Day 1 Siem Reap★Meeting Day
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Today we'll be in Siem Reap, Cambodia, home to the world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is renowned for its magnificent architecture and intricate reliefs, making it the largest temple in the world. Upon arrival, we'll be met at the airport by our professional guide and a private car, where we'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.
丨Support visa on arrival service
If you choose the China-TravelNote visa-on-arrival service, please tick this option when registering (fees are not included; the Cambodia visa-on-arrival fee is 280 yuan per person). After landing at the airport, go to the arrival hall and look for the staff holding the China-TravelNote sign. After submitting your passport and relevant documents, you can quickly go through customs and collect your luggage without waiting in line. Your original passport will be delivered to the hotel the next day and returned to you by the tour guide.
How to get to Siem Reap
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, Cambodia, airport code SAI
1. Currently, there is only one direct flight from Kunming to Siem Reap, which is China Eastern Airlines.
2. In addition, you can choose to transfer flights in Kunming, Bangkok, Singapore, etc.
3. If you purchase a connecting flight, please note that there should be a certain amount of time between flights: generally more than 3 hours. This will prevent you from missing your flight due to delays.
丨World Heritage Archives
World Cultural Heritage
Angkor
In 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee designated the entire Angkor complex as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Angkor Wat, the culmination of the Angkor complex, has become a shining tourist attraction for Cambodia. Angkor Wat, also known as Angkor Temple, is located in northwestern Cambodia. Its original name was Vrah Vishnulok, meaning "Temple of Vishnu." Ancient Chinese texts refer to it as "Sangxiang Buddha House." It is the best-preserved temple in the Angkor complex, renowned for its magnificent architecture and intricate reliefs. It is also the largest temple in the world. For over a century, countries around the world have invested heavily in the maintenance of Angkor Wat to preserve this World Heritage site. The shape of Angkor Wat has become a national symbol of Cambodia, featured on the Cambodian flag.
Day 2 Angkor National Museum → Tonle Sap Lake → Klong Bang Luu Village → Floating Forest Cruise
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Today we slept until we woke up naturally to get enough rest, then slowly enjoyed breakfast in the hotel and enjoyed the leisurely holiday atmosphere.
After lunch, we first visited the Angkor National Museum. The Angkor National Museum covers 10,000 square meters, 5,000 of which are dedicated to art and paintings. The collection showcases authentic masterpieces from various periods of the Khmer Empire. The museum's design embodies a blend of macro-inspiration and micro-innovation. From a distance, the museum's roof recalls the ancient pagodas of Angkor Wat. A closer look reveals that details like the long corridors, archways, and window inlays, while deeply inspired by Angkor Wat, are infused with modern elements, attracting numerous visitors to explore and examine the rich legacy of Khmer culture.
We then travel to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, and explore this tranquil floating village by boat. This village, described by ancient people as a "paradise away from the world," is a special bonus: a floating forest cruise. We'll delve into the heart of Tonle Sap Lake and board a wooden boat to enter the floating forest. This is the same experience Nicholas Tse and G.E.M. Deng Ziqi shared in "Chef Nic," where we'll experience the unique natural scenery of Siem Reap amidst the mangroves.
Day 3 Ta Prohm Temple → Preah Khan Temple → Angkor Thom → Bayon Temple → Phnom Bakheng (Angkor Wat Grand Circle)
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Our magical Angkor journey begins with a visit to Ta Prohm Temple, a filming location for the film "Tomb Raider." Its python-like roots are woven into the temple, creating a remarkable sight. Over 500 years, a Kapok tree has grown thickly around the temple's entrance, its roots spreading outward in all directions, its tangled webs entwining the stupa and temple walls like a giant python, a truly remarkable sight. We then proceed to Preah Khan Temple, a major temple in Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Its rectangular walls are 800 meters long and 700 meters wide. Four approaches lead to the temple, and at its entrance stand several Asuras and Asuras depicting the churning of the Ocean of Milk while holding serpents. One of Angkor's largest temples, it boasts intricate arched corridors, exquisite carvings, and moss-covered boulders.
After lunch, we'll travel to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Also known as Great Angkor, it's the heart of the Angkor complex. Its walls stretch 14 kilometers in circumference and are surrounded by a moat. We'll continue to the Bayon Temple, the heart of Angkor Thom. Composed of 49 towers of varying sizes, the Bayon boasts a unique design: each tower is engraved with the three-meter-tall smiling face of King Jayavarman VII. Over two hundred smiles emerge from the lush greenery. Their proud brows, balanced nose, warm, full lips, and benevolent demeanor give rise to the Khmer smile.
In the evening, we will go to Phnom Bakheng. Phnom Bakheng is about 70 meters high and is the highest point nearby. It is the best place to watch the sunset over Angkor Wat. The golden halo of the sunset overlooking the ruins such as Angkor Wat hidden in the jungle from the top of the mountain is very unforgettable.
