Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap to begin your encounter with one of the world’s most extraordinary archeological sites – the temple city of Ankor, long thought to be a legend.  Henri Mahout rediscovered the magnificent city in 1860.  Today, you are the discoverer as you explore Angkor Thom, a fortified royal city, nearly four square miles.  Built by King Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1201, the city has five massive gates and was protected by a 328-foot-wide moat.  Its most important monuments are in the center of the walled city. Bayon’s temple mountain stands at the heart of Angkor Thom.  A place of narrow corridors, steep flights of stairs and an amazing collection of towers decorated with more than 200 smiling faces make this one of the most popular of Angkor's monuments.  Baphuon’s pyramid shape represents the mythical Mount Meru.  It marks the center of an ancient  city that pre-dates Angkor Thom.  Public ceremonies were held at Terrace of Elephants, and it served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall.  Elephants line both ends of the retaining walls.  Terrace of the Leper King is a platform on which stands a nude statue, one of Angkor’s unsolved mysteries.  End this day’s adventure at Phnom Bakheng, hilltop temple ruins, which afford one of the best views of Angkor Wat at sunset. Choice of Hotels

Day 2: Siem Reap
Continue your journey of discovery today.  The atmosphere, the texture of stone, the sensual carvings, the surrounding jungle keep you spellbound as you trek leisurely through Angkor with your guide.  Angkor Wat temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between 1131 and 1150.  Constructed over a period of 30 years, it is renowned for its beauty and grandeur.  It features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.   Ta Prohm is still largely engulfed by jungle. Standing here, you can easily imagine what it must have been like for Henri Mahout and other Europeans when they first stumbled upon this amazing complex.  Banteay Srei Temple was built in the late 10th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.  Of main interest are the three central towers that are decorated with male and female divinities and beautiful filigree relief work.  In 1992, UNESCO declared the Angkor a World Heritage Site. Choice of Hotels (B) 
 
Day 3: Siem Reap / Depart
Depart Siem Reap with exceptional memories. (B)

12/08