ANGKOR TO THE BEACH

pon your arrival in Siem Reap, you will be welcomed by your local English speaking guide who will accompany you to your hotel for check in. Begin your exploration of the Angkorian temples by visiting Angkor Wat by ‘remork’ (similar to the Thai ‘tuk tuk’), built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is featured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. You will be there just before sunset, when Angkor Wat is less visited and the Apsaras will shine in the most beautiful light. This evening you will have a welcome dinner at the beautiful Mahob restaurant. “Mahob”, the Cambodian word for ‘food’, is a culinary hotspot that takes traditional Khmer cuisine to a new level. Using only locally-produced ingredients, this beautiful restaurant serves up some of the best local delicacies that Siem Reap has to offer. Located in a traditional Khmer wooden house in a peaceful cosy garden setting, and away from busy Pub Street area, Mahob provides you with a truly genuine Khmer experience. Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning visit the Roluos group, the site of an ancient center of Khmer civilization known as Hariharalaya. It was the first town built by the Angkorian kings in the 8th and 9th century and consists of three main temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko, two of which you will visit along the way. The surrounding countryside with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty on an ox cart ride, a fun way to get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. Your destination is Roluos Pagoda, where Buddhist monks will celebrate a private blessing ceremony for you, wishing your health and a safe journey – a memorable experience! After, head to the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. Cruise along the canal with houses on either side: depending on the time of your visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground, a phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom you may spot fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. As you near the lake, you will see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. Along the way, gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with lunch in a family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people- sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside. (Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and the canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time). After lunch and a little time spent relaxing and watching everyday life at this village, return to Siem Reap. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Start your morning temple exploration at the most illustrious of the Small Circuit Temples, Ta Prohm, arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm is unique in that it is overgrown by jungle. With many parts crumbling to the ground, it is one of the most picturesque Angkor temples. Alternatively, depending on the season and the crowds, you may wish to visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the same king in a similar style, this larger temple complex is also largely left in ruins and its labyrinthian layout and fewer visitors makes a more intimate experience even in the high season months. (Note: speak to your guide about the crowds during the time of your visit: Ta Prohm is best at 7:30am, just as the temple opens). Next, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m-high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through an ancient gate carved with three-headed elephants and capped with four giant faces of the Buddha. On each side of the causeway over the moat leading to the gate, a row of 54 gods and demons stands holding a sacred Naga snake. From here, continue to Bayon temple in the exact center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 52 towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are also must-visits as they are both known for their intricate and unique carvings. After, return to your hotel where there is time at leisure to take lunch (at own expense) and perhaps relax at the pool. In the evening, enjoy dinner with a traditional Khmer dance show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast enjoy some free time to visit the Old market on your own accord. The riverside market has dozens of souvenir stalls offering a fairly wide range of souvenirs. The opposite side of the market carries items of interest primarily to locals, and also harbors dozens of small food stalls servings various inexpensive local foods that hygienically and gastronomically adventurous visitors may find inviting. The central aisle, where fruits, vegetables and meat are sold, is colourful and very photogenic. The Old Market is also an important landmark as several restaurants, hotels, bars and shops are in the area. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Sihanoukville. Upon arrival in Sihanoukville, direct transfer to the pier of the hotel on your selection list. If you are destination is Koh Rong, take the last boat scheduled for the day at 16:30. The duration of the boat is approx. 45 mins-1 hour according to the weather conditions. On arrival at Koh Rong, check-in at the resort. If your destination is Alila Villas Koh Russey, you will be transferred to Ream and take a short boat ride (around 10-15 mins). The schedule of the boat’s departure is flexible according to your arrival time. Overnight on Koh Rong or Koh Russey.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. Overnight on Koh Rong or Koh Russey.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. Overnight on Koh Rong or Koh Russey.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy some time at leisure until your transfer back to the mainland pier and then onto Phnom Penh with driver only (5-6 hrs) or your next destination. Recommend: Evening flight departure. (Note: For a morning departure by land transfer to Phnom Penh, a supplementary charge will apply).