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SIEM REAP – A DAY IN ANGKOR WITH AN ARCHEOLOGIST

FULL DAY
Embark in a guided ride through the most beautiful monuments of Angkor with a worldwide famous architect-archaeologist. Visit the prestigious temple of Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Preah Khan, the central temple of Bayon, the impressive Baphuon, then the Phimeanakas and its viewpoint Terrace of the Elephants. In the late afternoon, drive to Ta Prohm, to enjoy a magical moment in the preserved temple of "ancestor Brahma".
SIEM REAP - A DAY IN ANGKOR WITH AN ARCHEOLOGIST
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    SIEM REAP – A DAY IN ANGKOR WITH AN ARCHEOLOGIST

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    IN CONSTRUCTION

    HIGHLIGHTS

    – Spend a full day tour by local Tuk tuk.
    – Visit the mains temples of Angkor : Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon and Angkor Thom.
    – Spend the day with an archeologist during the visit of Angkor.

    Join our wonderful tour to encounter the most impressive monuments of Angkor, guided by a worldwide distinguished architect-archaeologist.

    You will spend this adventurous day in the company of Olivier Cunin, architect-archaeologist and a true expert of Angkor and the Khmer temples. He will introduce you to the history of Angkor from the builders to the French archaeologists who restored the site. He is currently working on several restoration projects and has contributed to the latest inventory of the Banteay Srei site.

    Embark on a Tuk-Tuk ride to discover the legendary temple of Angkor Wat. It’s the most prestigious monument of Cambodia, both by its mythical architecture and impressive dimensions, comparable to the Forbidden City of Beijing. It was designed to reflect, in the Mortal Worl, Mount Meru, the celestial home of the deities.

    Then, you’ll continue to reach the temple of Preah Khan. Enigmatic in many ways, it was built by King Jayavarman VII who dedicated it to his father. You’ll wander through a maze of doors to reach some of the most beautiful sculptural treasures spared by time.

    Lunch will be served in a local restaurant on the site.

    In the afternoon, discover the great royal city of Angkor Thom. King Jayavarman VII built a laterite rampart forming a square of 3 kilometers on each side with an outer moat of one hundred meters wide to protect his city from invaders.

    After admiring the enigmatic gates of this city, you’ll reach the Bayon, the central temple of this fortified city. At first sight, this mysterious temple appears as a disorder of blackened stones but it’s actually a magnificent tangle of some fifty towers, revealing faces as you come closer.

    Walk around the site to explore the endless monuments including the Baphuon, one of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken by France, then the Phimeanakas located in the enclosure of the Royal Palace and finish at the Terrace of the Elephants where the king and his court attended the games and processions.

    In the late afternoon, drive to Ta Prohm, “the ancestor Brahma”, to relish in the magical atmosphere of the temple. It’s an authentic place, left untouched to preserve the memory of its natural state from the time it was discovered by the explorers who revealed Angkor to the West. Here, stone and the roots of century-old cheese trees intertwine in a beautiful romantic embrace.

    Useful Information
    Activity available everyday, departure 8am
    Pick up at your Hotel
    Private Tranfer
    Professional Guide

    Q&A

    Q&A

    Official Language: Khmer
    Capital: Phnom Penh
    Surface: 181 035 Km2
    Population: 16 204 486
    Currency: Riel (KHR)
    Telephone code: +855

    The RIEL is the national currency. But the US Dollar is also accepted throughout the country and prices are generally displayed in Dollars. The exchange rate is relatively stable: 1USD=4000 Riels. Warning: banknotes printed before 1990 are not accepted in Cambodia and their value decreases if the banknote is torn or scratched or graffitied or folded. In the case of a payment in Dollar, the change will be returned to you in Riel. The Euro and other foreign currencies are easily exchangeable in airports and markets.

    Credit cards are now widely used in tourist cities (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville) and you can withdraw Dollars. Cash withdrawals are possible in major cities in Laos, with a credit card (Visa or American Express). Payments are also possible in some hotels, luxury shops, or restaurants. But the cost of the levies (variables) remains quite high (3% commission). We recommend that you carry cash to cover your personal expenses throughout the trip.

    The Khmer kingdom of Cambodia reached its peak in the 12th century. Agriculture remains the dominant economic sector (57.6% of the working population). Cambodia’s main industries are clothing and tourism (more than 2 million in 2007/08). Oil and gas were discovered in the country’s territorial waters in 2005. Despite the extreme poverty of a large part of the population (31% below the poverty line), Cambodia has experienced strong economic development since the late 1990s, with an average GDP growth rate of 10% per year between 2004 and 2007.
    Cambodian cuisine blends Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and French influences. The food is based on rice and soups. There are more fish dishes (caught in the Tonle Sap or Mekong) and chickens than buffalo and pork meat. Among the many exotic fruits, mango and pineapple have a unique taste in Cambodia.
    Cambodia is surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Its area is of 181 035 km2 and its sea border, 443 km long, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It has three large mountain ranges: the Elephant Mountains to the south, the Cardamom Mountains to the west and the Annamite Cordillera to the east.
    State religion since 1989, Buddhism Theravada has 14.2 million followers, or 96.4% of the population. The other religions are Islam (2.1% of the population, most of whom are Chams), Christianity (1%, practiced by many Vietnamese and some Khmer). Most holidays are celebrated on the same dates every year, and some festivals like the Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and the Feast of Water follow the lunar calendar and move a few days before or after each year.

