Your Angkorian Journey
Ta Prohm morning By road to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), pausing to allow you to buy your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. Entering early ahead of the tour buses we will walk slowly through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance covering all the main points of interest before meeting again with our driver (1–2 km). A short journey by road brings us to the northwest of Ta Prohm where we can walk (15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. Given the early start today we will provide you a light breakfast in this beautiful temple area before exploring Ta Nei further. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore. A short distance away we will visit the vertiginous Ta Keo temple, known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, admiring its five-tiered pyramid structures. We return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch.
Angkor Guidebook pp 98, 104, 102, 100
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Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat morning By road to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), pausing to allow you to buy your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. Entering early ahead of the tour buses we will walk slowly through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance covering all the main points of interest before meeting again with our driver (1–2 km). Given the early start today we will provide you a light breakfast nearby either to the east of Ta Prohm or to the northwest forest near the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. A fifteen minute drive brings us to the east causeway of Angkor Wat. Constructed over a period of 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is by some measures the largest religious complex in the world. Originally a Hindu mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, it was converted around the C16th to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a Wcapacity in which it continues today. We return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch.
Angkor Guidebook pp 98, 104, 102, 64
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Angkor Thom in the morning Travel by road to Bayon at the heart of the Angkor Empire. Bayon is busy all morning but you have the best chance to explore in peace before the tour buses arrive. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces and detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era. Given the early start today we will provide you a light breakfast at a quiet spot before continuing our exploration of Angkor Thom City. Travel out to the East (Death) Gate of Angkor Thom where you can chose to walk (500m) along the path on top of the 8m high laterite city wall or we can ride around by road through a forest track to the Victory Gate. En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, you can stop briefly to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng. Begin again at the atmospheric Preah Palilay and walk (1km) through the shaded parkland behind the terraces, pass Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally return to Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the city. We return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch.
Angkor Guidebook pp 45, 37, 60, 56, 51, 40
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Angkor Wat Explorer – morning or afternoon If you have elected to visit in the morning there is no special advantage getting out of bed very early as this iconic site is predictably busy all day even from before the dawn. If you are an early riser and have made the effort to be in place for the sunrise we would advise you to also book a breakfast in the temples to save having to return to town before continuing your morning’s exploration of this great site. Constructed over a period of 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is by some measures the largest religious complex in the world. Originally a Hindu mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, it was converted around the C16th to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a capacity in which it continues today. Explore the well preserved central complex and world-class bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies and battles of the empire. The balance and composition of this artwork framed by the vast scale of the temple ensures Angkor Wat’s place as a crowning achievement in Khmer architecture. For a morning visit we will return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch. For the afternoon we will return by around 17:45 unless you have opted to finish your touring day with a cold Gin and Tonic in a boat on an ancient waterway while allowing the traffic back into Siem Reap to subside.
Angkor Guidebook pp 64
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Ta Promh after an early Raffles breakfast By road to Srah Srang and then Ta Prohm (11km), pausing to allow you to buy your entry passes at the Archaeological Park Entrance. We will walk slowly through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance covering all the main points of interest before meeting again with our driver (1–2 km). Without an early start this ancient monastery could be very busy with visitors. A short journey by road brings us to the northwest of Ta Prohm where we can walk (15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore. A short distance away we will visit the vertiginous Ta Keo temple, known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, admiring its five-tiered pyramid structures. We return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch.
Angkor Guidebook pp 98, 104, 102, 100
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Angkor Thom after Raffles breakfast We travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. For the East (Death) Gate you can chose to walk (500m) along the path on top of the 8m high laterite city wall or we can ride around by road through a forest track. En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, we will pause to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng. From behind the Terrace of the Leper King we walk the few yards to the atmospheric Preah Palilay, the starting point for our walk through the shaded parkland that was the Royal Enclosure of the city (1km). We pass behind the terraces visiting Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the Angkor Empire. Bayon will be busy at this time of the day. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces and detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era. We return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch.
