SIEM REAP [04DAYS]
Day 1 : ARRIVAL IN SIEM REAP
Arrival Siem Reap airport. Warm welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with tour guide in the meeting point''s Siem Reap Airport. Welcome to Siem Reap - The Cradle of Angkor Civilization - Where Cambodian were Born, this is also a famous Archaeological City, as named as one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the World. Covering approx 600 sq km, it contains more than 100 fabulous ancient monuments and over dozen major compound Temples, which were built during the most splendid Era of the Khmer Dynasty between the 9th – 13th century and were the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time.Transfer to hotel for check-in and free at leisure for your own activities.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 2 :
After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to discover Angkor Temples.
Firstly, you will visit the wonderful Angkor Thom (the Great City) including the Southern Gate, famous Bayon temple (12th century in the center of city remains one the most enigmatic temples of the Angkor group composed of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Baphuon temple is lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru. Terrace of Elephants used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall ; Terrace of the Leper King a plateform 7m high, on the top stands a nude though sexless statue; Phimean Akas temple means “Celestial Palace”, dedicated to Hinduism.
Afternoon, visit the wonderful Angkor Wat – one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of 12th. Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples, with a central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the holy mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu God Vishnu. The whole complex covers 81 hectares, a rectangular wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters borders the inner edge of the moat, and temple''s greatest sculptural treasure is its 2 km-long bas-reliefs around the walls...
In the late afternoon, coming to the Phnom Bakheng temple, is the first temple in Angkor region build by the YacovarmanI King in the first of 9th century, located on a slope gently hill where thousands tourist are grouping on the hilltop to catch a memorable time of life when viewing the marvellous sunset, the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle and Tonle Sap Lake.
You shall not miss a welcoming buffet dinner with ''Apsara Dance'' For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as ''Apsara Dance'' after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as ''dance-drama'' in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.
We would strongly recommend a Cultural Show-Dinner on buffet, with the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Cambodian cuisine in a local restaurant. Your clients will enjoy able the tradition Royal musical instruments of Cambodia. A traditional music band will sow in your mind the most memorable moments of lifetime thru the folk music, folk-singers, folk songs and folk-dances of Apsara dancers during dinner. (see supplement)
Back to hotel and free leisure at night. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B)
Day 3 :
After breakfast,a continuing fullday tour for Angkor complex.
Morning,visit small, attractive temple in very good condition, built at the same time as Angkor Wat. It’s Angkor Wat style is most easily seen in the style of the carved Apsaras and the shape of the tower, Chaosay Tevoda, it seems to stand in partnership with Thommanon but actually was built much later in Suryavarman II’s rule than Thommanon, Banteay Kdei, Srash Srong. Then visit Kravan & especially Ta Phrom Temple, was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man''s work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.
Afternoon, excursion to Grand Circuit, visit Pre Rup, traditionally believed to be a funerary temple, but in fact the state temple of Rajendravarman II. Mebon, architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain. Beautifully carved false doors on upper level as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. Tasom, the most distant temple on the grand circuit. Small but classic Jayavarman VII temple, Neak Pean, which means ‘coiled serpents’, from the encoiled nagas that encircled the temple.
The temple is faced by a statue of the horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors and Preah Khan, ‘Preah Khan'' means ''sacred sword''. In harmony with Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII''s mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father.
Drive back to the hotel and free time at night. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4 :
Today, continue to the enchanting temple of the Banteay Srei, nearly everyone''s favorite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carvings.
In the afternoon, visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to the "anastylosis" restoration method being used. If enough time, you also visit the beginning of Angkor period of Rolous group: Preah Kor, Bakong and Lo Lei temple.
Back to your hotel and free at leisure at night. Overnight in Siem Reap.
|