Places for Leisure

Temple Tour

A variety of temple tours and cultural walks are available as part of the guest experience. Conducted early morning and late afternoon to avoid the sun and crowds, these outings focus on the temples surrounding Angkor Wat and include Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Bayon as well as excursions to Banteay Srei (the temple of women). Tailor-made, off-the-beaten-path excursions can also be arranged to suit individual interests and pace, taking guests deeper into the countryside beyond the Angkor park. Central Boutique Angkor Hotel uses its own fleet of custom-made remorks (moped-powered trishaws) and English-speaking guides who are well informed on both ancient Khmer history and modern Cambodian life.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and it is inspired by 12th century Hinduism. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took several decades to build.

Intricate bas reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The way the light glows on the ancient stones makes sunrise and sunset the best time to wander through Angkor Wat's 2 square kilometers and to climb its towers.

Angkor Thom

The ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, literally " Great City ”, built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, contains the famous Bayon temple with its more than 200 enormous mysterious smiling faces.

It also contains the 300 meter-long Elephant terrace with its large sculptured royal elephants and Garudas, the mythical guard, half-man, half-bird. Also within the walled area is the terrace of the Leper King which features a sandstone replica of the Leper King .

Phnom Bakheng

Built in 907 AD on a natural hill, this was the centre of the first city at Angkor, called Yasodharapura after its founder Yasovarman I. Overlooking the Angkor site, the hilltop location offers an excellent view over Angkor Wat and the Western Baray.

Ta Prohm

The abandoned monastery of Ta Prohm is visually arresting with its towering silk-cotton trees whose giant roots have invaded and overwhelmed the ruins, ensnaring and toppling vast blocks of stone. This was one of Jayavarman VII’s early building forays and the temple was dedicated to his mother. Here, visitors will get a sense of what confronted French explorers when they stumbled upon Angkor in the late 19th century.

Preah khan

Preah Khan (sacred sword) is another large monastic complex, also partially reclaimed by the jungle. In its heyday this thriving monastery and university engaged over 1,000 monks and served, briefly, as the residence of Jayavarman VII. It was in fact dedicated to the king’s father. Preah Khan is noted for its numerous sanctuaries, each devoted to a particular deity. It is an eclectic mix of tradition embracing Buddha, Shiva, Vishnu and countless local spirits.

Banteay Kdei

A 12th-century monument similar to Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei is located across the Srah Srang reservoir, the ‘Royal Bath’ that is a popular area for children and for fishermen to cast their nets. During the dry season, the remains of an ancient temple can be seen in the middle of this artificial lake.

Neak Poan

A unique sanctuary in the middle of an artificial lake featuring a motif of two coiled serpents from whence it takes its name. The lake is known for its curative powers.

Ta Som

A modestly-sized Buddhist temple surrounded by a series of concentric moats. Entry is from the east and west outer gates, where four faces of Jayavarman VII as a bodhisattva are carved in stone.

Pre Rup

Best viewed at sunset, when the surrounding rice fields are lit up by the setting sun, Pre Rup is a temple mountain of brick, laterite and sandstone erected in 961 AD.

Roluos

The monuments in this area represent the beginning of Cambodia’s classic art and include Bakong, consecrated in 881 AD as the first major temple-mountain in the history of Khmer religious architecture, Lolei built in 893 AD and Preah Ko, dedicated in 889 AD to the ancestors of the king, with particularly refined stucco work on its brick walls.

Banteay Samre

Built in the middle of the 12th century, Banteay Samre is one of the few fortified temples surrounded by a moat and has well-preserved bas-reliefs of the Vishnu legends. Slightly off the beaten path, its sculpture work is also considered exceptional.

Banteay Srei

This is the fabled pink temple of women, so called because it is made of pink sandstone and is considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carving and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of travelers' favorite temples.

Its Apsara and male and female divinities represent the most skilled craftsmanship of sandstone carvings. It was dedicated in 987, making it one of the oldest temple s in the region, though it was not rediscovered until the 1900s.

Cultural Village

A unique, sprawling cultural attraction in SiemReap intended to introduce the visitor to Cambodian culture and history.The village has an assembly of all the miniatures of famous historical buildings and structures, local customs and practices of all races. Interesting wax museum features scenes and figures from history. There are 11 unique villages which represent the different cultural heritages and characteristics of 19 multi-races. At each village, the tourists will be able to enjoy excellent wood houses, carvings and skill in soft stone, traditional performances in different styles such as: Apsara dancing, performance of ethnic minorities from Northeast of Cambodia, traditional wedding ceremony, circus, popular games, peacock dancing, acrobats, elephants shows, boxing, and more. Visit www.cambodianculturalvillage.com

KulenMountain

At just about 42km north of Siem Reap Town, many visitors combine a visit to Phnom Kulen with a trip to the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. On either side of the mountain, tall waterfalls crash down the mountain; clean and cool waters provide a wonderful place for tourists. Carvings of Brahmin Yonis and lingas can be seen etched into the riverbed. A mountain peak temple houses a huge reclining Buddha, gazing serenely out from his peaceful mountain home.

Market Sightseeing In Siem Reap:

Walk around the old Psar Chas Market in Siem Reap and see the busy local trading life. Traditional handcrafts abound including silks, silver jewellery, wood carvings, laquerware, and souvenirs. Experience the vibrant colour of the fresh produce market, clothing stalls and household goods and many more...............