This morning begins your exploration of the Angkorian temples. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Return to Siem Reap for a break during the midday heat.
This afternoon, visit Ta Prohm temple, unique in that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples.
From either temple, it is not far to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m-high wall, drawing a perfect square. Enter the city through an impressive ancient stone gate carved with three-headed elephants and capped with four giant faces.
Continue to Bayon Temple in the center of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 39 towers with enigmatic faces looking out over the vast provinces of the Great Khmer Empire.
Tonight, experience Dining for a Cause, a gastronomical exploration of Siem Reap that focuses on restaurants with a social mission to benefit the people and communities of Siem Reap.
At the first stop, order any drink from the menu and any one appetizer while learning all about the organisation’s efforts and accomplishments.
Enjoy a family-style dinner of various Khmer classic dishes at a restaurant that follows a different business model, directing their profits both to employees and to various organisations. Learn about its efforts while dining. Along with food, order a soft drink, beer, or glass of house wine.
After dinner, go to a tropical garden restaurant run by an organization that operates a hospitality training school where all the restaurant workers learned their trade. Learn about how the program runs and its achievements while enjoying a creative cocktail, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.
The final stop of the evening is an education social enterprise set up by a not-for-profit NGO with the mission of Breaking the Poverty Cycle Through Education and operated by the students who are served by the program. As the final stop is located on Night Market street, either walk down the lane to enjoy some late-night shopping or entertainment or take the remork back to the hotel.
Overnight : Siem Reap
Meal : Breakfast | Dinner