A Private Cambodia Tour – Siem Reap, Angkor wat, Tonle Sap Lake

This private tour of Cambodia features one of the most stunning archeological sites in the world and offers our guests a glimpse of Southeast Asia’s timeless past, as Cambodia maintains its ancient traditions while races to catch up with the outside world. Traveling back in time, we get a rare chance to witness the magnificent Angkor Temples that offer clues to the untold mysteries of the mighty Khmer Empire, while combining with heavy dose of history and culture to experience Cambodia at its finest.

Serving as the symbol of Cambodia, we visit the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat Temple. It is estimated that the Angkor temple complex took 30 years to construct using 17,000 to 20,000 workers. The temple was first dedicated to Vishnu and after a long period of abandonment from 1432. It was later dedicated to Buddhism during the reign of King Ang Chan in the 15th century. Its beauty and state of preservation are unrivalled and its artistic distinctiveness is as fine as the Taj Mahal in India. Next, visit the revered fortified city of Angkor Thom that spans an area of 10 square kilometers enclosed by a wall and wide moats. Angkor Thom is a city within a city that offers a glimpse into the ancient Khmer Civilization. No visit to Cambodia is complete without strolling the grounds of Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor that was featured in the blockbuster movie Tomb Raider. Also dubbed as the “Jungle Temple”, this former 12th century Buddhist monastery and university is bound by massive roots of huge trees in the same condition as it would have appeared when they were first discovered in the 1930s.

Last but not least, we top off your Cambodia journey with a culturally-inspiring trip to the Kampong Kleang section of the Great Tonle Sap Lake. Traveling by boat, we explore the floating villages that dwell atop the lake to observe the local fishermen’s primitive way of life that offers a humbling experience for any visitor.

Special discounted international airfares are available for this tour — contact us for details.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• 3 nights accommodations at the hotel of your choice
• Hotel breakfasts daily
• Private Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and professional guides

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, be met and commence sightseeing of Ta Prohm. Featured in the blockbuster hit movie Tomb Raider – Lara Croft, Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared, appearing very much in a similar state as it was when European explorers first stumbled across the Angkor Temples.

Day 2 (Angkor Temples). Today’s sightseeing features the magnificent Angkor Wat and fortified city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the national symbol of Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones. Afterwards, visit Angkor Thom. Covering a an area of 10 square kilometers and enclosed by a wall and wide moats, this ancient city is home to many of Angkor’s most popular sights. (B)

Day 3 (Tonle Sap Lake). This morning, embark on a culturally inspiring boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Kleang. Tonle Sap, or Great Lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season with an ecosystem that is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. This boat trip explores the primitive floating fishing villages that dwell atop the Great Lake, passing submerged forests and fishing farms. Return to Siem Reap and enjoy a visit to one of Angkor’s most exquisite Hindu Temples built in the 10th century. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. (B)

Day 4 Depart Siem Reap. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight onward. (B)