Exploring the Glories of a Bygone Khmer Civilization
Temples of Angkor Extension
Overview
With the haunting remains of temples and shrines scattered across a tropical landscape, Angkor is a lasting monument to the glory of a bygone Khmer civilization and one of the wonders of the modern world. With a private guide, discover majestic temples adorned with intricate bas-reliefs or entwined by encroaching vegetation, climb up towers for sunset views of the countryside, contemplate the past as you pause beside huge moats and man-made lakes, and pass through imposing gateways decorated with colossal sculptured Buddha images.
Arrive: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Depart: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Highlights
- Watch sunrise over the three towering spires of Angkor Wat temple
- Visit the iconic Ta Promh temple and 10th century Banteay Srei temple
Itinerary
Morning flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. After exiting through immigration, you are met by your guide for a transfer to the Angkor National Museum, with its wonderful collection of Cambodian artifacts showcasing the origins of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. After lunch at a local cafe, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Overnight at hotel...L
Begin your explorations of the glorious temples of Angkor with a visit to Angkor's grandest and most inspiring temple complex: Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of over 500 acres. Explore its many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the temple. Intricately carved bas-reliefs extend the length of the outer walls and corridors, depicting mythological scenes of Hindu epics and day-to-day life at the time of Angkor's construction. In the afternoon visit the “Ancient City” of Angkor Thom, whose centerpiece is the magnificent Bayon Temple, noted for its gigantic Boddhisattva sculptures and its remarkable bas-reliefs. You will see the South Gate with its impressive causeway flanked by gods and demons, the Elephant Terrace, and the Leper King Terrace, all within Angkor Thom. Overnight at hotel...BL
Today, wake up early for a view of Angkor Wat at sunrise! With the light shining from behind, the complex reflects beautifully on the large pond located in front of it (you will leave the hotel around 5:30 am for this visit, although it is optional if you do not want to go). Have a boxed breakfast prepared to eat near the ruins, or return to the hotel for breakfast, later heading to Ta Promh. At Ta Promh, huge fig, banyan, and kapok trees have grown throughout the temple monuments of Ta Promh, their giant roots often splitting open ancient Buddha sculptures with surreal effect. The site has a mysterious and evocative “forgotten city” feeling and is a favorite with visitors. After lunch at a local restaurant in Siem Reap, discover the enchanting 10th century Banteay Srei Temple, the “Citadel of the Women,” beyond the main Angkor complex. It seems as if the temple, which is in an amazing state of preservation, was designed to leave no space undecorated, and its extraordinary fine carvings in pink sandstone are quite unique. Overnight at hotel...BL
In the morning we visit Preah Khan, the “Sacred Sword,” a magnificent structure dedicated to the Buddhist religion by King Jayavarman VII. This huge temple complex is also largely overgrown with great trees and smothering roots still clinging to the sandstone and laterite walls, and is presently under careful restoration by the World Monuments Fund of NYC. You'll also visit Neak Pean, an artifical island in Preah Khan Baray with a Buddhist temple on it. Return to the hotel for check-out (12:00 pm), and have lunch at a local restaurant. Time permitting, visit “Les Artisans d'Angkor,” a school promoting the arts and crafts of Cambodia (your baggage can be stored at the hotel during lunch and this visit). Transfer to the airport for an afternoon or evening flight...BL
For religious reasons, all visitors must cover their shoulders and remove their shoes before entering temples. Long pants are necessary, as shorts and short skirts are not permitted.
Pricing
Trip Extensions can be added on to Small Group Adventures or Private Journeys, to lengthen and customize your trip. Prices are per person and not guaranteed until services are confirmed. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!Included
Not Included
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.