Special notice: Phnom Bakheng is a popular sunset viewing spot. The temple limits the number of people entering to 300. During the peak season, you will need to wait in line and there is no guarantee that you will be able to enter.
Day 4 Angkor Thom Sunrise → Angkor Temple → Khmer Cooking School (Angkor Wat Small Circle)
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
Enjoy a packed breakfast at the hotel and head to Angkor Thom early in the morning to await sunrise. Afterward, we'll continue our tour of Angkor Wat, the largest and best-preserved structure in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat, commonly known as Little Angkor, represents the peak of Angkorian art. Built in the mid-12th century as a deity dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it became a Buddhist temple in the late 13th century. Widely considered the world's largest religious structure, Angkor Wat boasts not only grand scale and symmetrical form, but also exquisite relief carvings. It embodies the pinnacle of Khmer classical architecture and is even featured on the Cambodian flag as a symbol.
We'll then visit the Khmer Cooking School. Khmer cuisine's blend of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors is captivating. Like Thai cuisine, Khmer dishes also feature unique seasonings, many of which are unique to Southeast Asia and even Cambodia. Our instructor will explain the basics of seasoning and demonstrate the cooking process. Afterward, we'll get to try our hand at cooking and finally savor our creations. The whole experience is incredibly enjoyable.
The afternoon is free at your leisure. If you haven't seen enough of Angkor, your three-day pass still grants entry to the scenic area, allowing you to explore it at your leisure. You can also shop for local souvenirs at the Old Market in the city center, or experience a Cambodian spa treatment at a unique massage parlor.
Recommended Siem Reap Massage: ① [Bodia Spa]
This is a low-key high-end SPA club that provides body essential oil treatments, facial massages and foot massages. Before the massage, guests can choose their favorite essential oils such as ylang-ylang, ginger or lemongrass. The natural smell can make people relax physically and mentally, which is very enjoyable.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation ① [Khmer Kitchen Restaurant]
This popular Khmer restaurant in Siem Reap serves delicious Khmer and Thai dishes. The red-checkered tablecloth-covered restaurant looks clean and cheerful, with generous portions that cater to travellers. The waiter who takes your orders also speaks fluent English.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation 2: The Red Piano
This is a famous bar and restaurant in Siem Reap. Angelina Jolie often visited here while filming Tomb Raider, and her photos and signature are adorning the walls. The restaurant is housed in a two-story French-style building with over 100 years of history, and the food is highly praised.
Siem Reap Restaurant Recommendation 3: The Blue Pumpkin
Located on Pub Street, this restaurant is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and the ice cream is highly recommended. The open-air dining area, with its grassy lawns, wicker chairs, and teak umbrellas, exudes a relaxed atmosphere. The upstairs, with its all-white furniture and couch-style seating, exudes a simple yet stylish aesthetic. They specialize in baked goods, Khmer cuisine, and more.
Day 5 Banteay Srei → Roluos Group → Beng Mealea (Outer Circle of Angkor Wat)
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
After breakfast, we'll drive to Banteay Srei, a jewel in the crown of Angkor art. Its vibrant colors and exquisite reliefs captivate the senses. Unlike the blue sandstone used in most Angkor monuments, Banteay Srei is constructed with Khmer red clay and slightly pinkish stone, resulting in a vibrant color. Its walls, columns, lintels, and other architectural surfaces are almost entirely covered in relief carvings, leaving no gaps. The intricate and rounded shapes and delicate, graceful lines of these reliefs are truly breathtaking.
Then we will go to the origin of Angkor architecture, the Roluos complex. The Roluos complex is a masterpiece of Indravarman I. It is one of the earliest large-scale temples built by the Khmer people and marks the beginning of the Khmer classical art era.
After lunch, we'll visit Beng Mealea, one of Angkor's most enigmatic temples. Completely lost in the wilderness, Beng Mealea offers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of Angkor Wat amidst the dense jungle ruins. It's a worthwhile yet difficult-to-reach site within the Angkor complex. While its scale and design are nearly identical to Angkor Wat, it's still shrouded in dense jungle, preventing a full view. Arriving at Beng Mealea, you'll find it resembles the temple it was when foreign explorers first discovered Angkor: severely collapsed, shrouded by trees, and with no access to the surrounding area. Those who've seen the movie "Tomb Raider" will undoubtedly remember Ta Prohm Temple; while it evokes a sense of wonder, Beng Mealea offers a truly breathtaking experience.
Day 6 Siem Reap (★dismissal day)
All day
丨Itinerary presentation
It was a morning without a morning call, so we slept until we woke naturally. For lunch, we planned to enjoy Chanrey Tree Cuisine (Note 1), a restaurant not to be missed in Siem Reap. Its taste, ambiance, and service are among the best in Cambodia, and it's even more famous because David Beckham has visited. The dishes are a fusion of Western and local cuisine, exquisite and flavorful, with an unforgettable taste. After lunch, our wonderful trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, concluded in due course.
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