ANGKOR AND THE
THOUSAND LINGAM RIVER

TRIP OVERVIEW

A comprehensive itinerary to the archaeological site of Angkor, the largest complex of pre-industrial settlements in the history of the world. We take a chronological path to learn more about the historical and artistic evolution of the Khmer Kingdom, with an extra visit to Kbal Spean, also known as “The River of a Thousand Lingams”

Visit the most artistically remarkable temples including the Rolous complex known for the Bakong ‘mountain temple’, the Banteay Srei ‘women’s citadel’ renowned for the refinement of its pink sandstone carvings, the world’s largest religious monument Angkor Wat, the quaint Ta Prohm known for its huge centuries-old roots surrounding the structure, and the Angkor Thom ‘Great City’, among which the Bayon stands out for its massive stone faces.

Admire the harmony of the Buddhist temples Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som.

Explore Kbal Spean on the hilltop amidst lush tropical forest, known for its numerous stone carvings of yoni and lingam on the riverbed

This sample itinerary can be customised based on your actual travel needs and can be extended and combined to other tours.

Angkor and the Thousand Lingam River - map © In Asia Travel

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Length : 5D4N
From : SIEM REAP
To : SIEM REAP
Destinations : Siem Reap

ITINERARY

01. ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP

Welcome meeting with our staff upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Included : Private pick up at the airport and accommodation

02. ANGKOR ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

Bakong Bakong temple

We begin with the visit to the archaeological site by following a chronological path from the ancient Rolous Complex, also known as Haryharalaya an ancient city of the Khmer empire, dating from the late 9th century. Here the Bakong “temple mountain” stands out.

Explore Prasad Kravan, the complex dedicated to the Hindu cult known for the impressive and unique brick sculpture of the deity Vishnu.

After Prasad Kravan it’s off to the Banteay Srei temple, also known as the “citadel of women”. It is considered the “jewel of Angkor” for the artistic refinement of the bas-reliefs carved on pink sandstone.

On the way back to Siem Reap, we stop at Pre Rup, the “temple mountain” dedicated to the God Shiva.

Included : Tour guide, tickets, private transportation and accommodation

03. ANGKOR ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

Bayon Bayon temple

After breakfast we begin the journey to Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious building in the world built on an area of 2 million square meters. Then there is Ta Prohm temple, one of the most enchanting and popular tourist sights, surrounded by huge roots of hundred-year-old banyan trees.

In the afternoon we visit the Buddhist Ta Sam temples, small yet extremely charming, Neak Pean a representation of the mythical Himalayan Lake Anavatapta whose waters are thought to cure all illnesses.

The day ends at Preah Khan temple, “The Great Sword”, built by Jayavarman VII on the battlefield for the reconquest of the kingdom invaded by the Champa Empire.

Included : Tour guide, tickets, private transportation and accommodation

04. THOUSAND LINGAM RIVER

Waterfall at Kbal Spean

In the morning transfer to Kbal Spean for the short trekking on top of The Thousand Lingam River surrounded by a magnificent tropical forest. It is a very characteristic site developed over the course of several centuries by different kings.

We reach the small stream, where Hindu and Buddhist bas-reliefs are engraved in the bed river, which then flows into a waterfall.

The motifs for stone carvings are thousands of lingams, symbol of Shiva’s creative power. This makes the site of peculiar artistic relevance.

During the afternoon we visit the temples complex of “The Great City” Angkor Thom, where Bayon temple stands out for his distinctive feature: 216 giant stone faces which jut out from the 54 towers.

The day ends with a visit to the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and the Phimeanakas temple.

Included : Tour guide, tickets, private transportation and accommodation