2-Day Angkor Temples – Hidden Treasures Tour

Day 1: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Bayon & Ta Prohm Temples

Today we will meet in the hotel lobby at 4:45am and travel to see Angkor Wat at Sunrise, the temple is considered the largest religious building in the world and is truly one of the wonders of the world. Believed to have been built as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II during the height of the Khmer Empire in the first half of the 12th century, Angkor Wat is the best preserved of the Angkorian temples. The central monument represents the mythical Mount Meru, the sacred mountain at the centre of the universe, which was home to the Hindu god Vishnu

We return to the hotel for breakfast and you can take some rest to recharge your energy for the next visit.

In the afternoon, we travel to Ta Prohm, it is unique in that it is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples – We head to Angkor Thom, first the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8 m high wall drawing a perfect square. You will enter the city from the ancient South Gate, an impressive stone gate carved with Elephants and four giant faces. And our highlight is the enigmatic and enchanting Temple of Bayon. The 54 towers are each crowned with the four faces of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion), which bear more than a passing resemblance to the king himself.

I would like to suggest you to get an online ticket for Angkor temples because you can save time without going to the Angkor ticket office. The process of ordering your Angkor ticket is quick and easy.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 2: Banteay Srei, Sacred Mountain of Phnom Kulen & Beng Mealea

Today after your breakfast, we will meet and greet you in the hotel lobby and head straight to Banteay Srei, Angkor’s ultimate art gallery. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as Fortress of the Women. The intricate detail here, considered too fine for the men’s hands.

We then continue to Phnom Kulen national park, considered the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. It was here that Jayavarman II declared himself a ‘god-king’ and gave birth to the Khmer Empire in AD 802. Declaring a unified Khmer Empire under a single ruler, it began what later would be known as the Angkor period, although the capital city would not be moved for another century.

You will explore several ruins, including the carvings of Yoni and Linga etched into the sandstone riverbed and the stone representation of the Hindu god Vishnu lying on his serpent Ananta, with his wife Lakshmi at his feet. Wat Pre Ang Thom is a focus of pilgrimage for Khmer during religious festivals and the large reclining Buddha carved into a huge sandstone boulder here offers spectacular views across the lush jungle. Nearby are impressive riverbed rock carvings, and a classic waterfall further downstream which is the perfect place to cool off after exploring.

After lunch break, we visit the lost temple of Beng Mealea, the titanic of temples, a sleeping giant lost for centuries in the forests of Cambodia. It is the most accessible of Angkor’s lost temples, a mirror image of Angkor Wat, but completely consumed by nature’s voracious appetite. Built in1113-1150, the forest has gone wild here and it’s hard to get a sense of the monument’s shape amid the intimidating ruins. After two wonderful days, we will take you back to the hotel or any other place of your choice.

See you again on your next trip!

Is there a temple you would like to see that is not listed here? Let us know and we can organize it for you!