Angkor Boutique Journey
Siem Reap, Cambodia
From $1,066 AUD pp (2 pax)
Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire, it flourished from the 9th to 15th centuries. The city houses the magnificent Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s popular tourist attractions.
Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. In addition to Angkor Wat they also include Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.
On this private tour enjoy a half day of art and culture followed by a beautiful sunset at an ancient temple.Visit the newly opened Panorama Museum where the curator of the museum will take you on a personal tour to see the exhibits. The centrepiece is a 360 degree panoramic mural that stretches for almost 120 metres. Painted by well-known skillful Cambodian artists the oil painting depicts the history of Angkor and provides a great introduction to the nearby temple complex. After watching a short film about the building of Angkor Wat, leave the museum and drive to the 9th century Phnom Bakheng Temple, just in time to watch the sunset. From this mountain temple admire the stunning views of the Tonle Sap Lake and Angkor Wat in the warm glow of the late-afternoon sun.
The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted from the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle.
Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.
Angkor Night Market was the first night market to open in Cambodia. The market consists of small huts built from natural materials and beautifully designed in Khmer style. There are 240 souvenirs shops which sell traditional Cambodian-made handicrafts such as clothing, silk, paintings, photographs, and jewellery, wood and stone carvings. After a tiring evening of shopping you can pamper yourselves with the original Dr. Fish massage, body and foot massage, spa or relax at the two bars. Angkor Night Market is a good place to shop and dine in a vibrant contemporary Khmer environment
Spend a fun day exploring the stunning Angkor scenery, ancient temples and experience local daily life by eco-friendly e-bike. After a short briefing, start up your e-bike and drive out of the town into the countryside passing by small rural villages and old temples. Take a break at an ancient reservoir and enjoy a refreshing drink. Stop for a while to explore Prei Monti, a small 9th century temple nestled among trees. As this is off the usual tourist trail you may well have the entire temple to yourselves. Continue driving through the east and southeast gates of Bakong Temple to a local open-air market. Before continue visiting the three temples that make up the Roluos Group. These are some of the earliest great temples and mark the beginning of the classical period of Khmer civilisation. They date from the late 9th century when they served as the capital of Indravarman. Bakong Temple is the largest of the three and is home to an active Buddhist monastery. Preah Ko Temple, also known as Sacred Bull, features Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorsteps of each temple. In Lolei Temple photograph the beautiful sandstone carvings in the niches and the Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorposts. After exploring the three temples return to your hotel.
Support the Made in Cambodia Market and discover unique locally made souvenirs, live music and delicious street food.
Made in Cambodia Market where a colourful array of arts, crafts and food is on offer. This is your chance to purchase fine quality artisan products and luxury goods produced by a new generation of talented Cambodians. Social enterprises and NGOs as well as internationally recognised artists and designers display a variety of unique items including jewellery, clothes, textiles, handicrafts and artworks. Here you can pick up unusual souvenirs and presents knowing that your purchases are benefiting the local people either through direct income or skills development. When you’ve had enough of retail therapy stop to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, watch the live entertainment and street performers or take part in an artist’s workshop. Grab an ice cold beer or smoothie and sample some of the delicious local snacks and delicacies that are on sale.
After having performed in many countries around the world, the young and talented artistes from the famous Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang have now brought their exciting and energetic circus show to Siem Reap. Watch this unique show which combines traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion. The beautifully choreographed and energetically performed show tells a story about Cambodian contemporary life in an ever changing society.
