Siem Reap Angkor Driver Day Tours

Hoogtepunten

Inbegrepen

Route

1. Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

   2 uToegang inbegrepen

2. The Bayon was the state temple of King Jayavarman VII, built at the end of the 12th century. It is a mountain temple built to represent Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers that jut from the upper terrace and cluster around its center peak The similarity of the 216 gigantic faces to other statues of Jayavarman VII has led many scholars to the hypothesise that the faces are representations of the king himself. Others believe that the faces belong to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion while yet another commentary suggested that the temple was originally built for the Hindu God Brahma. The temple is also popular for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. This is one of the many ‘must visit’ temples.

   1 uToegang inbegrepen

3. Baphuon is a beautiful 11th century “temple-mountain” with steep stairs leading visitors to a terrace which offers one of the best views in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Archaeologists believe that this pyramid-style temple, located within the city of Angkor Thom, was probably among the most impressive of the Angkor temples in its day. Unfortunately, the ravages of time and Mother Nature caused significant damage to this magnificent temple, and it was very nearly lost to history. The tale of how it was restored is just as impressive as the structure itself.

   1 uToegang inbegrepen

4. Known today as Ta Prohm or “Old Brahma”, this monument was initially named “Rajavihara” meaning “royal monastery”. In 1186 AD, Jayavarman VII consecrated several statues here, the most important of which was that of Prajnaparamita, the personification of the Perfection of Wisdom, a figure whom the King identified with his mother.

   1 minToegang inbegrepen

5. In stark contrast to the often overwhelmingly crowded and popular Angkorian ruins, Banteay Kdei is peaceful and quiet. Its name means “Citadel of Chambers”, which is apt; the ruins are a fascinating maze of chambers that are a delight to explore. Also serving as a Buddhist temple, these ruins have been home to an active monastery at multiple time periods since their construction in the 12th century, up until the 1960s. Today, the ruins are overgrown and seemingly forgotten by the bustling Angkor tourism industry. Its solitude and mystery make it a hidden gem for explorers of the region. Tall trees cast shade over Buddhist bas-reliefs, and many hours can be spent in its meandering design.

   45 minToegang inbegrepen

Annuleren

Gratis annuleren tot 24 uur voor aanvang, met volledige terugbetaling.

Reviews

Beoordelingen komen uit 98 reviews die onze boekingspartner verzamelt. Het zijn de eigen woorden van reizigers, in de volgorde waarin ze geschreven zijn — nooit herschikt om de ervaring mooier te maken.

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How it compares in Siem Reap

• Its from-price is 62% below the median of the 2414 experiences we list in Siem Reap.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 127 of 2414.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Siem Reap

Siem Reap ligt aan de rivier naast Angkor, het uitgestrekte Khmer-tempelcomplex van Cambodja, met nachtmarkten, riviertochten en een rustig centrum.

Angkor Wat, vaak het grootste religieuze monument ter wereld genoemd, rijst op boven zijn slotgracht in een silhouet van torens als lotusknoppen dat bij zonsopgang adembenemend is. Vlakbij herbergt de ommuurde stad Angkor Thom de Bayon, met zijn meer dan tweehonderd serene stenen gezichten, het Terras van de Olifanten en de Baphuon, terwijl Ta Prohm in de greep zit van de wortels van gigantische kapokbomen en wurgvijgen.

Top-ranked sights in Siem Reap: Angkor Thom, Tonlé Sap, Kampong Phluk.

See all 2414 experiences in Siem Reap