Angkor Temples & Lost City of Ta Prohm, Private Tour

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport (recommended flight arrival before 09:00 am), meet and transfer directly to visit Angkor Thom. The South Gate of Angkor Thom is where most visitors enter the ancient city. The Bayon is located exactly in the middle of former Khmer capital. There are more 200 enigmatic smiling faces on the 54 towers of the temple. The faces are said to represent the Buddha of Compassion but are assumed to have a striking resemblance to the god-king. Other important sights within the city of Angkor Thom are the pyramidal Baphuon, currently being restored, the Terrace of the Leper Kings, where some exceptionally well conserved early carvings can be seen and the Terrace of Elephants, supported by sculpted stone elephants, it served as the giant viewing platform for royal ceremonies. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). After lunch, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon you will depart from the hotel to visit Angkor Wat. The five enormous towers have the same symbolic function as other temple mountains of Angkor: they represent Mount Meru, the mythical dwelling place of Hindu gods. In the outer galleries are some of the finest and best-preserved bas-reliefs of the Khmer Art. Ending the day to see the sunset view at Phnom Bakheng, the best spot over Angkor Wat and the outlying complex. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.  

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a visit to the Artisan d’Angkor; to see wood and stone carvers at work. The proceed to Banteay Srei, located about 25 kilometres from the central Angkor, the area is exceptional in many ways, it is a small complex built in the 10th century by the spiritual mentor of King Jayavarman V and dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Last stop will be Ta Prohm where the jungle has reclaimed the monuments and giant tree trunks reach through the ancient stone. Here you can get a feeling of how the first European explorers would have found the ruins. Massive trees growing from stone towers are photo classics. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). In the afternoon, continue your visit to Roluos Group consisting of three important temple ruins in the area Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. Lolei: Four brick towers in poor condition next to an active pagoda and some carvings are in good condition. Preah Ko: The name means “sacred bull” and perhaps it is the most artistically interesting temple in the Rolous group. Bakong: It is the most impressive member of the Rolous group and very early use of stone rather than brick. Return to your hotel. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.