CHONG KHNEAS – KAMPONG PLUK 1 DAY TOUR
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Depending on the flood level of the Mekong the lake fills from or empties into the river for 6 months at a time. Beating to this seasonal rhythm the lake increases in area five-fold from 2,500 km2 (1,000 square miles) to over 13,000 km2 (5,000 square miles).
This pumping of water in and out of this heart of Cambodia maintains a rich level of nutrients enabling the lake to rank among the world’s richest fishing grounds. The trip to Tonle Sap is to learn about the lifestyle of people living on the water.
After breakfast, drive down to the floating village – Chong Khneas, 15 kilometers from Siem Reap town in the south. After arrival to the pier, take a boat and go through the Chong Khneas village for sightseeing, at this village not only the fish men’s huts are floating even the school and Catholic Church are also afloat, they built on pontoons, boats and bundle of bamboo. They move their residences several times a year follow the margin of the water up or down. Apart from
fishing for making a living, boat people farm fish underneath their huts, pigs, chickens and ducks in
cages and the crocs.
Kampong Pluk village located on the margin of the submerged trees of the greatest lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap. It is about 25 kilometers Southeast of Siem Reap Town. Two ways are accessible to the
area, a charter boat ride from Chong Kneas or the overland about an hour by car.
Over 3000 inhabitants are real Khmers, their households made of wood and bamboo built on stilts of about 6 meters to 7 meters high. During the dry season when the lake is low and lack of water those buildings look like the skyscrapers.
ANGKOR WAT 3DAYS TOURs
Angkor Wat – one of the most impressive temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is busy at any time of day, but early morning is the quietest time for us to explore and admire this architectural wonder and the world-class bas-reliefs. We enter the temple by the quieter eastern causeway. All being well, we should witness dawn alone (Please note the guides have a tendency to insist on talking through this magical moment and please be rest assured they will not be offended if you ask them to save the explanations till later). For the ‘serious atmosphere junkies’ no guide is a very nice option. Afterwards, following a brief
introduction to temple life and Suryavarman II, after all pictures taken nearby the pools we move up to the first level which contains the bas relief’s that feature the Hindu myths and real history of Suryavarman II. The reliefs are extensive and are the main feature of the morning’s outing.
An early start should allow us to see Angkor Wat undisturbed by too many visitors. Visit Prasat Kravan and Bat Chum if time permits.
Banteay Srei — Pretty In Pink
After lunch at the hotel we set off for our journey to Banteay Srei. Around 37km (45 minutes) from Siem Reap, Banteay Srei, finely carved in pink sandstone and decorated all over with deep and intricate carvings, is a site to behold and a firm favorite for visitors. Unfortunately it is quite difficult to avoid the crowds at this temple but the intricate reliefs of the Hindu God Vishnu make it worthwhile.
Relish the time spent here. Our route to Banteay Srei takes us through pretty villages and countryside where we can stop to see local agriculture and industry.
On our way back to town, visit the temple of Banteay Samre, built in a similar style to Angkor Wat. We may be lucky enough to enjoy this temple in solitary splendor as the day draws to a close. Take a walk along the old causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and nagas balustrades as the temple looms
Day 2: The Incredible Ta Prohm in Jungle and the Most Magnificient Bayon
Early start is always the best in tour. Just northwest of Ta Prohm, lies the rarely visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of exploring this beautiful Angkorian temple without any other people around. Return to Ta Keo Temple Mountain, where a climb to the top is rewarded by an expansive view over the surrounding forest.
From here we go to Ta Prohm where we can take a leisurely stroll through the temple from the east or north entrance to the west entrance to meet again with our driver (1–2km). Once home to 600 exquisite dancers, Ta Prohm is a wondrous site, with giant fig and kapok trees
strangling the ancient stonework in a photogenic interplay of man and nature.
Return to the hotel for lunch and perhaps a swim or massage.
Angkor Thom — the Great City of Jayavarman VII
After lunch we travel to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. Walk along the 8m-high laterite wall (500m) of the ancient city to the relatively unvisited and magical East Gate. The crematoria built against the outside of the city wall are best seen from up on the wall and give rise to the popular name of “Gate of Death”.
Switching our attention to temples that pre-date the city, we walk past the monumental Baphuon
temple and Phimeanakas, with its beautiful lakes, continuing through the shaded parkland behind the Terrace of the Elephants.
We move to Bayon,Jayavarman’s state temple at the center of the city. We start exploring the lower levels with bas relief carvings and gradually make our way to the inner walls where unfinished carvings were later completed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
Day 3: The Incredible Ta Prohm and the Pretty in Pink
Temples in the jungle: Just northwest of Ta Prohm, lies the rarely visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of exploring this beautiful Angkorian temple without any other people around. Return to Ta Keo Temple Mountain, where a climb to the top is rewarded by an expansive view over the surrounding forest.
From here we go to Ta Prohm where we can take a leisurely stroll through the temple from the east or north entrance to the west entrance to meet again with our driver (1–2km). Once home to 600 exquisite dancers, Ta Prohm is a wondrous site, with giant fig
and kapok trees strangling the ancient stonework in a photogenic interplay of man and nature. Return to the hotel for lunch and perhaps a swim or massage.
Banteay Srei — Pretty In Pink
After lunch at the hotel we set off for our journey to Banteay Srei. Around 37km (45 minutes) from Siem Reap, Banteay Srei, finely carved in pink sandstone and decorated all over with deep and intricate carvings, is a site to behold and a firm favorite for visitors. Unfortunately it is quite difficult to avoid the crowds at this temple but the intricate reliefs of the Hindu God Vishnu make it worthwhile.
Relish the time spent here. Our route to Banteay Srei takes us through pretty villages and countryside where we can stop to see local agriculture and industry.
On our way back to town, visit the temple of Banteay Samre, built in a similar style to Angkor Wat. We may be lucky enough to enjoy this temple in solitary splendor as the day draws to a close. Take a walk along the old causeway and be welcomed by the stone lions and nagas balustrades as the temple looms into view. If time allows, we may stop at a track that offers the most spectacular rice paddy views in Siem Reap, a welcome respite away from the crowds.