    No vaccination is required. However, it is recommended to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B (ask your doctor for advice). We advise you to bring your own:

    of a broad-spectrum antibiotic;
    of your usual medications if you are undergoing treatment;
    an anti-diarrheal and an intestinal antiseptic (Intetrix, Immodium…);
    a protective cream against mosquitoes;
    moisturizing sunscreen, lip stick;
    a healing ointment and a local antiseptic.

    Water is not drinkable in Southeast Asia. Avoid tap water, require bottled water. It is harmless and safe to brush your teeth, but do not drink it.

    The Khmer kingdom of Cambodia reached its peak in the 12th century when great temples were erected, but the struggles between Hindus and Buddhists, Khmers, Mon and Cham tore the kingdom apart. The Siamese gradually established their political control over the Khmers while the Vietnamese also sought to dominate and colonize Cambodia. In 1863, France offered its protection to Cambodia, once again threatened by the Siamese (Thais). King Norodom I accepted the protectorate and Cambodia became a French colony. It was only after the Second World War that King Norodom Sihanouk negotiated with France the independence of Cambodia, which was granted on 9 November 1953. 

    After 15 years of reign, the king could not prevent the Khmer Communist Party from starting the armed struggle in 1968. In 1970, a military coup d’état precipitated Cambodia into a civil war that ended in April 1975 when the Khmer Rouge seized Phnom Penh. The brutality of Pol Pot’s troops served as a pretext for the Vietnamese to invade the country in December 1978. 

    They left the country following international pressure in September 1989. In May 1993, multi-party parliamentary elections were held. A new constitution was ratified and Norodom Sihanouk was once again proclaimed king. In 2004, he abdicated in favour of his younger son Norodom Sihamoni, currently in charge of the kingdom.

    Khmer (sometimes called “Cambodian”) is the official language, with a clear majority; it is estimated to have 11.2 million speakers, or 83.6% of the population, according to 2012 figures, far ahead of Vietnamese (1 million speakers), Cham (475,000 speakers) and Chinese (438,000 speakers). It is mainly spoken in Cambodia and the neighbour regions of Thailand by the Surin Khmer (northern) and in Vietnam by the Khmer Krom.

    MINI GLOSSARY

    Hello : Sour Seday
    Goodbye : Ly hai
    Thank You : Orkoun
    Can I have the bill? : Som kotleuy
    How much does it cost ? : Klei ponman
    I don’t understand : Ort yol
    My name is : Kyom tchmo
    Where are the toilets ? : Bantop teuk neuy na ?
    I don’t understand khmer : Kyom atché pissa khmer
    Do you speak english ? : Tah nyek neeyay preesah ahng-lay tay ?
    Hotel : Santa Khear

    The mobile phone network now covers a very large part of Cambodia. You can therefore use your mobile phone in Cambodia, it is no longer necessary to acquire a chip when you arrive. In addition, the Internet has made its entry into daily life. Most tourist sites are equipped, hotels and restaurants have Wi-Fi.
    Cambodian craftsmanship has practically disappeared during the Khmer Rouge period and is slowly coming back to the surface. The country now offers a reasonable choice of handicrafts that can be found on the markets, in the shops or directly within workshops. The most popular souvenirs are silks and textiles, Kampot pepper, gold and silver jewelry, basketry and souvenirs from Angkor.
    Tips are not mandatory but are always appreciated. They should be used as a token of appreciation. If you are satisfied with the service, it is customary to tip the guide and driver. Plan about 3 dollars/day per person for a guide, half for a driver. Not tipping is better than giving a paltry amount that can be perceived as humiliating by some.
    No special rights to pay for photographing or filming in Cambodia, except in Angkor where the use of professional material is subject to authorization. In some places, photos are prohibited … thank you to carefully follow the instructions on this subject, to avoid any inconvenience.
    220 V with several possible socket types: two flat plugs, two round plugs or three plugs. Plan to bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are frequent throughout the country due to aging distribution network that is not adapted to today’s needs.

    On your way, you will often have the opportunity to meet local people. Wherever you are, be discreet and humble. The multiplicity of cultures and traditions means that certain attitudes are perceived differently in different countries. To avoid being disrespectful, take the time to understand the people you meet, take the time to make connections.

    There too, listen to the advice of your guide! He knows better than anyone the behaviors to avoid or adopt. For example, if you want to take a picture of someone, always ask them for permission. The best way for acceptance is to have established a prior contact. Similarly, do not distribute gifts at all … This often encourages children to beg, to avoid this kind of drift, it is better to refer to the local structures competent (donate to school, hospital, village chief etc.). Finally, be careful not to wear too light clothing (short shorts, cleavage …) and avoid exuberant behavior.