Experience the magic of Angkor Wat at sunrise, followed by an authentic local breakfast. Discover Siem Reap’s countryside and explore its iconic temples with a professional guide. Visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei temple and learn about Cambodia’s resilience at the Landmine Museum. This comprehensive 2-day tour offers an unforgettable journey through Angkor’s cultural and historical treasures.

Itinerary

Pre-Sunrise: Angkor Wat

4:30–5:00 AM: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby before dawn.

5:30 AM: Witness the magical sunrise at Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. This architectural masterpiece symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe. Explore its vast galleries adorned with intricate bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and learn about its later transformation into a Buddhist temple.

6:00–7:30 AM: Take an in-depth guided tour of Angkor Wat, marveling at its central towers, sandstone carvings, and hidden corners, capturing photos before the crowds arrive.

Morning Break: Local Breakfast & Market Visit

7:45 AM: Head to a nearby village for an authentic Cambodian breakfast. Savor Khmer noodle soup, palm cake, and steamed rice dumplings with palm sugar, prepared by a local family. Your visit supports community-based tourism.

8:30 AM: Visit a vibrant local market to experience rural life and explore food stalls selling specialties like sticky rice, tropical fruits, and traditional Khmer snacks.

Morning Temple Visits

9:30 AM: Explore Pre Rup Temple, a grand brick Hindu temple built in the 10th century under King Rajendravarman II. It was used for funerary rituals and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

10:30 AM: Trek through the jungle to Ta Prohm, a late 12th-century Buddhist temple commissioned by King Jayavarman VII. Left in its natural state, this temple is famous for its towering trees and massive roots entwined with the stone structures, creating a surreal and photogenic atmosphere.

Late Morning: Angkor Thom

11:30 AM: Enter the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Your guide will explain the city’s significance as a fortified metropolis with grand boulevards and majestic gates.

12:00 PM: Visit Bayon Temple, built by King Jayavarman VII as his state temple. It is renowned for its 54 towers, each adorned with 216 smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara, representing Buddhist compassion. Learn about its unique combination of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism and take time to appreciate its intricate carvings.

12:30 PM: Return to your hotel in Siem Reap for rest and relaxation.

Day 2: Siem Reap Countryside & Outer Temples

Morning: Rural Cambodia

8:30 AM: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a journey into Siem Reap’s countryside.

9:00 AM: Visit a palm sugar production site to observe local families extracting juice from palm trees and turning it into brown sugar, an integral part of Khmer cuisine. Gain insight into traditional rural life.

Morning Temple Visits

10:30 AM: Explore Preah Khan Temple, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as a dedication to his father. This vast complex was once a center of learning and religion, featuring finely detailed carvings and hidden corridors.

11:15 AM: Discover Neak Pean, a tranquil island temple designed as a healing sanctuary. Built on a man-made reservoir, its pools were believed to have curative properties, symbolizing the sacred Himalayan lake Anavatapta.

11:45 AM: Visit Ta Som, a smaller but charming temple with giant fig trees enveloping its eastern gate. Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII, it is dedicated to his father.

12:15 PM: Stop at East Mebon, a 10th-century Hindu temple constructed on an artificial island in the now-dry East Baray reservoir. It features beautiful guardian elephant statues at its corners.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Cambodian lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from a variety of Khmer dishes.

Afternoon: Banteay Srei 

2:30 PM: Visit Banteay Srei, also known as the “Citadel of Women.” This 10th-century temple, dedicated to Shiva, is celebrated for its pink sandstone and intricately detailed carvings, which depict Hindu epics like the Ramayana. Its artistic refinement is considered unparalleled in Khmer art.

3:30 PM: (Optional) Stop at the Cambodian Landmine Museum, where you’ll learn about the impact of landmines on Cambodia and the efforts to remove them, as well as stories of resilience and hope.

4:30 PM: Return to Siem Reap.

• Private tour experience
• Flexible departure times
• Comprehensive cultural insights
• Assistance with travel arrangements
• On-call support during the tour
• Exclusive access to hidden gems