The Khmer Empire and the Sacred Phnom Kulen

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights
Routing: Siem Reap (Cambodia)

From the mythical birthplace of the the Khmers on the heights of Phnom Kulen to 4 centuries of monuments from bricks to sandstone, discover the treasures of ancient Angkor and the Khmer empire.

In the early morning, meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation before beginning your expedition into the early Khmer Empire at Rolous.

Hariharalaya (last Kingdom before Angkor 9th century)
Preah Ko, 879 AD, erected by Indravarman I to deify his ancestors. The reliefs on the front towers relate to male gods and the rear ones are devoted to females.
Bakong, 881 AD. Indravarman I created this sandstone temple, devoted to Shiva, in the Mt. Meru (quincuncial or five-mountain) style representing the Hindu idea of the universe.
Lolei, 893 AD, was built on an island in a reservoir. There are beautiful sandstone carvings in the temple's niches.

In the afternoon, following the migration of the Khmer capitols, travel back into the Angkor area.

Second Angkor capital (early classical period, 10th century)
Prasat Kravan, 921 AD. Unusual in that is was not constructed by royalty. Many sandstone carvings of Vishnu relate myths of his incarnations.
East Mebon, 952 AD, is a temple made on an island in a former reservoir. The base of the temple is guarded at the corners by stone elephants.
Pre Rup, 961 AD, was erected by Rajendravarman II in the quincuncial style. Pieces of the original plaster still remain on one of the towers. Beautiful lintel carvings are also a highlight.
Takeo, beginning of 11 th century, is the first Angkorian structure built entirely of sandstone. It seems more spartan than other temples as its decoration was never completed because the sandstone proved to be particularly hard.

First Angkor capital (King Yasovarman, 889-900)
Phnom Bakheng, end of 9th century. This mountain-top temple is an excellent place to view the sunset. One can catch a glimpse of Angkor Wat from here as well.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: See Below
Featured Attractions: Preah Ko Temple, Bakong Temple, Lolei Temple, Phnom Bakheng Temple, Prasat Kravan, East Mebon Temple, Pre Rup Temple, Takeo

In the morning, drive out to the mythical birthplace of the Khmer Empire and source of the Siem Reap River.

Phnom Kulen is the most sacred mountain in Cambodia as it was here that Jayavarman II declared independence from Java. At the top of the mountain is a wat with a large reclining Buddha carved in sandstone.
Kbal Spean, or River of a Thousand Lingas, is a riverbed full of carvings, mostly of lingas (the Hindu symbol of masculinity) and gods. Bathing in the river is believed to bring fertility and good luck.

In the afternoon return to Angkor to visit:

Banteay Srei, 967 AD is the jewel in the crown of the Angkor temples. The most beautiful and intricate carvings reside here in this outlying temple.
Banteay Samre lies at the corner of the Eastern Baray. It contains a central temple and two libraries.

NOTE: Swimming suits and good walking shoes are advised for this day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: See Below
Featured Attractions: Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean, Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre

After breakfast visit:

Chong Kneas Floating Village, an entire community built on boats. Its position changes depending on the season. Sights of interest include a floating school, gas station and grocery store!

Third Angkor capital (11th century)
Baphuon, middle of 11th century, built in the ever-present Mt. Meru style. This was the center of the city before the construction of Angkor Thom. On the west side of the temple is a huge reclining Buddha of brick.
Phimeanakas, early 11th century, also known as the Celestial Palace. This former residence of kings is memorable for its two large bathing ponds. The smaller one was for the king. The larger pond was for his wives.
Northern & Southern Khleang, beginning 11 th century, are called "The Storerooms", but the title hardly does them justice. There are many beautiful carvings and are believed to have been built to receive foreign dignitaries.

Kingdom of Jayavarman VII (1181-1219)
Terrace of the Elephants, end of 12th century, was built as a reviewing stand for the king to view ceremonies and parades. It is marked by splendid carvings of elephants and celestial dancers.
Terrace of Leper King, end of 12th century, contains an unusual statue that was believed to have been of an Angkorian king who had leprosy. Now it is widely held that the statue is of the Yama, the god of death.

Afternoon:

Kingdom of Suryavarman II (1113-1150)
Angkor Wat, first half of 12th century, is the most famous sight in all of Cambodia. This temple maintains some of the most breathtaking murals in the entire complex. Panoramic views from the top afford views to other temples. The upper reaches of the complex represent the Hindu idea of heaven.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: See Below
Featured Attractions: Chong Kneas Floating Village, Phimeanakas, Northern and Southern Khleangs, Baphuon, Terrace of Elephants, Leper King Terrace, Angkor Wat

After breakfast spend the day exploring the monuments of the last great Angkorian king.

Kingdom of Jayavarman VII (1181-1219)
The South Gate of Angkor Thom is an awesome sight. Giants and Gods line the road leading up to the gate. The Gate itself is crowned with four large faces facing in the cardinal directions.
Bayon, late 12th century, is one of the most popular attractions in Angkor . This large temple contains many well-preserved bas-reliefs and carvings of a benevolent face.
Ta Prohm, early 13th century, has been left to be reclaimed by the jungle. Trees grow out of some walls and ceilings. The overgrowth of vegetation and the mazelike interior lead one to feel like a true explorer.
Preah Khan is full of mysterious passageways and spectacular sights of mammoth trees erupting from sandstone walls.
Neak Pean, end of 12th century, consists of a central pool and four peripheral pools once used for purification rites. An island in the central pool contains a tower encircled by two nagas (divine river serpents).

Transfer with your guide to the airport and fly to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Featured Attractions: Bayon, South Gate, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean