Angkor Wat Extension

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia. You will be greeted by your driver at Siem Reap International Airport and transferred to the hotel. Please look for the World Expeditions welcome sign as you exit the arrivals hall. In the afternoon, we venture out for our first encounter with the great ancient Angkorian temples. Roluos Group is the perfect place to start, a collection of monuments which represent the remains of Hariharalaya, the first major capital of the Angkor era Khmer Empire. The temples date back to the late ninth century and are believed to denote the beginning of the classic period in Khmer architecture. Bakong was the first of many mountain temples surrounded by a moat, representing the mythological Mount Meru. Overnight: Baitong Heritage Hotel or similar Note: Appropriate attire when visiting the Temples of Angkor bottoms to cover knees and tops to cover shoulders. these are sacred sites and revealing clothing is not allowed within the temple grounds. Visitors can and are frequently turned away from temples if not wearing appropriate attire.

Meals: Nil

Today is a full day to explore the most famous temple complex, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park. To beat the crowds we start early at Ta Prohm which unlike many other Angkorian temples has been left largely as it it was when first rediscovered - a photogenic and atmospheric maze of trees growing out of temple ruins amidst jungle surroundings. Continue on to the lofty heights of Ta Keo then through one of four mighty gatehouses into the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII and at the time was the most populous city in the world with 2m inhabitants. The crowning jewel of the city is Bayon at its epicentre. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, its exterior gallery walls featuring world class bas-reliefs and its 54 towers, decorated with 216 gargantuan faces. We'll break for lunch before spending the afternoon at the most incredible temple of them all, Angkor Wat - the ultimate expression of Khmer genius. Our wonderful temple day is capped off with a stunning sunset view across the Angkor Archaeological Park and its surrounds from the top of Pre Rup temple. This evening, enjoy a special treat with a performance from PHARE. The Cambodian Circus has long been famous for their performances, and this NGO teaching disadvantaged youths in performance arts is a regular at international circus conventions worldwide. Enjoy their interpretations of traditional folklore tales and modern life. Overnight: Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, we head south toward the vast wetlands on the edge of Asia's largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. The lake's size and depth increases with the annual monsoon rains by as much as six times and local people have found ingenious ways to live with the ever changing water world. Kampong Kleang is a stilted village settlement of over 20,000 people where structures tower up to ten meters above the water. Here you can learn about the lives of the subsistence fishing families who call this water world home. Following the morning tour, we'll return to Siem Reap. A transfer to the airport for your outbound flight is provided. Trip concludes Note: Flight should not depart earlier than 17:00. Note: From February to August, water levels on the Tonle Sap Lake can be decrease dramatically which may affect arrangements.

Meals: B