Spirit of Angkor

Your private driver will welcome you upon your arrival at Siem Reap international airport. He will take you to your hotel for check-in, in your air-conditioned private car. We will give you all the information about your tour and answer any questions you may have. According to your arrival time, you can start exploring the city of Siem Reap. Your driver will be happy to help you and give you suggestions. You can visit the old market, enjoy the walk along the Siem Reap river or visit the night market. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning before your driver meets you and take you to discover one of the most famous world-heritage sites on the planet: the Angkor temples. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you for a day tour of so called "Small circle". The city used to be the capital of Khmer Empire and was the biggest metropolis of that time with more than 800,000 inhabitants. Recent NASA studies have found that it had spread over nearly 3000 km2. You will first explore the biggest and most famous temple of all: Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat (‘Wat’ means temple in Khmer) is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. You will then visit Angkor Thom (literally “Big Angkor”, or “Big City”). This area is surrounded by a protecting wall and you will access it through one of its gates, made of 4 giant stone heads. Next you will discover one of the most mysterious sites of the Angkor site: Bayon - with 148 giant Buddha faces made of stone and facing the four main directions. Next you will discover the temple of Baphuon. Built as pyramid in the 11th century, Baphuon’s main attraction is the 60 meters long lying Buddha that can be discovered on the south side. Next to the temple, you will discover the temple of Phimeanakas (known in English as “celestial palace”) is a 10th century Hindu temple which was covered by a golden roof. You will also discover the Elephants terrace. Then you will finish the tour by exploring Ta Phrom - one of the most iconic temples of Angkor. The famous Hollywood movie ‘Tomb Raider’ gave the temple its fame. As soon as you enter the site you will be amazed by the unique atmosphere of the Angkorian temples half covered by giant trees and vegetation. Then return to Siem Reap to your hotel and relax after this fantastic day of sightseeing. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Today you will continue exploring the ancient capital city of the Khmer empire. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and take you for the ‘Big Circle’ tour. First you will discover the lost city of Preah Khan. Here you will see the ruins which used to host a monastery and a Buddhist university and admire the beautiful carvings inside the ancient walls. You will then continue to travel back through time and discover the site of Neak Pean. Built in 12th century, Neak Pean features a sanctuary set in the middle of a small lake that was made to be a replica of sacred Anavatapta lake located in the Tibetan Himalayas. You will pass along Ta Som, a temple literally swallowed by the nature, before reaching East Mebon. Only the main temple remained from this former city, surrounded by a water tank. As you continue your tour, you will explore the site of Banteay Kdei. 4 giant stone Buddha faces will welcome you at the entrance. This architectural journey will end with the discovery of Srah Srang (a pool built in 10th century) and Prasat Kravan (a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu). Your driver will then take you back to your hotel for a short rest. In the evening you can explore the night market of Siem Reap located right across the river in the city center. The center of Siem Reap is a lively area and can be best explored by foot. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After your breakfast, your private driver will meet you and take you to explore sites of the greater Angkor area. You will go on a journey through the Cambodian countryside and get an insight into the daily life of the Khmer farmers. You will stop to visit Banteay Samre. This 12th century temple is also called ‘mini Angkor Wat’ and is definitely a hidden treasure. Then your driver will take you to the famous site of Banteay Srei. You will notice how different this site is comparing to the others you have visited so far. Banteay Srei is made of pink sandstones giving the buildings a unique color.Then your journey will take you to Roluos, going through typical villages of the Cambodian countryside. The Roluos consists of three interesting sites: Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong - all built in the 9th century. In the afternoon, your driver will drive you back to Siem Reap. You can then decide if you wish to relax at your hotel, to explore the city center and visit the Old Market at the riverside or walk along the vibrant Pub Street. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy your breakfast in the morning. According to your flight schedule, your driver will be happy to take you to visit the places of your choice. If you wish you can enjoy some shopping at the old market (‘Psar Chas’ in Khmer language). If time permits, your driver will also be happy to take you to the floating villages of Kampong Khleang (extra cost for the boat is not included). Your driver will then take you to Siem Reap International airport for your departure flight.