3-Day Siem Reap Temple History Tour with Angkor's Khmer Heritage

• After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel at 8 am by your Cambodian tour guide.

• Explore the Roluos Group of temples, including Bakong Temple, built in the late ninth century (881) by King Indravarman I and dedicated to Siva (Hindu). Visit Prah Ko Temple, built in the late ninth century (879) for the king's parents, maternal grandparents, and a previous king, Jayavarman II, and his wife, in the Prah Ko style of art. Continue to Lolei Temple, built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir, now rice fields, by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city at Angkor. Then return to Siem Reap.

• In the afternoon, visit Prasat Kravan, built in the first half of the tenth century (921) during the reign of Harshavarman I. It may have been built by high court officials and belongs to the Hindu religion.

• Head to Banteay Kdei, built from the middle of the 12th century to the beginning of the 13th century by King Jayavarman II in Mahayana Buddhism. Srah Srang, known as The Royal Bath, is located east of Banteay Kdei. Continue to Prasat Pre Rup, built in the late 10th century (CE) by Rajendravarman II in Hinduism (Shiva).

Back to town and overnight stay at the hotel.

• Travel to Banteay Srei Temple (10th century), regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. This tenth-century temple is renowned for its intricate decoration carved in pinkish sandstone that covers the walls.

• Visit Prasat Ta Som, built in the late 12th century (CE) in the classic Bayon style by Jayavarman VII in Buddhism.

• Explore Prasat Neak Pean, a small island temple constructed by a Khmer king in the Angkor area.

• Then visit Preah Khan, a massive and highly explorable monastic complex built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century.

• Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom. On the left side of the moat, 54 'devas' (guardian gods) pull the head of the snake 'Shesha', while on the right side, 54 'asuras' (demon gods) pull the snake's tail in the opposite direction. At Bayon, more than 2000 large faces carved on the 54 towers give the temple its majestic character. The bas-reliefs contain genre scenes of everyday life - markets, fishing, festivals with cockfights and jugglers - as well as historical scenes with battles and processions. Baphuon, built in the middle of the 11th century (1060) by King Udayadityavarman II, was dedicated to Siva (Hindu). Phimeanakas was constructed in the late tenth century to the beginning of the 11th century by King Jayavarman V and Udayadityavarman I, and is dedicated to the Hindu religion. The Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King can also be seen here.

• Next, head over to Ta Prohm (The Ancestor Brahma, Jungle Temple). Shrouded in dense jungle, the temple of Ta Prohm is ethereal in aspect and conjures up a romantic aura. Fig, banyan, and kapok trees spread their gigantic roots over stones, probing walls and terraces apart, while their branches and leaves intertwine to form a roof over the structures. Tree trunks twist among the stone pillars.

• After lunch, visit Angkor Wat Temple with your Cambodian tour guide. This temple is busy at any time of day, yet there is still plenty for us to explore and admire in this architectural wonder and its excellent bas-reliefs. It is worth walking a little between the outer laterite wall and the inside of the moat for tranquil scenes of rural life.

• Go to Les Artisan D'Angkor, a fine art school and workshop for wood and stone carving, lacquering, silver-plating, and silk painting.