Cambodia Discovery: Angkor Empire, Kullen Mountain & Tonle Sap in 4 Days

Breakfast at hotel, in the morning you will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass of tourists .

• The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century),
• See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara,
• Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru,
• We step to see our old palace as Phimeanakas temple in huge complex that was used for our king in the past time,
• Then Elephant terrace platform for king and officers to view shows and people meeting,
• Preah Palilay older than Angkor Thom, deeply in the forest and on path back You see monks sprinkle water to people.
• Ta Prohm, “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history

We continue to the famous temple : Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology

We embark on an amazing journey to the unexplored and beautiful lush mountain region of the north. Phnom Kulen, the holiest mountain in Cambodia. Kulen is no doubt the mount the most sacred of Cambodia, a very active pilgrimage place and a picnic destination for Khmer families. Few foreigners visit this magnificent place making this destination very unique . A one hour and half drive from Siem Reap, we pass through local villages, farms lands, rice fields and temples taking us to a trail through dense jungle leading to the top of the mountain .

Here stands Preah Ang Thom, a 16th century Buddhist monastery notable for the giant reclining Buddha carved into the top of a 20m boulder. We climb the wooden staircase to a landing that surrounds the 17m long Buddha, where monks and believers bow, burn incense and leave fruits. We continue downstream to the magnificent series of tiered waterfalls. The waters hold special religious significance for Hindus, thanks to the hundreds of phallic images carved into the sandstone floors along the shady brook area. Having the opportunity to walk right into the shallow river to photograph the sculptures and underwater carvings is simply amazing. The river then drops about 4 m to a landing where court officials once bathed. Beyond that, the water cascades another 20 m and creates a pool where the masses once washed.

Breakfast at hotel. We will transfer to Tonle Sap Lake for a boat trip to visit Choung Kneas, where we will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. On the way, we will pass floating houses and impressive flooded forests, portraying life on the water. Return back in town, we will go to visit Artisans d’Angkor. In there, we can take a tour through the workshops and watch students as they learn how to create silk fabrics and garments, stone and wood carving, lacquer ware, polychrome products, silver plating and silk paintings .

Transfer to Siem Reap airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.