Day 1: Arrival Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed temples of Angkor. You will be greeted by your local English speaking guide, who will accompany you to your hotel for check in. Settle in and some at leisure to refresh. This afternoon, get your first glimpse of Angkor. Enjoy the spectacular view from above and get an idea of the sheer size of the temple area as you ride in a tethered helium balloon that takes you 120m up in the air! See Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and rice paddies glimmering in the best evening light. From there, depart on a sightseeing tour of the legendary Angkor Wat. Built during the rdeign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone cavings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating temple. Construction is thought to have take around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia’s national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. A welcome dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak Restaurant will introduce you to the unique and fresh flavors of Khmer cuisine. Cuisine Wat Damnak was founded on the simple concept of using only local fresh seasonal produce with which to create exquisite Cambodian food. The Head Chef and owner Joanne’s Riviere has a reputation as one of the top chefs in Cambodia and is the author of the book, Cambodian Cooking, one of the first cookbooks on Khmer Cuisine. Overnight in Siem Reap.