, Pre Rup boasts a three-tiered pyramid base, symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the Hindu gods. The temple complex features six brick towers, three on each side of the eastern entrance. Intricate sandstone carvings adorn the lintels above doorways, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

5:00 PM- Enjoy the setting sun paints the sky with vibrant colors that reflect on the water’s surface. Compared to other sunset spots in Angkor Wat, Srah Srang offers a more serene experience. There’s plenty of space to relax and soak in the view without feeling crowded.

Day2: Angkor Wat sunrise- Preah Khan- Ta Som- East Mebon-Angkor Thom Complex- Sunset

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. But the magic doesn’t end there.

6:30 AM– As the sun climb up, we move to the next journey, Preah Khan as it is not crowd from the early morning. Upon reaching Preah Khan drive past Angkor Thom City though the south and the north gate.  Then, explore the vast complex of Prasat Preah Khan. Preah Khan is a sprawling temple complex that once served as a Buddhist university and monastery. Built by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, it features impressive galleries, shrines, and courtyards adorned with intricate carvings. Witness the captivating blend of religious and educational purposes within this vast complex.

8:30 AM– Explore the impressive Ta Som temple. Embrace the fascinating interplay of nature and history at Ta Som, a 12th-century Buddhist temple. Step into a realm where towering fig trees have intertwined with the ancient stone structures, creating a captivating spectacle. Witness the harmonious coexistence of nature’s power and human endeavor.

9:30 AM- Ascend the steps of East Mebon, a 10th-century stood on an artificial island (of Yasotataka Baray or “Reservoir of Yaosvaraman”). It was constructed by King Rajendravaraman II and dedicated to his ancestors. The elephants standing at each corner of the temple, and the intricate carving on the lintels depicting the Hindu gods are parts you should not miss.

10:30 AM- Head back to the Hotel.

2:30 PM- Pick up and head toward Angkor thom Capital City “the last ancient metropolis at the end of 12th century”. We will start from the West Gate of Angkor Thom, where is escape from the crowds.  Explore the West Gate of Angkor Thom, and then Move to Bayon Temple, 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.

4:00 PM– Moving to the next temple is just 200 meters from Bayon temple. Climb the Baphuon temple, a majestic pyramid-shaped temple and marvel at its panoramic views. It was built in the mid-11th century and dedicated to Shiva. The intricate carvings are blanketing every surface, and they depict mythical creatures, battles, and celestial beings. Baphuon was the archetype of its architectural style, showcasing the Khmer Empire’s masterful craftsmanship.

4:30 PM- Explore the Phimeanakas, a royal palace showcasing exquisite sandstone carvings, and imagine the lives of Kings and Queens who once walked, move to see the lady and man pool where they used within the palace compound. Continue walking to the Terrace of the Elephants, adorned with intricate carvings depicting royal battles and processions. Next to the Terrace of the Elephants is the Terrace of Leper King. The name associated with the nude figure was covered in moss, and lichen, resembling someone with leprosy. Legends associate it with Angkorian kings rumored to have had the disease, but the connection remains unproven. Another theory suggests the statue represents Yama, the Hindu god of death, hinting at the terrace’s possible use as a royal crematorium.

5:30 PM– Head back to the Hotel.