This full-day private tour to Banteay Chhmar, one of Cambodia's most important and least understood temples from the Angkorian period, starts from Siem Reap. The temple complex, its moat, baray (reservoir) and surrounding unspoilt environment comprises a unique archaeological site and a vital link in Cambodia's cultural heritage.
Banteay Chhmar is the 4th largest temple dating from the Angkorian period. There are nine satellite temples as part of the temple complex. In addition, Banteay Torp, another intriguing temple well-worth seeing, is only about 12 kilometres south of the main temple.
After the tour finishes at Banteay Chhmar Temple, we will transfer back to your hotel in Siem Reap.
We will meet you at your hotel at 7:30 am with the mountain bikes. We will leave Siem Reap and follow some small bucolic roads west of the city. We will cycle through the countryside and cross villages. We will see temples, traditional houses and the daily life of the villagers at the markets and the farmers in the rice fields. At about 9:30 am, we will arrive at the village of Puok where we can visit the local market and the Silk farm, an applied research and vocational training center for all silk-related jobs which is part of Artisans d'Angkor from the Chantiers-Ecoles. This company was created to help young people to find work in their home villages and was quoted as a means to reduce poverty in the world by IMF and UNESCO. There, you will learn the silk production, from the silk-worm breeding to the weaving.
We will then continue our ride to reach the Sangkheum Center for Children, an NGO which provides a home for orphaned, abused or neglected children, as well as general education and selected vocational training. We will visit the center to learn more about their work and see the children in training in the workshops, the agricultural farm or practicing dance and music.
Afterwards we will go to the Western Baray, an ancient reservoir more than 2 km across and 9 km long with an average depth of 7 m. This huge construction was realized by King Yasovarman 1st (889-910), the entire expanse of water is contained within a levee of earth which forms a dike, shaded by large trees and with the forest of Angkor as its backdrop. At its present level, the water only covering two thirds depths of 4 and 5 metres - the remainder is currently rice fields. On the island in the middle of the Baray stand the ruins of the western Mebon temple. This temple contained formerly a gigantic bronze statue of Vishnu which is today exhibited in the National Museum in Phnom Penh. This artificial lake is now a recreational place for the locals who flock here on the weekend. We will have lunch in this lovely place and spend a part of the afternoon by swimming.
On the way back, we will stop at the small village of Banteay Chreu to visit the popular Buddhist temple Svay Romeat from where we can have a whole view of the surrounding countryside. Then, we will continue our ride along a quiet road to Siem Reap. We will arrive at your hotel at the end of the afternoon.
This is the perfect tour for those who are not keen to rise too early. By the time the sunrise watchers have left the scene you will arrive to appreciate the largest religious monument ever built – Angkor Wat.
Astonishing in the morning or afternoon light you will be able to photograph the temple from across the lotus pond and then continue to explore the many levels and intricately carved galleries.
Your dedicated and knowledgeable guide will provide all the necessary information to bring Angkor times back to life. This is another tick on your “bucket list” and an experience of a lifetime.
After having explored Angkor Wat we will transport your back to your hotel or accommodation in Siem Reap.
Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and join us for a pleasant sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake with a small group.
Start the tour at 2:30 PM as we pick you up at your hotel variable between 2 am and 2:30 pm. We will drive south of Siem Reap towards the Tonle Sap quay and stop en route to visit Wat Athvea, a 12th-century temple built by the same workers who have helped put up the Angkor Wat, although this spot is much less touristy! We will then take the boat ride through Chong Kneas floating village where you will get a chance to see village life along Tonle Sap’s floodplains. Enjoy a tranquil sunset at a secluded spot in the lake while enjoying a sip of local drinks. At the end of the tour, we take you back to your hotel after sunset.
The immense Tonle Sap Lake expands to 16,000 km² during the wet season, making it the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia. Stretching across the northwest portion of Cambodia, the lake serves as a major source of fish in the entire country of Cambodia. Apart from being an essential source of food for Cambodians, the lake and its floodplains also serves as important habitat for several species of water birds and other aquatic animals. Learn from your expert guide about the unique flow cycle of Tonle Sap Lake and how it affects upstream Mekong River and downstream Mekong River traversing Vietnam.