An Angkor Insiders Experience by Vintage Jeep

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to your elegant hotel, which was once the home of royalty. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Stroll through the manicured hotel gardens, relax under the frangipani trees beside the magnificent architect-designed pool or perhaps enjoy a massage to ease your way into your holiday. At 7 PM meet your guide for your welcome dinner.

This morning, start your day of sightseeing with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, the most picturesque and atmospheric ruin at Angkor complex . Take your time with your private guide through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance where you will rejoin our driver.

Then, pay a visit to Angkor Thom, a perfectly-preserved walled city that served as the Capital of Cambodia from the 12th to the 16th century. At the time it was bigger than any European city. Guided by a renowned archaeologist, learn about Khmer history, culture, archaeology and civilization as the stories contained in the bas-reliefs and murals are brought to life.

Today, we take a journey to Phnom Kulen, one of Cambodia’s most sacred mountains with deeply revered pagodas and ruins on its high plateau which overlooks the plains below. There are quite a few steps up, but you’ll be able to pause to catch your breath and take in the excellent views. Having paid your respects at the Preach Ang Chup Pagoda, step into the jungle of Phnom Kulen National Path, on an old hunting trail that winds through the vine-covered trees until it reaches the River of 1000 Lingas, an array of unique riverbed carvings, and nearby Preah Ang Thom, a huge stone Buddha carved into the top of a rock set in a bustling but atmospheric temple complex.

After exploring this National Park, we will head to Elephant Sanctuary where you will spend time learning about elephants as you follow them through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. After all the crawling, you will appreciate a local lunch in the forest.

Today, We travel back in time to one of the earliest capitals in the Angkor area, Hariharalaya, now known as Roluos. There are three key Hindu structures that remain: Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will walk approximately 3 km as you explore these peaceful ruins, meeting villagers along the way.

Then, we head to Kompong Pluk and aboard your private boat, visit a floating village, built entirely on stilts in Tonle Sap, the lake at Cambodia’s centre. See the little school, Buddhist temple and shops before puttering off to a floating fishing village, and a flooded forest, where – if water levels are high enough – you can pass amongst the branches by boat. The voyage will finish around mid-afternoon, leaving the rest of your day at leisure.

This morning, commence your day of sightseeing with a visit to Beng Mealea temple, located about 60 kilometers from Siem Reap. Along the way, we pass through the orchard, country landscape and natural sites. After arriving at the temple, let explore with your guide to the jungle-covered temple of Beng Mealea, with its Hindu-Buddhist fusion. You will have time for an in-depth exploration of this temple, taking an unusual route to see parts of its ruins that are seldom visited.

Later, we drive to the intricately carved and well-preserved Banteay Srei – the detailed reliefs on this smaller sandstone structure are regarded as the finest and most skilfully crafted in Cambodia. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings, which have been preserved remarkably well.

In the afternoon, we enter more remote temple of Banteay Samre, built by Kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early part of the 12th century. This Hindu temple was built in the same style as Angkor Wat temple. Your expert guide will decipher the myriad of stories behind the bas-relief carvings and give you insight into life during the height of the Khmer Empire.

Today, we explore rural villages and learn about the daily lives of the local people. You will be a world away from Siem Reap – it’s a perfect opportunity to get ‘off the beaten track’ and gain a better understanding of Cambodian rural life, along with insight into traditional Khmer culture, something few visitors are lucky enough to experience.

Afterward, we ventured into the wonders of Cambodian culinary by going to a village cooking class. Prepare to visit local markets, village life, and landmarks while whipping up delicious dishes. Cook with a private chef in their countryside kitchen, whilst learning the story beyond Cambodia cuisine.

Rising at the crack of dawn, taking a deep breath and get ready to experience the once-in-lifetime- experience when you can see the most beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat. Enjoy the stunning views and learn how the rising sun brings the temples to life. Then head down to explore the ancient temple at its most atmospheric, bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun. We’ll head into the inner sanctum of Angkor Wat to admire the carvings and architecture of the temple.

After having lunch, your guide will take you to the airport. Please arrange your departure flights any time from 15:00 onwards in order to fit in with our itinerary departure.