Angkor Guidebook pp 34, 60, 56, 51, 40, 45
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Angkor Thom in the afternoon We travel by road to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom. For the East (Death) Gate you can chose to walk (500m) along the path on top of the 8m high laterite city wall or we can ride around by road through a forest track. En route to the Terrace of the Leper King, we will pause to see an imposing statue found in Bayon which is now displayed at Vihear Prampeilveng. From behind the Terrace of the Leper King we walk the few yards to the atmospheric Preah Palilay, the starting point for our walk through the shaded parkland that was the Royal Enclosure of the city (1km). We pass behind the terraces visiting Phimeanakas with its beautiful lakes, and the imposing Baphuon to finally reach Jayavarman’s state temple of Bayon at the centre of the Angkor Empire. Explore this important temple with its many captivating giant stone faces and detailed bas reliefs illustrating everyday life in the Angkorian era. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to Raffles by around 17:45 unless you have opted to finish your touring day with a cold Gin and Tonic in a boat on an ancient waterway while allowing the traffic back into Siem Reap to subside.
Angkor Guidebook pp 37, 60, 56, 51, 40, 45
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Ta Prohm in the afternoon WE will travel by road to Ta Keo, known as the “mountain with bronze peaks”, to admire its five-tiered pyramid structure and views over the surrounding forest. A short distance away we can walk (15 minutes) through the forest to the lightly visited temple of Ta Nei. There is a reasonable chance of having this beautiful Angkor temple to yourself to explore. A short journey by road brings us to Ta Prohm, known to millions as the Tomb Raider temple and for many a highlight of their Angkor visit. We will walk slowly through the temple from the West entrance to the East entrance covering all the main points of interest before meeting again with our driver (1–2 km). At the end of the afternoon we will return to Raffles by around 17:45 unless you have opted to finish your touring day with a cold Gin and Tonic in a boat on an ancient waterway while allowing the traffic back into Siem Reap to subside.
Angkor Guidebook pp 100, 102, 104
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Angkor Wat Explorer – morning or afternoon If you have elected to visit in the morning there is no special advantage getting out of bed very early as this iconic site is predictably busy all day even from before the dawn. If you are an early riser and have made the effort to be in place for the sunrise we would advise you to also book a breakfast in the temples to save having to return to town before continuing your morning’s exploration of this great site. Constructed over a period of 30 years during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is by some measures the largest religious complex in the world. Originally a Hindu mountain temple aligned to the spring equinox, it was converted around the C16th to a Theravada Buddhist monument, a capacity in which it continues today. Explore the well preserved central complex and world-class bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythologies and battles of the empire. The balance and composition of this artwork framed by the vast scale of the temple ensures Angkor Wat’s place as a crowning achievement in Khmer architecture. For a morning visit we will return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch. For the afternoon we will return by around 17:45 unless you have opted to finish your touring day with a cold Gin and Tonic in a boat on an ancient waterway while allowing the traffic back into Siem Reap to subside.
Angkor Guidebook pp 64
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Rolous Group – The first lowland Capital If you have elected to visit Rolous in the morning there is no special advantage getting out of bed very early as this site is never as busy as the central Angkor temples. If you are an early riser and have made the effort to be in place for the sunrise at Angkor Wat today we would advise you to also book a breakfast in the temples so that we can avoid returning through town when travelling on to Rolous to continue your morning’s exploration. We must travel around 30 minutes out of Siem Reap on National Highway 6 to reach the first lowland Angkor capital of Hariharalaya near the contemporary town of Rolous. Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong exhibit some of the first examples of architectural features found commonly throughout later Angkor temples. The earlier brick built prasats have some exquisite carved sandstone lintels and Bakong has a picture postcord perfect setting surrounded by a laterite wall and moat. For a morning visit we will return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch. For the afternoon we will return by around 18:00
Angkor Guidebook pp 96, 72
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Banteay Srei We travel across ancient reservoirs (long since devoid of water), through pretty villages and rice paddies to Banteay Srei [AD967] some 37km from Siem Reap. This beautiful pink sandstone temple is well-known for its intricate carvings, of which hardly any space is left untouched and its perfect state of preservation. This is one of the very few major temples not sponsored by a King and the obvious wealth and power away from the royal court hints at the troubles that would soon befall the Empire. If you have elected to visit Banteay Srei in the morning there is no special advantage getting out of bed very early as this site is rather busy all day. If you are an early riser and have made the effort to be in place for the sunrise at Angkor Wat today we would advise you to also book a breakfast in the temples so that we can avoid returning through town when travelling on to Banteay Srei to continue your morning’s exploration. On your return towards town, optionally you can choose to visit the temple of Banteay Samre, built in a similar style to Angkor Wat or the fascinating Pre Rup. For a morning visit we will return by road to Raffles by around 11:30am in time for lunch. For the afternoon we will return by around 18:00 unless you have opted to finish your touring day with a cold Gin and Tonic in a boat on an ancient waterway while allowing the traffic back into Siem Reap to subside.
