Exploring the Pagodas of Siem Reap 

We spend today visiting the historic pagodas of Siem Reap, a peaceful and charming alternative to the temples of Angkor. We begin with a visit to the modern pagoda of Wat Thmei where there is a moving memorial stupa to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.

We continue to Wat Preah Inkosei which is built on the site of a 10th century temple. Two brick towers remain and one includes a superb lintel depicting the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. We may also meet some English-speaking monks to learn more about Buddhist rituals. There is also a small shadow puppetry workshop here, showcasing some of the most popular characters from the Ramayana.

We continue to the 19th century temple of Wat Bo, one of the most important pagodas in Siem Reap. Dating from the 19th century, the interior of the main temple includes some of the finest religious murals in Cambodia, depicting the life of the Buddha.

We visit the old royal palace compound of Wat Dam Nak, which has been converted to a place of learning for the Centre for Khmer Studies. There are some elegant old buildings here and extensive gardens.

We then travel to Wat Athvea to visit an interesting fusion temple which includes the impressive remains of an 12th century sandstone structure and an attractive old pagoda. The original Angkor-era temple was used as a training site for construction workers and is one of the only temples facing west. It is possible to arrange a blessing ceremony for the success of your trip in Cambodia.

What’s Included:

1. Car  

2. English speaking tour guide 

3. Drinking water during sightseeing 

What’s Not Included:

• Hotel accommodation

• Visa for Cambodia

• All domestic and international flight

• Any other services are not mentioned in the above itinerary.

Pagodas and Handicrafts in Siem Reap                                                

We
visit the 19th century temple
of Wat Bo, one of
the most important pagodas in Siem Reap. Dating from the 19th
century, the interior of the main temple includes some of the finest religious
murals in Cambodia,
depicting the life of the Buddha. We continue to the Chantiers Ecole workshop
of Artisans d'Angkor, a handicrafts cooperative helping to revive the
artisan skills of the Angkor era. We learn
about different techniques, including lacquerware, stone carving and silk
painting and visit the impressive showroom.

We
then travel to Wat Athvea to visit an interesting fusion temple which
includes the impressive remains of an 12th century sandstone
structure and an attractive old pagoda. The original Angkor-era temple was used
as a training site for construction workers and is one of the only temples
facing west. It is possible to arrange a blessing ceremony for the success of
your trip in Cambodia.

What’s Included:

1. Car  

2. English speaking tour guide 

3. Drinking water during sightseeing 

What’s Not Included:

• Hotel accommodation

• Visa for Cambodia

• All domestic and international flight

• Any other services are not mentioned in the above itinerary.

Exploring the Temples of Roluos and Kompong Pluk                                                           

We depart Siem Reap by remorque moto, a charming carriage hitched onto the back of a motorbike, the famous local transport of Siem Reap. For the more adventurous we offer the option of a Trek mountain bike.

We follow small back roads through rural landscapes and picturesque villages. Our first stop is the temple of Bakong in the Roluos group, the first of the great pyramid mountains which later kings were to copy. From Bakong, we continue into Roluos town to visit a very local market, untouched by tourism. After some refreshments here, we follow the course of the Roluos river to the nearest navigable point where we board small wooden boats for the trip to Kompong Pluk.

Cruising down a narrow waterway, we enter this medieval floating village, where the houses stand atop stilts as much as seven metres above the water. Everything lives on the water, pigs, dogs, crocodiles and people, all jockeying for space in this incredible floating town. We explore the local wat here, before boarding a bigger boat to take us through the flooded forest and across the Great Lake to Chong Kneas and the holy mountain of Phnom Krom. We climb Phnom Krom for a glorious sunset over the Tonle Sap before heading back to Siem Reap by road.

What’s Included:

1. Car  

2. English speaking tour guide 

3. Drinking water during sightseeing 

4. Boat
   trip included, 

5. Angkor Pass
   

What’s Not Included:

• Hotel accommodation

• Visa for Cambodia

• All domestic and international flight

• Any other services are not mentioned in the above itinerary.

Floating Village of Chong Kneas - Half Day                                             

Everything floats on water in this living fishing community. There are floating schools, floating shops, floating petrol stations, even floating karaoke bars. Many of the houses are floating fish farms with large pens of fish underneath. For those that are interested, we can also make a stop at the Gecko Environment Centre to learn more about tlake, which is like the heartbeat of Cambodia, providing sustenance to millions of Khmers.

What’s Included:

1. Car  

2. English speaking tour guide 

3. Drinking water during sightseeing 

4. Boat
   trip included, 

5. Angkor Pass
   

What’s Not Included:

• Hotel accommodation

• Visa for Cambodia

• All domestic and international flight

• Any other services are not mentioned in the above itinerary.