Private Two Day Tour to Temples with Sunset & Tonle Sap Lake

Day 01: Angkor Wat, Banteay Srey, Taprohm temple and sunset

Pick up you at your hotel and transfer to Angkor Wat, first a Hindu, then subsequently a Buddhist, temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura,( present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. Next, we discover Ta Prohm (as known Tomb Raider movie temple) with its exciting interplay of stonework, nature, big tree and root cover on top of temple .Take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance. Break for lunch.

After lunch, we go to Banteay Srei temple, the pink sandstone construction temple built by king Rajendravarman V in late 10th century. Walls of Banteay Srei temple itself are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carving of any Angkorian Temple. After that, we return to see sunset on the top of Pre Rup temple, built to dedicate to Hinduism God Shiva. Back to hotel and drop off.

Day 02: Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Tonle Sap lake

Pick up at hotel and start excursion to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, both sides of the south gate bridge have a demon and a god statue, who are holding the King Cobra called Naga Vasuki. Next, explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces. It has 54 towers in total and each tower has four faces. It is at the center of Angkor Thom. You will then continue to Baphuon with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war, Phimeanakas hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-tree-tops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top, Continuing along the Esplanade of the Royal Palace more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants. Then, travel to Preah Khan; another temple with spectacular trees and roots taking over the ancient man made structures which would give Ta Prohm run for its money any day! Explore the delicate carvings and don't miss the only two-storey construction in Angkor; standing on high columns this is a unique phenomenon in Khmer architecture. Your knowledgeable guide will help you navigate through the temple grounds before continuing further. Constructed in roughly the same period as Preah Khan, Neak Pean offers a different view altogether. Located in the centre of the Northern Baray, this temple is essentially an island and most impressive to view in the wet season. The long raised wooden causeway leading to the temple is surrounded by water and submerged tree trunks lend the scene a ghostly appearance. Break for lunch.

No trip to Siem Reap would be complete without visiting the largest freshwater lake in south-east Asia – the Tonle Sap. Embark on a journey in a traditional wooden boat and witness how people live in harmony with the rising and falling water levels of the lake depending on the season. Accessible all year round, Chhong Kneas is the largest of the floating villages in the province with three ethnicities living side by side on the margins of the lake. Phnom Krom, an Angkorian site, dominates the horizon and overlooks the busy lives of the fishing and farming communities here. To lighten up the mood a little we suggest a visit to the Artisans d'Angkor workshop where skilled artists produce gorgeous pieces of lacquer, stone carvings and silver plating and seeing them at work shows the positive direction of the path Cambodia finds itself on today. If you don't find your souvenirs and gifts here then perhaps the Old Market will have what you are looking for. Browse and use your bartering skills to bring home your memories of Siem Reap. Return to hotel and drop off.