Private Day Trip to Banteay Chhmar Temple and Silk Farm from Siem Reap

Banteay Chhmar was one of the most extensive architectural undertakings Jayavarman VII built in a politically sensitive region in the final years of his reign. The architecture shows signs of haste in its construction, as do his other temples, and it appears to have been left unfinished. There are clear indications that new architectural forms were still being developed at the site in the course of building. The iconography expresses both Buddhist and Hinduist beliefs, as well as the supremacy of the king, themes that are also represented in his other temples. However the representations of individual deities and their juxtapositions are in many cases unique to Banteay Chhmar.

Banteay Toap Temple is a fascinating and interesting temple site. The name is thought to mean ‘Fortress of the Army’ and it was built during the same period as the Banteay Chhmar temple complex. It is believed to have been built as a tribute to the Khmer army for their defeat of the Cham army leading to Khmer control of the region.

All stages of the production process can be seen here, from the cultivation of mulberry trees to the nurturing of silkworms to the dyeing and weaving of silk.

A giant reservoir constructed during the Khmer Empire, measuring 8km long by 2.1km wide. Its purpose at the time it was constructed is still not clear, and the original hypothesis, that it was used for irrigation, no longer holds much water.

The Svay Romiet Pagoda is located directly on the banks of the West Baray. They always go to the pagoda on their ancestor's anniversary or someone's birthday. This is the way to showing high respect even on days that are not the Pchum Ben festival. The festival educates younger people on how they should give respect to their relatives.