Angkor Wat in a Day

You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 08.00 and driven to the Angkor Conservation Area entrance where you will collect your entrance pass. You will then be taken to explore Angkor Thom, this Royal city was first built in the 11th century, destroyed, and subsequently renovated by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century. Its vast walls contain many beautiful monuments. You approach this ancient city via the South Gate which is flanked by demons and gods engaged in a tug-of-war over the elixir of immortality. Once through the gate you will visit the Bayon, a temple famed for its many gigantic carved faces smiling beguilingly down at you. You will also visit other important sites in this immense walled city, including the pyramid of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, and the royal viewing stands known as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will discover the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, made famous by the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Tomb Raider’. This temple has been left to the destructive power of the jungle and demonstrates the awesome power of nature. It has been largely consumed by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant trees growing out of the top of the temple itself. After this you head to the world’s largest religious building, Angkor Wat. After being initially inspired by its overall size you will explore in more detail, getting up close and personal to fully appreciate its architecture and intricately detailed bas-reliefs. Believed to have been undertaken as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best-preserved of the Angkorian temples, truly one of the wonders of the world. If you have the time your guide will take you to an excellent spot for watching a mesmerising Angkor Wat sunset. Return to your hotel and then you’re free at your own leisure.

Meals included: Lunch