TOUR 007 – FULL DAY TOUR – BENG MELEA & BANTEAY SREI

TOUR 007 – FULL DAY TOUR – BENG MELEA & BANTEAY SREI

ü  Depart hotel 08:30

ü  Arrive Beng Melea 10:00

ü  Depart Beng Melea 11:00

ü  Arrive Batchum Restaurant 11:45

ü  Arive Banteay Srei 13:20

ü  Depart Banteay Srei 14:20

ü  Return hotel 15:00

Tour Inclusions: Based on a standard sedan car with air-conditioning, including English-speaking guide and driver, entrance fees, 2 bottles of chilled water and cold towels (morning and afternoon).

SIEM REAP 007-FULL DAY TOUR – BENG MELEA & BANTEAY SREI

A tour for those wishing to travel through the countryside and look deeper into the study of Khmer history temples closer to Siem Reap.

Depart hotel 08:00. Located 65km from Siem Reap, it is a pleasant 1.5 hour drive through the Cambodian countryside to reach the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Melea. Constructed in a distinctly Angkor Wat style by King Suyavarman II in the early 12^th century, Beng Melea preceded and may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat. Contrary to Angkor, few carvings or bas-reliefs are evident. Today the temple is largely overrun by vegetation and the stone walls are crumbling which adds to its charm in a unique way. In recent years accessibility has improved as elevated walkways have been set up throughout most of the temple, although to see every nook and cranny does require a sense of adventure as you will need to climb over stone blocks or walk through narrow passageways.

Continue your journey, 45 minutes (20km) towards Banteay Srei where you will have lunch in a local restaurant. (Bangthom, Banteay Srei with budget).

After lunch, head to Banteay Srei temple. This red sand-stone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carving which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide and excellent insight into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. Ti was built in the 10^th century by a high-ranking Brahmin (rather than a king) and was dedicated to the Hindu got-Shiva. Return to Siem Reap 36km (35mins). (It is advisable to wear study, walking shoes with a decent grip).