[an error occurred while processing this directive] Wonders of Ancient Angkor

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Angkor Wat at dawn

tour type: Heritage Sites
destination country: Cambodia

The temple ruins of Angkor represent the pinnacle of an ancient civilization. Even today, visitors continue to be awe-struck by the sheer magnitude of the monuments, their artistry and their refinement.

Wonders of Ancient Angkor is a unique tour of an ancient civilization offered exclusively by WorldGreatestSites to discerning travelers looking for a more intimate understanding of the wondrous Civilization of Angkor.

Wonders of Ancient Angkor tells the story of the emergence and eventual decline of the Khmer civilization, and the glorious monuments it left behind. Many of the routes we cover were mapped out by French archaeologists at the beginning of the 20th century. They allow the ruins to be explored in an organized fashion. At the end of this tour, you would have gained a clearer appreciation of ancient Angkor, one that goes deeper than just visiting heaps of stone and ruined temples.


Day 1: Tonle Sap, where it all began
On our first day after arriving in Siem Reap and having settled in, you are taken on a tour of Tonle Sap, the mammoth lake south of town. We will go on a boat ride, where you can catch a glimpse of the daily life of the Khmer people, a lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. The density of birdlife attest to a lake teeming with fish, and it was on its fertile shore, over a thousand years ago, that the Angkor civilization emerged.

Upon returning to shore, we are taken to the first of many Angkor temples: the ruins of Phnom Krom. It is located on top of a hillock, right on the shore of Tonle Sap. A bit of climbing is required, but those who made it to the top are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a vista of paddy fields giving way to houses on stilts and then the silvery expanse of Tonle Sap.

Returning to Siem Reap, you are taken to dinner of Khmer cuisine. Thereafter, you have the opportunity to explore Siem Reap town before retiring.


Day 2: Early Angkor
After breakfast, we start our tour of the earliest Angkor ruins. There are three located to the east of Siem Reap, in a place called Roluos. The ruins are called Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko. They were built in the late 9th century, when the Khmer capital first moved to the Angkor plains, and they exhibit the earliest forms of Angkorian architecture. The visit to these three temples takes up the better part of the morning. We adjourn to lunch thereafter.

In the afternoon, we explore the Angkor ruins along the route mapped out by early French archaeologists. We start with Prasat Kravan, a row of towers in a clearing. It is famous for being the only temple where the bricks are carved into sculptures. Then we visit Srah Srang, a man-made reservoir. We continue by visiting the sprawling monastery ruins of Banteay Kdei, and across the road from it, Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was featured in the movie Tomb Raider, and is one of the ruins which archaeologists have deliberately left "in the state of nature". As evening approaches, you proceed to Phnom Bakheng, another hill-top temple but bigger than Phnom Krom which we visited yesterday. Along the way to Phnom Bakheng, you pass through the ancient city of Angkor Thom - but will return to fully explore it another day. From Phnom Bakheng, you can enjoy a view of the sun as it sets over the Angkorian plains. You can see the towers of Angkor Wat peeking out above the trees.

This evening, we are treated to a sumptuous dinner with traditional Khmer dance performance. Traditional dances, suppressed during the Khmer Rouge era, has now made a resurging comeback. Appreciate how graceful the dances are, and what a pity they were forbidden during Khmer Rouge era.

Day 3: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
We start the day very early - around 5:30am - in order to catch sunrise over Angkor Wat. It is one of the highlights of our tour, and one we shouldn't miss. The rest of the morning is spent exploring Angkor Wat. It is the biggest and most exquisite temple in the whole region. Your guide will take you in, starting from the outermost court and work his way towards the centre. Along the way, he interprets the bas-reliefs on the walls - they are some of the most exquisite works of ancient art in the world. You are sure to be awed by the hundred-foot long galleries with their beautifully executed carvings. If you wish, you may also take a balloon ride to have a bird's eye view of Angkor Wat. This is an optional tour - our guide will ask you the day before if you are keen.

We adjourn to Siem Reap for lunch.

On the second half of the day, we visit Angkor Thom. This is the ancient city built by one of Angkor's last but most famous king, Jayavarman VII. In the middle of Angkor Thom is the extraordinary Bayon, probably the second most famous temple after Angkor Wat itself. This is the iconic monument with giant stone faces. The design of the temple is so amazing that from afar, it looks like a mountain - which is exactly what it intends to represent. But as you draw closer, the mountain transform into towers of stone faces. For that reason, it is one of the favorites among visitors to Angkor. In addition to the Bayon, you will also tour other places within Angkor Thom, including the Royal Palace grounds, the temple of Phimeanakas, and the Terrace of the Elephants, among others.


Day 4: Banteay Samre and Banteay Srey
The crowds of visitors at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom may give you a wrong impression, so today we will visit two exquisite ruins away from the beaten path. Banteay Samre, to the east of the main Angkor area, was built around the same time as Angkor Wat. It can be regarded as a smaller version of Angkor Wat. Another difference is that it is far less crowded here, so you can explore the temple without having to jostle with other tourists.

The last temple on our tour Banteay Srei. Not only the last, Banteay Srei is also the farthest and smallest of the Angkor temples, and yet, once you saw it, you'd realize that we've saved the best for last. also one of the most intricately carved. Every inch of the wall contains some of the best carvings in Angkor, providing a lasting impression of a remarkable civilization.

We return to Siem Reap for lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit a handicraft school, to see how present-day artisans are taught to create sculptures like those done by their glorious ancestors. The school provides apprenticeship in several lines of trades including stonework, silk weaving, etc.

We spend the rest of the evening browsing and shopping at the Old Market.


Day 5: Onwards to Phnom Penh
After breakfast, heading to the airport for our flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, meet by the local tour guide followed by visits to Royal Palace, the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum and casino, not forgetting shopping stop at Russian Market and Central Market. Lunch and Dinner at local restaurant. Tonight overnight at Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Home
After breakfast, we do a final round of shopping before heading to the airport for our flight home.

Booking Details

Accommodation in 4-star hotels

Flight by Malaysia Airlines from Penang and Kuala Lumpur

Group Size: minimum 15 persons, maximum 19 persons

English-speaking tour guide and tour leader throughout the tour.

Departure Date: 28 February, 2008

All meals covered.

All entrance fees included.

Travel Insurance included.

All transfers and accommodation included.

Tour guide tips included.

Total Price: RM2973 (Tour Price: RM2438, Fuel Surcharge, airport tax, tour guide tips: RM535)

Deposit RM500 to be paid upon registering

In order to book this tour, kindly contact Ms Pauline Teh at Mayflower Acme Tours Sdn Bhd, at pauline@mayflower.com.my or call 04-228 0260 or 016 443 9292. We assume participation from Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Participants from Penang flies to KLIA to regroup with participants from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Airlines offers the same fare for Penang and Kuala Lumpur participants. If you are from elsewhere, kindly contact Pauline to enquire about arrangements.

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Destination Gallery

Destination Gallery shows photographs taken at the destination of this tour. We must caution though, there there's nothing like seeing it in person. These photographs are meant to be a representation and should not be regarded as the actual scenes.


The floating village at Tonle Sap



The massive causeway entering Angkor Thom



Devotee paying homage to an ancient Buddha statue in Angkor Wat



Phnom Krom, one of the many ruins you will visit on this tour



Children playing inside the ancient ruins of Banteay Kdei



Siem Reap Old Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and guidebooks