Angkor Guidebook pp 82, 80, 92
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Temple solitude – Explore on foot Head into rural countryside in the Angkor Archaeological Park on foot for a half day country hike on flat terrain (around 5-7km) to some of our favourite secret and secluded temples. The walk begins along an ancient irrigation channel to the moat of Angkor Thom, the ancient city. Follow the walls in the shade of tall dipterocarp trees and pass through Angkor Krau village to reach Prasat Prei temple. This consists of a single tower plus a fire shrine, all enclosed by a laterite wall with gates to east and west. The entire compound is enclosed by a moat which is filled in the rainy season. Continue for a mile through bush and small paddy fields to the forest surrounding Prasat Banteay Thom temple. In the thirteenth century Banteay Thom would have rivaled many of the temples in the main Angkor complex but time and looters have taken their toll on the carvings. A surviving pediment worth noting is the young Buddha's 'Great Departure' on a horse. In the right-hand tower a large hole beneath a pedestal suggests that thieves had been searching for buried treasure, a common theme in remote temples across the country. There are no roads to Banteay Thom so you will most likely have the experience of an atmospheric temple to yourself. Important customer information We recommend you have good walking boots or trainers. The route crosses a couple streams, which you will likely have to walk or wade through. Along sandy paths the walking is not hard but 3 hours plus under the Cambodian sun requires a lot of rehydration, we recommend guests carry 2 litres of water for a half day walk. Light loose clothing gives protection from sun and insects and long trousers stop vegetation scratching legs.
Angkor Guidebook pp 34, 124
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Cycling Rather than cycle along the main busy road to the temples we will travel out by vehicle and collect our bicycles in the Archeological Park. The itinerary is flexible and can easily include cycling the ancient city walls or following paths through the surrounding forests. Discus with your guide the options and try to see some lesser visited sites. Typically we cycle around 10-12km, but we can increase or reduce this depending on your preferred activity level. Examples itineraries include cycling through Ta Prohm Temple or around Srah Srang lake, along the 8m high laterite wall of Angkor Thom, or through lesser visited temples within the centre of the ancient city. We have a support vehicle on-hand should you feel like a break. Important customer information We recommend you have trainers for today. Time under the Cambodian sun also requires a lot of rehydration, so we recommend guests carry 2 litres of water. Light loose clothing gives protection from sun and insects and long trousers stop vegetation scratching legs.
Angkor Guidebook pp 104, 98, 37
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Great lake – lifestyles and ecosystems – Ella Boat The great Tonle Sap lake is the richest fresh water fishing ground in the world, a national treasure producing an ever-changing landscape. Life on South-East Asia’s largest freshwater lake has adapted in ingenious ways to the annual rise and fall of water caused by the phenomenal back flow from the Mekong River feeding the lake during the monsoon, coping with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 10m stilts. Explore the margins of the lake aboard Ella, our custom wooden launch modeled on a traditional hull and finished to a high standard for private day touring. Travel by road to the west of town before boarding Ella to begin your exploration of Meachrey floating village, cruising along the waterways at the margins of the lake. Take the opportunity to climb onto a floating house to witness how a subsistence fishing family live.
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Siem Reap – driver and guide for your own itinerary A flexible half-day in the environs of Siem Reap and the Archaeological Park to explore as you wish, all within the surrounding 20kms of Raffles. For those interested in shopping we can visit Psa Leu or Psa Chas, local markets that have everything from fresh fish to house supplies, and a variety of souvenirs. For something more contemporary you can head to Kandal Village where several boutiques have set-up shop, or to the Artisans D’Angkor or Theam House of some truly impressive carvings and sculptures. If you are not looking to shop, head out to the Lotus farm or to the Angkor National Museum (entry fees payable direct), or even some other temple sites. On the far outskirts you could visit the Landmine Musuem, or the Butterfly farm. Discuss with your guide if there is something specific you have in mind.
