6 Days • 5 Nights
Temples of Angkor in Depth: Siem Reap & the Khmer Empire
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise over Angkor Wat and its magnificent carved galleries are an unforgettable highlight of this journey. In the cool darkness before dawn you take your place beside the reflecting pools of Angkor Wat, built in the twelfth century as the crowning glory of the Khmer Empire, and watch the sky flush pink and gold behind its five iconic lotus-bud towers, mirrored in the still water, in one of the most beautiful sights in Asia. With time to spare, you explore the great temple in depth, walking its vast galleries carved with astonishing bas-reliefs of gods, demons, kings and armies.
- The giant stone faces of the Bayon and the lost city of Angkor Thom are a mesmerising highlight of this journey. At the heart of the great walled royal city of Angkor Thom stands the Bayon, one of the most extraordinary temples on earth, its towers carved with more than two hundred huge, serene, smiling faces gazing in every direction. You enter through the monumental south gate, lined with gods and demons, and explore the Bayon's galleries of vivid bas-reliefs depicting battles and scenes of everyday Khmer life. You walk the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
- The jungle temples of Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, embraced by great trees, are a magical highlight. Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple, has been left much as explorers found it, a crumbling monastery where enormous silk-cotton and strangler fig trees rise from the ruins, their pale roots pouring over walls and doorways in a haunting embrace of stone and forest. Nearby, Preah Khan is a vast, atmospheric complex of long corridors, carved galleries and toppled stones, less visited and wonderfully evocative, with a curious two-storey pavilion and forest all around. You also explore Ta Som and Neak Pean, a temple on an island in a great baray.
- The exquisite pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei are a captivating highlight of this journey. A short journey into the countryside brings you to Banteay Srei, the Citadel of the Women, a small tenth-century temple built of fine rose-pink sandstone and considered the jewel of Khmer art. Its walls, lintels and pediments are covered in the most delicate, deeply cut and beautifully preserved carvings in all of Angkor, intricate scenes from Hindu mythology, guardian figures and swirling floral patterns of extraordinary refinement. Unlike the vast temples, Banteay Srei is intimate and jewel-like, glowing warm and rosy in the sunlight. The artistry is simply exquisite.
- Venturing to remote, jungle-reclaimed temples beyond the main circuit is an adventurous highlight. Beyond the famous temples lie remote and atmospheric sites far fewer visitors reach. You might journey to Beng Mealea, a vast, largely collapsed temple deep in the forest, where you clamber over great tumbled stones amid the jungle in a true Indiana Jones adventure, or to the pyramid temple of Koh Ker, a former imperial capital rising from the trees, or to the ancient brick temples of the Roluos group, among the oldest at Angkor. Away from the crowds, in the quiet of the forest, these temples have a raw, romantic magic all their own.
- Above all, this journey offers the definitive, unhurried immersion in the glory of Angkor. The temples of Angkor are one of the wonders of the world, and this journey is devoted to savouring them in depth. Over six days, based in charming Siem Reap, you watch sunrise over Angkor Wat, stand among the faces of the Bayon, wander the jungle temples of Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, marvel at the carvings of Banteay Srei, and venture to remote forest temples, all at an unhurried pace with an expert guide. Between temples you relax in Siem Reap, with its markets, spas and fine Khmer dining.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your in-depth journey through the temples of Angkor begins as your flight arrives in Siem Reap, the charming, tree-lined town that is the gateway to the temples, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Cambodia is one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in Asia, and the gentle warmth of the Cambodian people is felt from the moment you arrive. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll through Siem Reap's lively Old Market and Pub Street, or relaxing by your hotel pool. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the fragrant flavours of Khmer cuisine and to the spectacular temples that await. Your guide outlines the journey ahead through Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the jungle temples and the remote ruins of the forest. Rest well, ready to greet the sunrise over Angkor Wat tomorrow.
