Siemreap with Angkor Wat

Once a sleepy town full of farms and small shops, the increase in tourists over the past 15 years has brought an international feel to the town. Modern hotels, internet cafes, and international restaurants are a welcome treat after a day spent exploring the temples in the Cambodian heat. Yet, Siem Reap retains its small town charm and visitors who take the time to explore the town and its surroundings are rewarded with a deeper insight in to Cambodian culture and lifestyle.

Foremost amongst the Temples of Angkor is the 12th Century temple of Angkor Wat itself. Taking the lengthy sandstone causeway across the temple’s huge moat transports visitors into a world of Hindu and Khmer legend and artistry. Your Grandeur Journeys guide will explain the stories behind the stunning bas reliefs that line nearly a kilometre of the complex’s inner walls. From here, enter the main temple through the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas and, if the steep and perilously narrow steps don’t deter you, climb the central tower representing the Abode of the Gods, Mount Meru, for superb views over the temple and surrounding countryside.

We journey on through the magnificent South Gate of the fortified city of Angkor Thom to the Bayon, where more than 200 massive stone faces of the Hindu deity Avalokiteshwara make for one of Angkor’s most dramatic sights. Walk the Terrace of Elephants nearby, and explore another of Angkor’s remarkable experiences: the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm, where gigantic snaking roots wind in and out of the pavilions, corridors and crumbling walls of a grand structure which once boasted over 600 resident dancers, now reclaimed by towering jungle trees and screeching flocks of parrots.

It's worth to take a half day excursion to explore the Tonle Sap Lake, a natural wonder full of floating villages and mangrove forests. Cruise on this enormous lake, visiting floating villages complete with schools, restaurants and even a hospital! Witness school children getting to school by their own unique form of public transport - a row boat!

Although a two night stay is the sufficient amount of time for exploring the temples, we suggest a longer stay to truly experience Siem Reap and its many wonders.