Angkor & Cambodia's Hidden Treasures – 4 Days

The Secrets of Angkor: Temples, Phnom Kulen & Kampong Khleang – 4 Days Embark on a unique immersion into the heart of Cambodia with this private 4-day tour combining the majestic temples of Angkor, the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen, local traditions, and a discovery of authentic life around Tonle Sap Lake. Day 1: Exploring Angkor Thom & the Surrounding Temples Begin your discovery with Angkor Thom, the former great capital of the Khmer Empire. Admire the impressive gates of Angkor Thom with their monumental statues, then explore the famous Bayon, known for its many faces carved in stone. Continue to the Baphuon, a magnificent temple-mountain, then discover the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, witnesses to the grandeur of the Khmer era. Continue your visit with more peaceful and less-visited temples such as Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon, offering a more authentic experience away from the crowds. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the famous Ta Prohm, known for its huge trees that envelop the ruins, then continue to Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist temple with a mysterious atmosphere, and Prasat Kravan, a unique small temple with its brick carvings. Day 2: Angkor Wat & the Grand Circuit In the morning, set off to discover the majestic Angkor Wat, national symbol of Cambodia and one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Built in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire, this temple impresses with its exceptional architecture, its long galleries, and its magnificent bas-reliefs telling the history and mythology of the Khmer people. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with the Grand Circuit of Angkor through ancient temples surrounded by nature. Discover East Mebon, a former brick temple built on an island in the middle of a former reservoir, then continue to Ta Som, famous for its gate mysteriously enveloped by tree roots. You will also visit Neak Pean, a unique temple set on a small island, before finishing with Preah Khan, a vast complex where historic ruins blend harmoniously with the surrounding vegetation. Day 3: Phnom Kulen, Banteay Srei & Local Traditions Departure at 8:00 AM for the sacred mountain of Phnom Kulen, considered the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire founded in 802. After about 1.5 hours on the road, discover the famous River of a Thousand Lingas, where sacred carvings are engraved in the rock over about 247 meters along the river. Continue to the top of the mountain to visit the pagoda housing the Great Reclining Buddha, then enjoy a relaxing moment at the magnificent Phnom Kulen waterfall, where you can cool off in an exceptional natural setting. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the magnificent Banteay Srei temple, famous for its delicate pink sandstone carvings and refined architecture. End the day with a visit to a traditional palm sugar production site, where you can observe local know-how, taste fresh sugar, and discover its use in Cambodian cuisine. Day 4: Kampong Khleang & Discovering Local Life Departure at 8:00 AM for Kampong Khleang, an authentic village located about 50 km from Siem Reap, on the shore of the great Tonle Sap Lake. This village, where the majority of inhabitants live from fishing, offers a unique discovery of the daily life of local communities. Depending on the season, explore the canals by boat during the high-water period or admire the impressive stilt houses that appear during the dry season. Visit a local pagoda built on a former religious site and discover its magnificent mural paintings. You will then continue the visit with a meeting in a local home to better understand the traditional way of life of the lake's fishermen. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, return to Siem Reap to discover Cambodian craftsmanship with a visit to Artisans d'Angkor and Senteurs d'Angkor, where you can appreciate local know-how and traditional Cambodian products.