Thailand

Angkor Wat Extension

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Bangkok - Siem Reap - Bakon - Angkor Thom - Bayon

Early morning flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap. Meet our guide at the airport, then visit Bakong, the most impressive member of the Rolous Group sitting at the center of the first Khmer capital, Hariharalaya. Bakong is an example of the temple mountain architectural formula on a grand scale, and set the architectural tone for the next 40 years.

After lunch, visit Angkor Thom, some 10sq km in size, which was built by Angkor's greatest King Jayavarman VI (who ruled from 1181-1201). Located at Baphuon, Angkor Thom is enclosed by a square wall 8m high, 12km in length, and encircled by a moat 100m wide, said to have been inhabited by fierce crocodiles. The city has five monumental gates, one each in the north, west and south walls and two in the east wall. In front of each gate stand giant statues of 54 gods (to the left of the causeway) and 54 demons (to the right of the causeway), a motif taken from the story of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk illustrated in the famous bas-relief at Angkor Wat. In the center of the walled enclosure are the city's most important monuments, including the Bayon, the Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas and the Terrace of Elephants.

Bayon, the Bayon takes an easy second places after Angkor Wat.  The smile of  the four-faced Bayon has become a world-recognized  symbol of Cambodia. The towering faces, reaching up to four meters in height, adorn the Bayon Temple at the exact center of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. As many as 216 faces on the 54 remaining towers each represented one province of Khmer empire in the ancient time. 

Have dinner at a local restaurant, then check in to your hotel. Overnight at Apsara Angkor Hotel or similar.

DAY 2 Banteay Srey - Pre Rup - Ta Prohm - Angkor Wat 

Banteay Srey, which loosely translates to citadel of the woman, but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings.  Banteay Srey Displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple. The temple’s relatively small size, pink sandstone construction and ornate design give it a fairyland ambiance.                                

Pre Rup, an architecturally and artistically superior temple-mountain.  Beautifully carved false doors on upper level, as well as an excellent view of the surrounding countryside. 

Ta Prohm, of similar design to the later Jayavarman VII temples of Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei, this quiet, sprawling monastic complex is only partially cleared of jungle over growth. Intentionally left partially undestroyed by archaeologists, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors. Flocks of noisy parrots flit from tree to tree adding to the jungle atmosphere. Ta Prohm is well worth an extended exploration of its dark corridors and open plazas. This temple was one of Jayavarman VII’s first major temple projects and was dedicated to his mother. Ta Prohm was originally constructed as a Buddhist monastery and was enormously wealthy in its time, boasting of the control of over 3000 villages, with thousands of support staff and vast stores of jewels and gold. 

Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It is a massive three-tiered pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rising 65 meters from ground level.  Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of any visit to the temples of Angkor.

In the evening, enjoy dinner with a cultural show at a local restaurant. Overnight at Apsara Angkor War or similar.

DAY 3 Preah Khan - Neak Pean - East Mebon - Psah Ja Market - Siem Reap - Bangkok

Preah Khan,  a huge, highly explicable monastic complex, full of carvings. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1,000 monks for a short period. It was also the residence of King Jayavaman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. The Buddha Image were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence.

Neak Pean, means “coiled serpents’ from the uncoiled Nagas that encircle the temple. The temple is faced by a statue of a horse, Balaha, saving drowning sailors. Neak Pean may have served an absolution function and the waters were thought to have healing properties.

East Mebon, This temple was dedicated in 953, approximately 50 years after construction of the Baray. The Baray has since dried up, giving the temple an impression of greater height which has led some to confuse it with the temple mountains which were the kingdom's state temples. The temple consists of three tiers and is in the Pre Rup style. Visit Les Artisans ‘d Angkor Chantiers Ecoles to observe students learning traditional wood and stone carving and finishing techniques, styles and forms. Of special interest is the traditional polychrome finishing technique that is being practiced at the school. Polychrome imparts a unique patina to stone and wood pieces. Free tours of the school. Souvenir shop featuring carvings produced at Chantier Ecoles and high quality silks from the Angkor Silk Farm

Psah Ja market, the old market is on the riverside of Siem Reap and next to Ta Prohm Hotel.  It is the primary place to purchase reading materials, food, fresh, vegetables, fish and fruits.  Vendors on the riverside of the market offer guide-books, histories and picture-books.  The market opens in early morning around 8.00 am. Selling fresh fruit, noodle soup, fruit shakes, rice, meat, and dried fish that are very popular in Siem Reap.

Late afternoon return flight from Seam Reap to Bangkok.

Wild Planet Adventures' Ankor Wat Extension package includes:

• - All transfers and transportation
• - English speaking guide
• - Entrance fees
• - Meals as outlined in final itinerary
• - Hotel based on twin sharing
• - Return flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap if needed (for an additional charge)