This morning you rise early for sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth. As the sky flushes pink and gold behind its five lotus-bud towers, mirrored in the reflecting pools, you witness one of travel's great sights. After breakfast, and with an unhurried pace, you explore the great twelfth-century temple in depth, walking its vast galleries carved with astonishing bas-reliefs, including the famous Churning of the Sea of Milk, admiring the graceful apsara dancers carved into its walls, and climbing to the serene upper level with its five towers. Your guide unfolds the temple's cosmic symbolism and history. The scale and artistry are breathtaking. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap, perhaps enjoying a relaxing massage. This evening, savour Khmer cuisine in town. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the lost city of Angkor Thom.
Today you explore the great walled royal city of Angkor Thom and the temples of the small circuit. You enter through the monumental south gate, lined with gods and demons, and reach the Bayon, whose towers bear more than two hundred huge, serene stone faces, exploring its galleries of vivid bas-reliefs. You walk the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, and climb the Baphuon. In the afternoon you visit Ta Prohm, the famous jungle temple, where great silk-cotton and strangler fig trees rise from the crumbling ruins, and the nearby Banteay Kdei and Ta Som. The atmosphere of lost temples in the forest is captivating. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap. This evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance with dinner. Rest well, ready for Banteay Srei and Preah Khan tomorrow.
Today you explore some of Angkor's most beautiful and atmospheric temples, at an unhurried pace. You journey into the countryside to Banteay Srei, the exquisite pink sandstone Citadel of the Women, whose delicate, deeply cut carvings are the finest in all of Angkor, glowing rosy in the light. You return via the vast, atmospheric Preah Khan, a monastic complex of long corridors, carved galleries and toppled stones embraced by the forest, and visit Neak Pean, an unusual temple set on an island in a great baray, and Ta Som, its gateway crowned by a giant face and gripped by a tree. The artistry and forest atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap, having explored the jewels of Angkor. This evening, savour Siem Reap's lively dining scene. Rest well, for tomorrow you venture to remote jungle temples.
Today you venture beyond the main circuit to remote, atmospheric temples far fewer visitors reach. You journey out to Beng Mealea, a vast, largely collapsed temple deep in the forest, where you clamber over great tumbled stones amid the jungle in a true adventure of discovery, or to the pyramid temple of Koh Ker rising from the trees, according to your interests. On the way back you may visit the ancient brick temples of the Roluos group, among the oldest at Angkor. In the late afternoon you climb the hill of Phnom Bakheng or find a quiet spot to watch a glorious sunset over the temples and forests of Angkor. The sense of discovery and the golden light are exhilarating. As the day ends you return to Siem Reap. This evening, savour a final Khmer dinner. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning in Siem Reap, perhaps a last visit to the excellent Angkor National Museum to deepen your understanding, some souvenir shopping in the Old Market, or a relaxing spa treatment, you are transferred to Siem Reap Airport for your onward departure. You leave having explored the glory of Angkor in true depth, sunrise over Angkor Wat, the giant faces of the Bayon, the jungle embrace of Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, the exquisite carvings of Banteay Srei, and the remote, forest-reclaimed temples beyond the crowds. The images stay vivid long after you land, the reflecting pools at dawn, the serene smiling faces, the great trees pouring over ancient stones, and the golden light of a temple sunset. Angkor offers beauty, history and a profound sense of wonder in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the magnificent temples of Cambodia.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner and lunch beside the temples
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned private vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed local guides
- Entrance fees and Angkor temple passes as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local guide, a four-day in-depth Angkor temples exploration with sunrise at Angkor Wat, a remote jungle temple excursion, a sunset viewing, and all multi-day temple passes and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Cambodia visa fee
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia, easily obtained on arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports or in advance as a simple eVisa online; a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and help arrange the eVisa where useful
- Currency: Cambodia runs on the US dollar for almost everything, with the Cambodian riel used mainly for small change; bring clean, undamaged dollar notes in small denominations, and carry cash for markets, tips, tuk-tuks and rural areas. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and ATMs (dispensing dollars) are widely available in towns
- Best time to visit: November to March is the ideal dry season, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap and the coast; April and May are very hot, while the June to October green season brings warm, wet afternoons, lush landscapes, fuller waterways and fewer crowds, and can be a rewarding and beautiful time to travel