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Samsara – lake sunrise, breakfast and bird watching Samsara is a 56ft classic wooden motor launch, designed for the highest standards of cruising and exploration of the narrow channels and changing water levels of the Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a threatened ecological wonder. “Sunrise waits for no man” Departing Raffles early and promptly we travel by road some 30 minutes to the port of Chong Kneas. There, we board Samsara directly beneath the stars or transfer to Samsara by small boat depending on the water level. As we motor through the channel to the main body of the lake you will have the rare spectacle of the activity of the floating village at dawn before we set cruise some 80 minutes across the lake to the mouth of the Sangké River. Tea and coffee will be served as soon as we set off with a light breakfast then available either on the sun deck or in the a/c dining room. Once we have dropped anchor off the protected bird reserve you may chose to explore the floating village by small boat, or enjoy the scenery and birdlife from Samsara’s sun deck. Optionally you can pay a small fee locally to enter the core bird reserve.
The return to Chong Kneas and then by road should get us back to Raffles before lunchtime. Ask for availability and private charter options.
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Samsara – Celebration cocktails and fine‐dining Samsara is the most stylish boat on the Tonlé Sap and the lake’s only finedining experience. This 56ft classic wooden motor launch was designed to meet the highest standards of cruising and exploration of the narrow channels and changing water levels of the Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and a threatened ecological wonder. What better way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or simply being on vacation together: Free-flowing cocktails and wine, a beautiful sunset over the lake and fine-dining by the chefs of Dinebeyond. Departing Raffles shortly after 3pm we travel by road some 30 minutes to the port of Chong Kneas where, according to the water level we will board Samsara directly at the dock or use smaller boats to reach Samsara in the floating village. An 80-minute cruise across the lake brings us to the mouth of the Sangké River where we will hold off the protected bird reserve to watch the birdlife, enjoy sunset cocktails and seasonally take small boats to go in search of fireflies in the back channels. Dinner will be served shortly after sunset in the air-conditioned dining room with free flow drinks throughout as we cruise back towards Chong Kneas. The dining room is the same width exactly as the famous Orient Express pullman and shares a similar sense of elegant intimacy.
The return to Raffles by road should get us back around 9:30 to 10pm. Ask for availability and private charter options.
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Countryside experience and celebratory villa dining An afternoon and evening exploration of the Cambodian countryside completed by fine dining and free flowing wine beneath the stars at Chandara Villa. We bring you on an adventure away from the tourist crowds, to an enchanting rural experience in the landscaped gardens of a private dining villa favored over the years by visiting personalities of stage and screen who value anonymity, service and discretion. Cross an ancient reservoir early in the afternoon by private boat to take full advantage of the many activities provided by the villagers of Kok Tnout as they share their culture. Explore the village by ox cart, select ingredients from our herb garden for an evening cocktail class and enjoy a foot massage, your drink in hand as the sun sets over the rice paddies. Five courses of Khmer celebratory dinner by candlelight are served by awardwinning chefs, before we return to Siem Reap around 21:00.
Five courses
Angkor Guidebook pp 126
Chandara Villa is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Ask for private events
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Countryside cooking class, exploration and fine villa dining A morning and evening exploration of the Cambodian countryside completed by fine dining and free flowing wine beneath the stars at Chandara Villa. We bring you on an adventure away from the tourist crowds, to an enchanting rural experience in the landscaped gardens of a private dining villa favored over the years by visiting personalities of stage and screen who value anonymity, service and discretion. Start the day with an award winning chef visiting local markets before crossing an ancient reservoir by private boat to reach Villa Chandara. This morning you will learn to create Cambodian dishes for your lunch. After lunch take full advantage of the many activities provided by the villagers of Kok Tnout as they share their culture. Explore the village by ox cart, select ingredients from our herb garden for a cocktail class and enjoy a foot massage. As we reach sunset, we begin five courses of Khmer celebratory dinner by candlelight, served by award-winning chefs, before we return to Siem Reap around 21:00.
