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Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm - Siem Reap based tour of the most important Cambodian temples including visits to Tonle Sap water villages, Kulen Mountain and Beng Mealea.

Day 1 - Arrival, Rolous Group

Your guide will return as you finish lunch to discuss and agree the next few days' itinerary. As soon as you feel prepared we intend to make the short drive to see the Rolous group of temples to the East of Siem Reap.

Hariharalaya was the earliest Angkor capital in region and was built by Jayavarman II (the first God King) in the ninth Century. The principle temples here are Preah Ko, Lo Lei and the beautiful Bakong, the first temple mountain

Being the earliest Angkor capital this is a logical place to start and a quiet place to sit and understand the background to the Angkor dynasty.

Day 2 - Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bakheng sunset

After breakfast we intend to head (back) to Angkor Wat, ranked number 2 of all the 'wonders of the world'. It is the largest religious monument ever built with a moat 200m wide and 5.5km long.   Aside from the huge scale and imposing architecture, the temple boasts many important bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and Angkor history.

We shall then explore Angkor Thom, in its time the largest city in the world and the political capital of King Jayavarman VII. We enter by the fascinating South Gate and see Bayon, Terraces of Elephants and Leper King, and the 'golden' Palace, Phimeanakas with its beautiful Royal baths.

Day 3 - Bantey Srei, Small circuit

Day 4 - Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea and rural Cambodia

After breakfast we shall drive to Kulen Mountain; the first holy city of Jayavarman II, the God King and the founder of the Angkor Period in 802 AD. This is one of the sacred mountains in Cambodia. In a river on the mountain we can see extensive river carvings. Thousands of Shiva’s Lingams were carved into the river bed in early 9th century to purify the water that runs over them.

We can also see a large Buddha statue (3m x 8m) carved from the rock. This dates from around the 16th century when Buddhism became popular in Cambodia. We will lunch locally.

In the afternoon we travel on to Beng Melea. This temple has only recently opened to visitors and is still half immersed in the jungle. It is a large temple and thought to be a forerunner (blueprint) for Angkor Wat. It gives a good feel for what the temples where like on their rediscovery by the French in the mid 19th century.

This day also provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience the Cambodian countryside. Rice paddies, sugar date palms and oxon make up a patchwork of beautiful images.

Day 5 - Tonle Sap water villages, Local carvings and silk weaving, favourite temple

Early start for a Tonle sap boat trip to visit the floating villages and see the surprising cultures of the people living there. It can be very photogenic at the lake, especially at day-break.

On our return to Siem Reap we would recommend visiting the Artisan's Center. There, poor and disabled people are trained for 3 years in the traditional skills of textile manufacture, stone and wood carving, after which they are able to make and sell high quality pieces for the international market and must return to their own villages to practice their art.

The rest of the day, until your departure is yours explore with or without your guide as you prefer. Either browse around the local markets or return to your favourite temple.

Private transfer to the airport for your departure.