2-Day Angkor Tour & Tonle Sap Lake

Today start your Angkor adventure by exploring the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom, built in the 10th century by the greatest Khmer ruler, King Jayavarman VII (1181 – 1201). From Angkor Thom’s southern gateway, continue to visit Bayon temple “The Giant Smiling Faces temple”.  Its third level is stunning; its 49 towers are adorned with 172 smiling faces of the omnipresent Avalokitesvara. Then walk to visit the nearby triple-tiered mountain temple of the Baphuon, also known as the Pyramid temple in Angkor. From there walk through the shaded parkland to the Terrace of the Elephant, and the Terrace of the Leper King to view their detailed stone carvings. Enjoy Khmer lunch at a local restaurant in the Angkor park.

After lunch break, continue to visit the encroaching jungle Ta Prohm, also known to be the undisputed capital of the “Kingdom of the Trees”. It has been featured in several Hollywood movies such as Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, and Two Brothers. Wrap up today with Preah Khan or “Sacred Sword”. Constructed as a monastery and teaching complex in 1191 by Jayavarman VII, it is unique in its sense of religious tolerance, with sections dedicated to Buddhism, ancestor worship, and the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Once inside the second enclosure, look for the delicate frieze of ‘apsaras’ or celestial dancers, in the Hall of Dancers.

Today rise early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the world’s largest religious ruins of Angkor Wat and discover this mighty temple at dawn, regarded by many as the quintessential Angkor experience. After exploring the ruins in detail led by your professional tour guide, return to the hotel for a late leisurely breakfast.

This afternoon travel a bit further away from town to Rolous village to immerse yourself in the local culture with a walk into the life of the Khmer people – an insider’s look at the intriguing culture and Siem Reap’s atmospheric countryside beyond Angkor Wat.

You will visit a Buddhist monastery – offer alms to a Buddhist monk to earn some merits in Buddhist tradition and practice the arts of giving followed by a blessing in the Pali language from the monk, the way the locals do for the wishes of good luck and happiness in life. Then Wander through the nearby Bakong temple, Angkor’s first mountain temple dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries and still remarkably well preserved. Next soak up the views of the rural village, paddy fields, and swaying palm trees while crossing quiet lanes by ox cart.

Finally, head to Kampong Phluk “Harbour of the Tusks”, a fascinating fishing community on the fringes of the magnificent Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Embark on a captivating boat trip to see its glory as you pass through the floating village where the fisherman and their families live in stilted houses. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery dominated by the tranquility of the lake that dots the landscape.