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Chandara Villa is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
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Beng Melea and the stilted villages of the lake Explore the remote temple of Beng Mealea, often described as the blueprint for Angkor Wat. This languid sprawl of ruins predating Angkor Wat lays some 85km to the northeast of Siem Reap and provides a wonderful opportunity to lose yourself in an Indiana Jones-like setting. Improvements to the roads over the past fifteen years have introduced many more visitors to this site but it is still relatively lightly visited compared to the Siem Reap temples. The drive out also provides a good opportunity to view rural Cambodia away from the town and the temples. On the return towards Siem Reap we take the optional opportunity to visit one of the stilted villages – Kompong Khleang or Banteay Srie (dependent on water levels and the boat fee is not include) – for an understanding of contemporary lake life, stopping if we have time. The communities that live around the margins of the lake cope with huge seasonal variations in water levels by building their homes on floating bamboo rafts or 30 ft stilts.
Angkor Guidebook pp 116
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Beng Mealea and Koh Ker Located about 100km northeast of Angkor, Koh Ker is a rival capital to the Angkor civilization which today sees relatively few visitors. Built between 928 and 944 under King Jayavarman IV and his son, Harshavarman II, the complex is made up of many small, unique temples though dominated by the impressive pyramid-shaped Prasat Thom, with its striking similarities to Mayan temples and panoramic views from its peak. The area is scattered with a total of around 42 major structures, include some of the largest Shiva lingas to be found in Cambodia. Explore some of the smaller sites – which you will likely have to yourself – starting with Prasat Pram where the crumbling ruins are gripped by twisting tree roots. Turning right in the Koh Ker ‘loop’, to take in some of the smaller temples as well as the Linga shrine, before culminating at imposing Prasat Thom where you can climb the wooden staircase to reach the top for expansive views over the surrounding countryside. A PURE picnic lunch is provided. Continue to the mysterious jungle-clad Beng Mealea, often described as the blueprint for Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century this temple, overgrown with roots and vines, is in a much collapsed state retaining a very atmospheric feel. Venture into darkened doorways skirting crumbling pillars and walk down the long promenades lined by naga balustrades. Take advantage of the walkways to traverse the ruins and scramble over tumbled stones in the less-explored courtyards.
Angkor Guidebook pp 118, 116
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Kulen Massif adventure In 802CE the first God King was crowned in a ceremony in the Kulen Mountains and so began one of the world’s great civilizations that dominated Southeast Asia and lasted almost three times as long as the USA has existed to date. Only a very few people have visited the site of that first coronation but you can get there on this three-quarter day out of Siem Reap using a combination of road, motor taxi and on foot. We will visit waterfalls, Preah Khal Pagoda and some of the earliest Khmer Rock Carvings. Giant carved Buddhas, small and large ruined temples, see plenty of countryside and take in some amazing views such as the unusual rock formations of Thma Crounh. After we descend from Kulen Mountain we head back past Chau Srei Vidol and Beng Melea, stopping if we have time. The full day includes breakfast and a PURE picnic lunch. Choose an MPV, an SUV or a Land Rover Defender for this day away from Siem Reap
Angkor Guidebook pp 120, 116
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Sunrise at Angkor Wat by Tuk Tuk Motor off into the pre-dawn darkness in a Remork (Cambodin Tuk Tuk with capacity 2 guests per guide) to witness the dawn over Angkor Wat or atop Phnom Krom. Return to Raffles for a late breakfast around 9:30am
Angkor Guidebook pp 64
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Sunset cocktails on Jayatataka ancient reservoir What better way to complete a day exploring the temples of Angkor than to lay back in a local wooden boat, cocktail in hand and be propelled across the serene eight-hundred-year-old reservoir of Jayatataka.
Jayatataka (contemporary name of Reach taDak) was built in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII to the east of Preah Khan temple. Today it offers serenity and beautiful reflections as the perfect finish to a day exploring the monuments of Angkor. Birdlife abounds on this lake that was allowed to dry out and was farmed for rice for hundreds of years until around 2015 when it was reflooded. You can decide where you would like the boatman to take you as you explore the photogenic surrounds of the lake. On board are everything you need for making some ice-cold cocktails: Bombay Saphire Gin & Tonic, local beers and soft drinks with various snacks. While less savvy tourists queue at the end of day traffic to return to Siem Reap you can float around with your cocktails, admire the colours of the sunset and then return to Raffles when the roads are quiet.
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