- Language & etiquette: Khmer is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism, so travel is easy and rewarding; Cambodians are famously gentle, warm and welcoming. Dress modestly at temples and the Royal Palace (cover shoulders and knees), remove shoes and hats where required, and treat monks and religious images with respect. A small bow with palms pressed together, the sampeah, is a gracious local greeting
- Getting around: Touring is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your own guide and driver, with short internal flights or scenic road transfers between regions; within towns, the tuk-tuk (motorised three-wheeler) is the fun, breezy local way to get around. Roads have improved greatly, though some rural drives are slow, so we build in comfortable timings and the best routes
- Health & safety: Cambodia is a friendly, welcoming and generally safe country for visitors, and travel here is smooth and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Drink bottled or filtered water, use insect repellent (especially at dawn and dusk), protect against the strong tropical sun, and consider routine travel vaccinations and advice from your doctor before you travel
- Culture & history: Cambodia has a glorious ancient heritage in the Khmer Empire and the temples of Angkor, and also a tragic recent history under the Khmer Rouge; sites such as Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields are deeply moving and are visited with respect and sensitivity. Understanding this history deepens any journey, and the resilience, gentleness and warmth of the Cambodian people are humbling and inspiring
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V, with plugs commonly type A, C and G, so bring a universal adapter. Tipping is appreciated for good service, and small tips for guides and drivers are customary. Bring light, breathable clothing, a hat, sun cream, comfortable walking shoes for the temples, a scarf or wrap for modesty, and a refillable water bottle for the tropical heat
Frequently Asked Questions
Why spend so long at the temples of Angkor?
Angkor is vast, with dozens of magnificent temples spread across a large area, and a rushed day trip barely scratches the surface. Four unhurried days of touring let you experience sunrise at Angkor Wat, the wonders of Angkor Thom, the jungle temples, the exquisite Banteay Srei and remote forest temples without temple fatigue, and at times of day when the light is beautiful and crowds are thinner. With an expert guide to bring the history and artistry to life, the depth of this journey is uniquely rewarding for anyone who loves history, art and archaeology.
How hot is it, and how much walking is involved?
Exploring the temples involves a fair amount of walking, some on uneven ground, with steep steps at temples such as Angkor Wat, and the tropical heat can be strong, especially from March to May. We schedule the most demanding temples for early morning, build in rest and shade, and travel between temples by air-conditioned vehicle. Comfortable shoes, a hat, sun cream and plenty of water are essential. The pace is unhurried and can be tailored to your fitness and interests.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected lunches or dinners at special locations, such as beside the temples or on a river cruise). Cambodian cuisine is fragrant and delicious, from fish amok (a coconut and lemongrass curry steamed in banana leaf) and lok lak to fresh Kampot pepper crab, tropical fruit and noodle soups, and we usually leave other meals free so you can explore, recommending the best local restaurants at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed local guide and air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Cambodia's knowledgeable guides bring the temples of Angkor, the history of Phnom Penh, the life of the Tonle Sap and the flavours of Khmer culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and a private guide is invaluable amid the vast temple complexes.
Do I need a visa for Cambodia?
Most nationalities need a visa, easily obtained on arrival at the international airports or in advance as a simple eVisa online. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help arrange the eVisa where useful, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages is required.
Is Cambodia safe to visit?
Cambodia is a friendly, welcoming and generally safe country for visitors, renowned for the gentleness and warmth of its people, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. As anywhere, we advise normal sensible precautions with valuables in busy markets, and the genuine kindness of the Cambodian people is one of the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
November to March is the ideal dry season, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the temples of Angkor, Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap and the coast. April and May are very hot, while the June to October green season brings warm, wet afternoons, lush landscapes and fewer crowds. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see, and tailor the pace to the season.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Angkor and Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap, the Mekong, Battambang, Kampot and Kep, and the southern islands, add beach time on Koh Rong, include a river cruise, upgrade to luxury boutique hotels and resorts, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the temples, culture and landscapes of Cambodia.
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