Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap. Angkor Thom sightseeing.  Upon arrival in Siem Reap Airport, you will be met at the arrival lounge by our Tour Guide and driven to your hotel to check in and freshen up before starting your journey.  This afternoon you will visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the stunning Bayon temple.  This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlight is the “faces”, more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. PJ de Beerski wrote of them; “godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression.”

Day 2: Siem Reap. Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm sightseeing.  This morning explore Angkor Wat, arguably the largest religious building in the world, with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism.  Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag.  Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king.  It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well preserved.  Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides.  Each tells a story but the most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Sea of Milk, which is located on the east wing, and your guide will explain the associated mystical tale.  In the afternoon, you’ll explore Ta Prohm, built in the 12th century the temple has been left largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” by French explorers.  Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles and giant claws.  Continue to Preah Khan, “The Sacred Sword”, an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small ‘Baray’.  Preah Khan is the site of the World Monuments Fund ‘prime’ Asian project, a painstaking renovation whilst maintaining it’s mysterious allures and superb original structure.  Breakfast included.

Day 3: Lake Tonle Sap.  After breakfast, visit Tonle Sap Lake, as the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and the heart of the Cambodian fishing industry it is the lifeblood for millions of Khmers living on and around it. Every year during the monsoon season the flow of water from the Mekong River changes direction forcing water back into the Tonle Sap lake bringing nutrients that fertilise the rice fields and support the breeding of over 200 fish species and other life. You will board a comfortable boat to see the true way of life in one of the floating villages of the Tonle Sap, where you can see how Khmers and Vietnamese live and work side by side.  If time allows prior to your onward flight, visit to a development project teaching young adults, stone carving, wood carving, lacquer application. Artisans d’ Angkor is a heart warming reminder that progress in Cambodia can go hand in hand with traditional crafts.  Free at leisure until time to transfer to Airport for your departure flight.  Breakfast included.