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DAY 1: ARRIVAL - SIEM
REAP
On
arrival at Siem Riep Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The town
of Siem Reap
is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city
Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire
from 802 AD to 1350 AD. This stunning and extensive site sprawls through the
dense jungle, over an area of 60 square miles. No activities are planned so
you can stroll around the town until 6 p.m when there is the trip briefing
in the lobby of hotel. O/N in Siem Reap
DAY
2: SIEM REAP - CYCLING (25 km)
This
morning we cycle to the archeological area, visiting the South Gate of
Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved
in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the
Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as
most complete structure of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was
constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210
hectares. We continue riding our bike to Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm and Ta Keo
Temples. A perfect way to round off the day is to enjoy a sunset view from
Phnom Bakheng Hill. O/N in Siem Reap.
DAY 3: SIEM REAP -
BANTEAY SREI - SIEM REAP (60km)
Heading out of the town we
make our way by pedaling on a newly paved road past the Preah Dark village
to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. After
seeing this sight we ride our bike through the rugged mountain scenery to
Kbal Spean, known as the River of 1000 Lingas. This place offers at first
sight no particular attractions except the natural environment, but a
careful looking will enable us to discover the impressive riverbed covered
by many lingars. They are carved in stone in the past to sanctify the water
and thank the gods for their gifts. Our next stop is the
Banteay
Samre Temple which is adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of
Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. O/N in Siem Reap.
DAY 4: SIEM REAP -
ROLOUS GROUP - BENG MEALEA (60km)
Today we make our way to
explore the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, which
flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries.
These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the
Rolous group. After seeing this sight, we ride our bike to the abandoned
temple of Boeung Mealea. The roads conditions are very poor, but it is still
a memorable experience as we cross by the charming Khmer countryside and
make fun with waving kids. There are no western amenities so we spend
tonight at a camp ground or a pagoda near the temple of Beng Mealea. O/N in
Tents.
DAY 5: BENG MEALEA -
SIEM REAP (60km)
The temple of Beng Mealea
boasts one of the largest ensembles built during the
Khmer
Kingdom,
but is still lost in the jungle. This monument is enclosed by a huge moat
and presents in places a veritable chaos of fallen debris beside the areas
that remain absolutely intact. A visit to this site is somewhat arduous as
we will have to walk over ruins and climb over trees. The decoration of Beng
Mealea is simple and animated only in certain areas where you can find
several bas-reliefs' showing scenes from the Khmer Mythology. A waterfall
nearby the mountain is an ideal place to stretch your legs and take a
refreshment swim. O/N in Siem Reap.
DAY 6: SIEM REAP -
ANGKOR TEMPLES - TONLE SAP LAKE (45km)
Upon leaving the town we
get on our bike to visit the grand circuit of the wondrous Angkor Complex.
This array of temple contains Prasat Kravan, Pre Rup, Neak Pean and Preah
Khan. After seeing these sights, we continue our biking trip to Tonle Sap
Lake, Cambodia’s biggest natural water body and enjoy a leisurely trip. The
experience is wonderful as we pass by floating village, friendly children in
small boats and fishermen at work. A perfect way to finish our trip is to
spend this evening at one of famous eating spots in ambience of Apsara
dance. O/N in Siem Reap.
DAY
7: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE
There is free time for your
own exploration of the town and strolling around the shopping area. The trip
ends after your transfer to
Siem
Reap
Airport
for departure. |
