Find out what happened in Angkor Wat for 600 years till 1932
During the centuries when the great builders of medieval Europe were raising magnificent cathedrals and massive fortresses, the Khmers were building Angkor on the other side of the world, which is still ten times larger than any European Cathedral. Over this incredible stone forest of temples, pagodas and palaces, still hovers the haunting mystery: what happened here?
Have you been to the heaven on earth, where reside the lingering past of the greatest city of the ancient world. This extensive structure was not just a city. It is still the largest temple in the world, with intricate cannel networks and reservoirs of its own. It has the largest water reservoir in the world. And, even in its shattered state, till date it boasts for its grandeur and sophistication. This earthly representation of Mt Meru, and Mt Olympus of the Hindu faith and the abode of ancient gods is called Angkor, rather known as Angkor Wat. Here, Angkor means city, and Wat means temple or pagoda, making it the largest metropolitan of the ancient world. Visit the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion, where the beauty encompasses the epic proportions of the Great Wall of China, detail and intricacy of the Taj Mahal and symbolism and symmetry of the pyramids.
Over this incredible stone forest of temples, pagodas and places, still hovers the haunting mystery; what happened here? On a January afternoon in 1861, a French naturalist, Henri Mouhot was hacking his way through the almost impenetrable jungle of Cambodia when, suddenly, he burst into a cleaning and stopped dead in his tracks. Before his astonished eyes loomed the outlines of a colossal stone structure. Its long grey battlements appeared to stretch into infinity, magnificent terraces and galleries vaulted upward, and five towers shaped like lotus buds soared into the heavens. Touched by the setting Sun, whole grey structure burned fiery red. Mouhut got immersed in the beauty of the temple, and kept exploring mammoth structure – which he called ‘a rival to Solomon’s. Excitedly he recorded his conviction that here were ‘perhaps the grandest, the most important and the most artistically perfect monuments the past has left to us’.
Mouhot’s estimate was not too inflated. After all, he had stumbled upon the enormous ruins of Angkor, the legendary capital of the Khmer Empire that stretched from the South China Sea to the Gulf of Siam – including all of present-day Cambodia, part of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam – and had embraced the most brilliant civilization ever to flourish in the South-east Asia. The Khmers soon came out from the oblivion, which were the marvel and curse of the Orient for 600 years, which disappeared abruptly and mysteriously in 1432, leaving little trace of the brilliant opulence of their empire, some 200 or more massive monuments in the Angkor area. But these stony testaments are of such magnitude and splendour as to dwarf the wonders of Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Over forty square miles of the Cambodian forest is covered with the ruins of the cities and temples built by Khmers, the greatest of whose rulers was King Suryavarman II, who in the twelfth century built Angkor Wat to be his own tomb. This titanic structure, whose acorn-shaped towers stand against the skyline like mountains of stones, marked the high tide of the Khmers. Explore the impeccable perfection, which can stand a bracketing with the Parthenon. This style of building, with giant towers encrusted with sculptures, truly reflect the nostalgia of the Khmers. At least, one classic experience of your life will remain undone, until you visit and scale the beauty of Angkor.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Phnom Penh Arrival (D)
Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial styles with French villas and large tree-line sidewalk. After the short rest you will visit the impressive colorful Khmer-style royal palace complex build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom. Nearby is Silver pagoda (the emerald Buddha temple), where contain plenty of Buddha Statues decorated and made by gold, diamond, gemstone and silver. We will stop at Independence monument and explore the National museum; a beautiful Khmer architecture building contains more than 5000 art antiques made by bronze, wood, gold, silver, copper, sandstone and others. We pass through the river-front park where 4 rivers met at a junction include mystical Mekong. Walk up to sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh – also the name of a pagoda and name of the capital nowadays. We will take a cruise to see the sunset on the Mekong and Tonle Sap River in the “Four Arms” section where the Mekong meets the Tonle Sap River before splitting into two branches. Enjoy the night time and overnight in Phnom Penh!
Day 2: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap by Express Bus (VIP Giant Ibis) (B/D)
Morning after breakfast, transfer to bus station for departure to Siem Reap!
Welcome by tour guide at bus station and transfer to check in hotel, take your relaxing time after long trip! We will pick up you to Pre Rup temple for a romantic sunset view. Welcome buffet dinner with Apsara Dance Show! Overnight in Siem Reap!
Day 3: Siem Reap (B/L)
After breakfast, explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings. Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty! Giant trees have grown here for centuries! Lunch at local restaurant!
Afternoon visit Angkor Wat temple, the founder of the temple was Suryavarman II who reined Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century to dedicate to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction. Have funny time at bars and pubs at Angkor night market! Overnight in Seam Reap!
Day 4: SIEM REAP (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel, morning visit Wat Thmei (Killing Field) contains a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are the remains of soldiers who died on a nearby battlefield. Come back to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. Lunch at local restaurant!
Afternoon visit Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap! Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here you’ll see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. Then visit Wat Bo founded in the 18th century, a highly respected pagoda contains very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be late 19th century and Local Market. Overnight in Siem Reap!
Day 5: Siem Reap Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel, free leisure until time transfer to airport for flight onward! Then on the way to airport, we will visit Puok, the real and original place of the Artisans d’Angkor silk, where you will see the full process of silk producing, from the silk worms munch on the Mulberry leaves to spin their cocoons which used to make silk warp. You of course will see the weaving work and purchase the high quality silk products as a beautiful Cambodia souvenir. Straight to Siem Reap Airport for flight onward!END THE SERVICES.
Inclusions
Exclusion
Hotels Used
|
Location |
Hotels |
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|
Superior |
First class |
Deluxe |
|
|
Phnom Penh |
Cardamom Hotel (Standard room) |
Juliana Hotel (Superior room) |
Intercontinental Hotel (Classic room) |
|
Siem Reap |
Angkor Hotel (Superior room) |
Angkor Paradise Hotel (Deluxe Pool View room) |
Angkor Miracle Resort (Deluxe Garden View room) |
Package Rate
USD 508 per person on twin sharing (Superior hotel)
USD 542 per person on twin sharing (First hotel)
USD 645 per person on twin sharing (Deluxe hotel)
GST 3.49% will be applicable
All the rates are subject to change at the time of booking
Terms & Conditions:
Note:
In Case of exceptional circumstances where we are not in position to provide Hotels mentioned, shall offer similar Hotels
All tourists are advised to take comprehensive Insurance of their own
The timings given in itinerary and program may change without notice, keeping in mind local development
Visit to all Museums in program are subject to their remaining open on day of visit as per rules of competent authority
All Cost quoted are in Indian National Rupee
All expenses which are not included in the cost of package shall be paid directly by tourist at the time of checkout
The festival dates in India are based on Hindu system of astrology which is subject to the movement of moon in relation to earth. Therefore, there may be change in dates of festival by one day. We may alter the program by one or another to visit the festivals
All wildlife national parks remain closed from July till September due to monsoon
Supplements will be charged extra during festivals or fairs
Standard check-in time is 1400 hrs & check-out time is 1200 noon
Any hike in Govt. Taxes, Fuel etc., will attract a surcharge, to be paid prior to the departure date
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