CAMBODIA KINGDOM EXPLORER


Cambodia officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia and once known as the Khmer Empire, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.

Cambodia’s ancient name is “Kambuja” In 802 AD, Jayavarman II declared himself king and marked the beginning of the Khmer Empire which flourished for over 600 years, allowing successive kings to dominate much of Southeast Asia and accumulate immense power and wealth. The Indianized kingdom built monumental temples including Angkor Wat, now a World Heritage Site, and facilitated the spread of first Hinduism, then Buddhism to much of Southeast Asia. After the fall of Angkor toAyutthaya in the 15th century, Cambodia was then ruled as a vassal between its neighbors.

image

Day 4:Kampong Thom – Siem Reap

Morning: After breakfast, we drive to Siem Reap province. Along the way, we stop to visit ancient bridge built in the 12th century which located near the road between Siem Reap and Kampong Thom. The bridge has 75 meters long and 14 meters height up the stream. It is currently not allowed for heavy vehicle to travel on this bridge. Then check in at hotel and enjoy lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, we visit Takeo temple, a pyramid five levels temple with total height of 40 meters. This temple was built with the biggest blocks of sandstone in Angkor time dedicated to Shiva. Then ride oxcart to visit the living jungle of Ta Prohm, a large temple with big fig tree growing on the top towers and corridors offering a jungle atmosphere and some of the best tree in temple photo opportunities at Angkor. It was built in mid12th to early13th century (1186) by king Jayavarman VII which dedicated to his mother. After that, continue to Banteay Kdei temple, a Buddhist temple located southeast of Ta Prohm and the east of Angkor Thom . The temple was built in the Bayon architectural style with the similar plan to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, but little complex and smaller. It was constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII in mid-12th to the early 13th centuries. Thereafter, we continue to Sras Srang located in front of Banteay Kdey temple. Sras Srang lays a fantastic of 700 by 300 meters wide, built in mid-10th century and remodeled in late 12th century as a water reservoir. We continue our visit to Krovan temple, located in the east of Angkor Wat anad south of Banteay Kdei temple. It was built and completed during King Harshavarman 1st dedicated to Vishnu & Lakshmi. After the entire visit, we enjoy dinner at local restaurant and overnight in Siem Reap.


image

Day 5:Siem Reap

Morning: After breakfast, we start to visit Angkor Thom. It is the last capital city of Angkorian Empire built by Jayavarman VII as his new capital city after he recaptured Angkorian capital from the Cham invader in 1181. He began to build the existing Baphoun, Phimean Akas temple and enclosed city with outer moat around them. We continue the trip to visit Phimean Akas Temple, the tallest temple in Angkor Thom which provides nice view from the top. It was built as Hindu temple which is surrounded by five meters high wall. Thereafter, we visit the Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace. They form 500m long platform crossing the east side of Royal Palace in Angkor Thom with incredible sculptures and carving of Airavata, Indra Three Head Elephant , five headed horse Balaha and impressive array of Garuda bas reliefs. They are very important places for any tour in the city of Angkor Thom. Then return to town for facial scrub, body massage or foot massage for 90 minutes. It is depend on your choice. For those are not interested in spa, we will take you to visit Artisans D’angkor where you can buy souvenir for your friend or family. ArtisansD’angkor is a project created in 1999 to help young poor people to learn by doing on traditional craft skills (stone and wood carving, lacquering, gilding and silk processing, polychrome products, silver plating and silk painting). Then do some shopping at old market. You can visit or buy many kinds of souvenir including silks, silver, jewelry, some antiques, clothes, shoes, household items, hardware, and fresh food. Come back to pick up the group at Cambodia's top spa boutique then enjoy lunch together at local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue to visit Angkor Wat temple. It is the largest monument in Angkor and the best architectural masterpieces with the perfection of composition, balance, reliefs, and sculpture which make it one of the finest monuments in the world. Enjoy dinner with Apsara show at local restaurant and overnight in Siem Reap.