Visit to Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people. If time permits, continue to visit other temples in the area.

Visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of Khmer Empire with its centre piece; the Bayon temple. As you approach, you will notice the enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII looking into every direction. Your guide will take you to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds detailed carvings winding along a narrow passage way that leads to the Baphuon complex. If time permits, continue to visit other temples in the area.

Visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling. If time permits, continue your visit to more of the Angkor ruins, possibly including Preah Khan, Neak Pean, East Mebon, located on an islet in the centre of the Eastern Baray, and Ta Som, a Buddhist temple built in the late 12th century and in a ruined state.

Drive about 45‐minutes to the countryside, stopping en route to visit a local village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 1.5‐hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake (the best times are from July to February), also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, fish farm, crocodile farm, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives. Drive back to Siem Reap Town.

Today you will start with a short drive to the Roulous temple group. The ruins of Roulous are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century reign of King Indravarman I. Witness the evolution of these magnificent temples from the early days of the Khmer empire up to its peak with the Angkor temples in the 13th century. There are three key Hindu structures that remain at Roulous; Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko, which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will peacefully explore the temples and soak up the local atmosphere away from the crowds. Walk a total distance of 3km from one temple to another and meet local friendly villagers on the way. Transfer back to Siem Reap town.

Mr. Aki Ra has endured a turbulent past as a soldier and ever since Cambodia’s freedom from war, has dedicated himself to help the Cambodian people by clearing the mines which have been left behind. He has been using only a knife and a sharp stick to clear mines for the past 15 years and stored all of his findings in his museum which opened in 1999. It is home to a large number of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and shows maps and videos of demining activities. Mr. Aki Ra and his late wife have brought into their home over 20 children, all landmine victims, who are being taken care of and help him with the interpretation of his museum to visitors. Enjoy a tour of the museum with one of the local guides and learn more about the stories which can be confronting but important in understanding Cambodia’s recent history. The entrance is free although any donation to the museum is highly appreciated.

Located 65km from Siem Reap, it is a pleasant 1.5 hour drive through the Cambodian countryside to reach the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Mealea. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas‐reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways. Transfer back to Siem Reap. It is advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes with a decent grip

Siem Reap’s most recognized floating village, Chhong Kneas, is extraordinary in many ways. During the dry season, when the water levels of the Tonle Sap Lake recede, most of the floating villages recede with the water. The stilt houses remain and form the village of Chhong Kneas. When the rainy season hits its peak and the lake expands, the boats come back to Chhong Kneas and form a maze of waterways and trade. Start the day with an easy yet enjoyable bicycle ride of a total of 12km (7 miles) through local villages along the Siem Reap River. Board a local boat and observe a range of activities on the water, which varies from children pedaling their boats to school to women doing their laundry at their doorsteps. A catered lunch is set up at one of the local houses where you will be able to learn more about the local way of life. Visit the local school, the crocodile and fish farm and the biodiversity centre before disembarking. In the afternoon, climb the stairs to Phnom Kraom. This short climb leads to the top of a small hill overlooking the floating village and the entire Tonle Sap surroundings. An ancient temple, built in the late 9th century provides shelter from the sun and offers picturesque images. Walk back down the hill before you will depart for Siem Reap.

Situated a 2.5 hour drive, north‐east of Angkor Wat, Koh Ker was built between the 8th and 10th centuries. Koh Ker functioned briefly as the capital of the Khmer Empire between 928 and 944 A.D. when King Jayavarman IV moved the capital there from Angkor. Few people venture out to this impressive temple site as it is tucked away deep into the jungle and was largely inaccessible until 2007. Nowadays a road has been built and the mines have been cleared by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) and the temples are slowly coming back to life again. Start the day with a visit to the CMAC centre and receive a briefing from a member of its demining team to learn more about their activities. Continue with a two hour drive to the temple site that passes through picturesque rural areas. Upon arrival at the temple site you will enjoy a picnic. After lunch, start exploring the 30 meter high pyramid‐shaped temple, which is reminiscent of the pyramids in Egypt. Climb to the top of the temple and admire a sweeping view over the surrounding plains. Return to Siem Reap in the afternoon. (Road conditions to Koh Ker may vary according to the season and can be bumpy in the wet season)

Depart for Banteay Srei temple this morning. This red sand‐stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its' walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god ‐ Shiva. Continue on a pleasant drive through the countryside to Beng Mealea, a sprawling jungle temple constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12th century. It preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas‐reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. Accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see all corners does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shady surrounds of the temple before transferring back to Siem Reap for 1.5 hours. (It is advisable to wear sturdy, walking shoes with a decent grip)

Located 40km north of Angkor Wat, the Phnom Kulen mountain range provides Siem Reap with water and dominates the skyline of the flat plains surrounding it. Although the highest peak of the mountain range lies at only 487m, Phnom Kulen has much to offer visitors. The Cambodian people regard the site as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II claimed independence from Java there in 802 A.D. Travel in the morning by car through the countryside to Phnom Kulen and start the rather steep climb up by car. On top of the mountain you will visit a modern style pagoda that offers stunning views over the Angkor area. Visit the eight meter tall statue of a reclining Buddha and wash your hands at the Linga statue to purify your mind and body. Continue to visit the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall close to it. Take a refreshing swim in the stream and pool of the waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch served in a natural setting. If time allows, take a stroll around the area with your guide and venture off the beaten track to take in the impressive forest and scenery. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.