Temples of Angkor Extension

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, 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