Siem Reap is best known for its magnificent ruins of Khmer empire and home to the world’s largest and most spectacular religious monument and a UNESCO heritage site – Angkor Wat. But Siem Reap offers much more – from forest flanked rivers, floating villages, bustling food streets, Khmer spirituality to local contemporary arts scene.
Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
At 14:00 hrs, travel 30-45 mins away from Siem Reap town to explore the remarkable stilted village of Kompong Phluk on the Tonle Sap Lake. Nicknamed “bamboo skyscrapers”, the houses are built a minimum of five meters above dry ground.
This village has two very different faces. During the dry season, you can drive to and walk through the village but during the rainy season, the water level rises, and the surrounding forest becomes flooded, so you need to start your boat ride earlier and explore the forest by pirogue. Overnight in Siem Reap.
At 08:00 hours, be picked up from the hotel to experience a sacred Buddhist ritual of spiritual cleansing ceremony which begins with the monks chanting harmoniously as they wish you good luck, safe travel, and a long life. It is accompanied by a light sprinkling of water and at the end, your wrist is adorned with special red ties that signify the blessing performed.
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat is optional at a surcharge of SGD 25 per pax in which case Monk’s blessings will not be included.
Then, start by visiting the last capital of the Khmer Empire: Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century and deserted most likely during the 16th century. Inside its walls, visit the South Gate, Byon Temple, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue towards famous Ta Prohm, beautiful jungle temple taken over by nature and relatively untouched retaining much of its mystery.
Stop and relax for a nice lunch at Sala Russey, a local restaurant on the banks of the beautiful lake Srah Srang.
At 14:00 hrs, continue to the most famous of all temples: Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument named UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Return to the hotel.
At 18:30 hrs, depart for dinner at Phare café followed by Phare Circus – Siem Reap’s most authentic, energetic and uplifting evening show with an amazing blend of theatre, music, dance and modern circus – performed by the artists of Phare Ponleu Selpak – “the brightness of the arts”. A non-profit Association, PPS is transforming the lives of Cambodian youth by training them to build sustainable careers in performing arts. Founded in 1994 by nine young men who returned from the refugee camp after the Khmer Rouge regime, it is a true showcase of a community-based tourism project. Overnight in Siem Reap.
At 09:00 hrs, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles”, a centre is working with young artisans. The team creates, produce and market a unique collection of ornamental sculpture, lacquer ware, silk weaving and silk painting. The company promotes fair, sustainable development in order to provide benefits to the rural communities.
Continue to visit Phsar Chas, the old market in the French quarter, where you will have time for some shopping before lunch at a local restaurant and heading to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight.
Cost per person in SGD (twin share basis):
|
VALIDITY |
3 STAR |
4 STAR |
5 STAR |
|
Till Oct 2023 |
$ 780 |
$ 820 |
$ 1050* |
* A surcharge of SGD 200 pp applies during 21st Dec 22 – 2nd Jan 23 and 20th – 24th Jan 23
