Welcome to Siem Reap, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Upon arrival, collect your luggage and meet our local driver, transferring to your hotel to complete check-in procedures. The rest of the day is free at leisure to get settled into this charming little town. Shoppers will love browsing artisanal handicrafts at Artisans Angkor while those who just want to soak up the lively ambiance can watch people with a cocktail in hand at Pub Street, a collection of open-air market stalls, restaurants, and boutique bars. 

Overnight in Siem Reap. 

Don’t skip breakfast this morning as you’ll need all your energy for a full day of exploring the most fabled temples in Angkor Archaeological Park’s short circuit. 

First on the list is the impressive ancient fortress city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12^th century. Built in an almost-exact square layout and surrounded by an 8-meter high 12 kilometer long stonewall with five entrance gates, the impressive gates are carved with three giant faces, while the causeways are flanked by sculptures of 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right.  

Continue to the Bayon Temple, the centerpiece of the Angkor Thom complex, renowned for its 54 towers decorated with 216 mysterious stone faces. Proceed to Baphuon Temple nearby. This 11^th century pyramid–style temple was probably amongst the most impressive of the Angkor temples in its day. Climb its steep stairs to the upper terrace of the temple, taking in the great views from there, ending the morning part of the tour with visits to the Elephant’s Terrace and the Leper King’s Terrace, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Rest during a delicious Khmer-style local lunch before the moment you have been waiting for, magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The 12^thcentury architectural masterpiece took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at its grandest. Crowned by five towers with elaborate bas-reliefs and detailed statues, let yourself be enthralled by this world wonder and national symbol of Cambodia. Return to your hotel for a much-deserved rest. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Have another delicious breakfast at the hotel and gear up for a full day of adventure in Angkor Archaeological Park. 

First stop is the famous “Tomb Raider” temple, the picturesque Ta Prohm, largely overgrown by jungle vines, and the less visited temples of Banteay Kdei and Takeo nearby. Banteay Kdei translates to “a Citadel of Chambers”, and lives up to its name as a photogenic temple made up of a fascinating maze of chambers, while Takeo is the first temple built entirely in sandstone during the reign of King Jayavarman V (968 - 1001). As one of the tallest monuments within Angkor, its five sanctuaries are placed atop a 22-meter high stepped pyramid, showcasing excellent views of the surrounding area. 

After lunch, travel into the countryside to a hidden gem of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei, the only temple constructed from pink sandstone. Due to its remote location, the temple is often passed over by visitors but it’s arguably the best-preserved monument of the entire Angkor complex, with extra fine bas-reliefs too. 

As you return to Siem Reap, stop by the charming temple of Preah Khan. While Ta Prohm was built to honour King Jayavarman VII’s mother, Preah Khan was built for his father. Preah Khan is less crowded and not as renovated as Ta Prohm, therefore offering more of an “Indiana Jones” experience. 

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure, perhaps trying out a pampering body treatment at any one of Siem Reap’s highly praised and affordable spas.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Free at leisure before transferring to Siem Reap International airport for your upcoming travel arrangements. 

Optional: You’ll have the opportunity to visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk, home to approximately 3000 residents along the shores of Tonle Sap Lake and its surrounding mangrove forest. Let us know if you'd like to add this to your itinerary.

SERVICES INCLUDED

+ 3-nights hotel accommodation in twin/double share room (see Accommodation section for details)

+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ Service of English-speaking local guide on day tours (please enquire for other languages)

+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise

+ Entrance fees for Angkor Archaeological Park (3 days pass) 

+ Taxes and service charges. 

SERVICES EXCLUDED

+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)

+ Visa fees, travel insurances

+ Meals other than mentioned above

+ Early check-in or late check-out fees

+ Camera/video entrance fees (if any)

+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.)

+ Peak season surcharge and compulsory gala dinners on 24^th Dec and 31^st Dec

+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above. 

PAYMENT 

A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total booking is required within three (3) days from the date of confirmation. The balance payment is due 45 days prior to the tour commencement date. For bookings made less than 45 days, full payment is required. Bookings will be cancelled if payments are not received by the due date(s).

Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit cards. In addition to the total payable amount, credit card payments will incur a merchant fee of 1.6% for MasterCard and Visa, 2% for American Express. Any bank charges and merchant fees must be covered by the customer.

CANCELLATION

Confirmed bookings must be cancelled by the party leader in writing (by email) and this will only be effective once the written cancellation is confirmed by ATA Holidays. Cancellation will be subject to the following cancellation fees from the date the written cancellation is received:

• more than 45 days prior to the tour commencement date - 10% of total cost

• between 31 and 45 days prior to the tour commencement date - 25% of total cost

• between 16 and 30 days prior to the tour commencement date - 50% of total cost

• within 15 days prior to the tour commencement date or “no show” - 100% of total cost.

AMENDMENT

Requests for amendments to confirmed bookings must be submitted in writing via email by the party leader. While ATA Holidays will endeavor to accommodate all reasonable amendment requests, we cannot guarantee that such requests can always be fulfilled. If the requested amendments are possible, a revised quotation will be provided, which may include additional charges arising from the amendment itself, fees imposed by Third-Party Travel Providers, or administrative fees applied by ATA Holiday. In all cases, the following amendment fees shall apply:

• For amendments made more than 45 days prior to the tour commencement date: a charge of $100 per amendment for itineraries of less than seven (7) nights, or $200 per amendment for itineraries of seven (7) nights or longer.

• For amendments made within 45 days of the tour commencement date: the standard cancellation fees outlined above shall apply, and new arrangements will be charged at the prevailing rates.

No cancellation or amendment fees shall be applied in cases where changes arise due to a breach of contractual obligations or an error on the part of ATA Holidays, or when such changes are made by a Third-Party Travel Provider through no fault of the customer.