Nearly 200 temples are scattered across 400 square kilometers just north of the town of Siem Reap. The Khmer temples date back as early as the 9'th century with structures added until the 15'th century. It is recommended that one spend at least 3 days exploring this UNESCO world heritage site.
Why Book with Tours of Exploration?
- We specialize in customized, personalized tours that can suit your needs, interests, and hobbies. Whether you are here for research, photography, or pursuing another hobby, we will ensure you leave your trip fully satisfied with how your vacation time was spent.
- We are very flexible with the length of the itinerary, and are able to provide for 4-day and 5-day schedules.
- We choose to work with local partners, not only to guarantee an immersive, culturally and naturally authentic experience; but also to economically support the area's local population.
- Book with confidence as deposits are risk-free and refundable.
2023 Departures Dates & Cost
Guided private daily departures from Siem Reap for group size 2 or more.
4 day Angkor Wat
Per person based on twin from Siem Reap $ 720 USD
Based on 4 star accommodation (superior room)
5 day Classical Cambodia
Per person based on twin $ 890 USD
Based on 4 star accommodation and includes domestic flight in Cambodia
A Visa is required for entry to Cambodia. This can be obtained on arrival in Phnom Penh. The fee is $ 20 USD. One passport-sized photo is required.
Longer journeys throughout Cambodia and Indo-China combination tours are available on request.
Itinerary: 4 day Angkor Wat
Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (L,D)
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel (4 star - superior). Visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89), are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with his active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Lunch at hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Angkor National Museum, the first museum in Siem Reap presenting a unique collection of invaluable art objects from the ancient Khmer Kingdom to have a deeper understanding of customs, traditions and different beliefs of the ancient empire. Visit Banteay Srei temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer Art. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
Day 2: Siem Reap (B,L,D)
In the morning, visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), Baphuon (recently re-opened after years of restoration), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch at hotel.
Visit Senteurs D’Angkor and experience the authentic scents and tastes of Cambodia through a range of traditional handmade products that help create jobs and incomes for impoverished rural communities. Delicatessen delights include spices, traditional teas, highland coffees and local rice liquors. There are also medical balms and natural massage oils as well as perfumed candles and incense. Then visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
Day 3: Siem Reap (B,L,D)
An early bird special: Transfer to the archaeological site for sunrise at Srah Srang reservoir (known as “The Royal Baths” it was once used for ritual bathing) and then early visit to the temple of Ta Prohm at dawn to discover this mystic temple in the early morning before the crowds come in. Ta Prohm is one of the area's most beautiful temples. It has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Return to hotel for breakfast. See the unique interior brick sculptures Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls). Visit Eastern Mebon (guarded at its corner by stone figures of harnessed elephants, some of which are still in a reasonable state of preservation) and the mountain-temple of Pre Rup. Lunch at hotel.
In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Dinner with Apsara Dance Show at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
Day 4: Siem Reap Departure (B,L)
After breakfast drive to the country side and take an ox-cart ride through the villages and the rice fields. At the end of your ride, have a fresh coconut drink with the family and do not hesitate to talk with the local people to get to know more about their lives. Then take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia and visit a floating village. The village moves with the water level and during wet season houses are anchored around an island pagoda. Lunch at hotel.
Visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles”, this centre is working with young artisans; the team creates, produce and market a unique collection of ornamental sculpture, lacquer ware, silk weaving and silk painting. The company promotes fair, sustainable development in order to provide benefits to the rural communities. Time at leisure at the local market (if time permits). Transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to the next destination.
Itinerary: 5 day Classical Cambodia
Day 1: Bangkok – Phnom Penh (L,D)
Flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Lunch at hotel. Phnom Penh city tour: Visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90 kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset. Dinner at local restaurant and accommodation at hotel.
Day 2 - 5 Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B,L,D)
Flight to Siem Reap and see above Days 1 - 4 for the balance of the program.