Weekend Getaway to Siem Reap

During your time in Siem Reap we can arrange privately guided specialist tours to show you the best of city, Angkor Wat and the Khmer temples in the region.

The Rolous Temples are among the oldest Khmer monuments in the area, dating back to the 9th century and the reign of King Indravarman I. There are three key Hindu structures that remain: Lolei, Bakong and Preah Ko which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will walk approximately 3km as you explore these peaceful ruins, meeting villagers along the way.

Phare Circus works mainly with disadvantaged young people. They learn circus skills, theatre performance, music and a range of visual arts. It combines local traditions with new creative and innovative genres. Daring athleticism is combined with stories that speak powerfully to Cambodia’s not-too-distant history; for example, escape from tyranny is depicted through tightrope walking. The dark subject of a young girl trying to deal with memories of atrocities, is depicted by breathtaking acrobatics in which seemingly impossible goals are achieved. More than simply a circus, Phare is an amazing blend of traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion beautifully choreographed and performed in a story about Cambodian lives and society.

Travel by road to Srah Srang and then continue to Ta Prohm, pausing to collect your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. Take your time to walk through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance where you will rejoin our driver. From the Northwest of Ta Prohm, walk 15 minutes through the forest to the seldom visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple all to yourself. Pause for a light breakfast around this peaceful area before exploring further. End the morning at Ta Keo temple, known as the 'mountain with bronze peaks', and admire its five-tiered pyramid structure.

Travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. You have the choice of either walking along the path along the city wall to the Death Gate or continuing around by road. En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, you'll stop briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng. Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, past Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the city. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces. Your guide will point out the most interesting of the detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era.

Enjoy sunset drinks at Angkor Thom whilst sailing on the complex's vast moat.

Visit Angkor Wat, one of the modern wonders of the world, and watch the sun rise behind this ornate temple. Be amazed by the sheer size of the temple and learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries, around the time when Angkor Wat was built. Stroll through the intricately carved hallways that show hundreds of fine carvings and discover small shrines still in use today by the local people.

This afternoon, travel to visit Neak Pean Temple which sits in the middle of Jayatataka Baray, the last great reservoir at Angkor. Ta Som is a small, classic, Bayon-style monastic complex consisting of a relatively flat enclosure, face tower gopuras, and cruciform interior sanctuaries, much like a miniature version of Ta Prohm. Next, we journey to the great Preah Khan (meaning "holy" or "sacred sword"), an extensive Buddhist complex, full of carvings, long winding passages, and great photo opportunities. The temple served as a monastery and centre for learning for King Jayavarman Vll. Preah Khan is a firm favourite among photographers and the late afternoon light is the perfect time to capture its beauty.

Spend the afternoon exploring some of the more fascinating corners of the Old Town of Siem Reap. With your guide, visit artisan craft shops, Wat Damnak and explore the bustling maze of undercover stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, household goods, fabrics and souvenirs.

Transfer this morning to Banteay Srei. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. Built in the 10th century, it was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Visit Banteay Samre afterwards, a structure often compared to a mini Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century, the temple served as a Hindu temple.