Morning: Arrival at Siem Reap airport, then transfer to hotel. Visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom (12th century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, the Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in the area, as it has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

Lunch at local restaurant

Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosing wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Watch sunset over Angkor Wat from the summit of Phnom Bakheng.

Dinner at local restaurant and return to the hotel.