Sunrise at Angkor Wat and Temples of the Khmer Empire
In the morning, meet your Cambodian guide at 4:40 am for sunrise at Angkor Wat, part of the largest religious monument complex in the world and a masterpiece of carvings depicting Hindu legends. This remarkable site is one of the world's finest heritage treasures.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to relax.
Start the tour at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the last city of the Khmer Empire, covering 3 square kilometers and surrounded by a large moat and steep enclosure. The gate is especially striking with its four faces at the entrance.
Continue to Bayon, known for its many towers carved with faces on four sides. Dedicated to Maha Yana Buddhism, these serene and smiling faces represent the four noble minds of Buddha.
Drive through Baphuon, a Hindu temple built before Angkor Wat in the 11th century. Behind it stands a large Reclining Buddha added later in the 16th century.
Continue to the nearby Royal Palace enclosure with the Elephant Terrace, the Leper King Terrace, and Suor Prat in front of the gate.
Travel outside Angkor Thom to Ta Nei, built by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his ancestor.
Relax for lunch for one hour.
Go to Ta Prohm Temple on the small circuit road, where gigantic tree roots spread over the temple structures. It is also famous as the place where the Hollywood film company made the movie "Tomb Raider".
Proceed to Kravan Temple, built in the 9th century for the Vishnu god by King Isanvaraman I using brick, laterite, and sandstone. Inside the towers are pink carvings, and the temple once housed a holy Shiva Lingam, though only the Yoni of Uma remains.
