This exceptional day combines two of the most amazing means of experiencing Angkor Wat: first from the air, overlooking the iconic temple and its surroundings from a helicopter, and then with an insider’s perspective of the temple’s features with a private tour with an Angkor Archaeologist.
Departing the hotel after breakfast, discover the temples of Angkor from a bird’s eye view of a helicopter. A 30-minute scenic private flight will take you over Angkor Wat and the lesser-known temples scattered in the jungle, before taking a turn towards the mighty Tonlé Sap Lake. Seeing the temples and the floating villages from above will certainly be an intriguing way to see Cambodia! Soar past all of the must see sights of Cambodia , including Angkor Wat and the Tonle Sap Lake making it a truly special experience. During this flight you will also take in views of Phnom Bok in the Roluos Group including the 9th Century Bakong Temple with its magnificent architecture and picturesque moat. Flying time is approximately 30 minutes.
Note: the helicopter flight does not fly over Angkor Wat itself as this is prohibited without special permission. However you will see the famous temple from an excellent angle).
After lunch at your hotel (own account), return to Angkor Wat with your personal archaeologist guide. Ambling through this sprawling temple, it is easy to see why it has become the symbol of Cambodia. The massive 12th-century structure resembles Mount Meru, mythical home of the gods, and is filled with carvings everywhere. Be awe-inspired by the sheer scale of Angkor Wat, which took nearly 40 years to build, and learn it’s secrets from an expert in Khmer archaeology. With a treasure trove of photos and memories, return to town to freshen up for the evening. Tonight, enjoy a magical moonlight dinner at Preah An Kau Sai, the only Angkor-era ruins in Siem Reap town. Dine by candlelight beside centuries-old sandstone structures and enjoy tales of discovery of Cambodia through a storytelling performance accompanied by old black and white photography. You will be picked up by air-conditioned vehicle from hotel for transfer to Wat Preah An Kau Sai, a modern Buddhist pagoda featuring the ruins of a 10th century Angkorian temple. Arrive at the temple just after sunset, with the temple illuminated by torchlight. Then, enjoy a five course Khmer meal, dining under the moon and stars. After each course is served, a storyteller will recite a tale, accompanied by early photographs of Cambodia, offering insight on Khmer culture and history as the meal and the evening progress. Overnight in Siem Reap