Temples and Waterways of Ancient Cambodia

Famous tree roots engulfing the ruins of Ta Prohm temple in Angkor, Cambodia, known as the filming location for the Tomb Raider movie

A journey through Angkor’s sacred stones and the timeless rhythm of Tonle Sap

Step into a world where jungle temples whisper forgotten stories and floating villages drift peacefully on Cambodia’s great lake. Over two deeply immersive days, you’ll explore Angkor’s sacred stone cities, watch sunrise over the towers of Angkor Wat, and finish your journey among the stilted homes and water roads of Tonle Sap. This is Cambodia, revealed slowly and memorably.

Description

This curated 2-day adventure captures both the monumental scale and intimate details of Cambodian life and history. From ancient jungle temples and towering stone faces to rural lake communities and hidden corners of Angkor Thom, the tour is designed to balance iconic sites with off-the-path gems. You’ll walk shaded ruins, hear legends of lightning and lost kings, cruise sunset waters with a drink in hand, and witness daily life on a living lake. Thoughtful pacing, storytelling guides, and authentic experiences make this tour unforgettable

Two Days
Moderate

Highlights

  • Explore jungle temples like Ta Prohm and hidden gems like Ta Nei
  • Walk the ancient city wall of Angkor Thom from Gate of Death to Gate of Victory
  • Sunset boat ride with drinks at the moat of Bayon
  • Witness Angkor Wat at sunrise and decode its stone carvings
  • Visit a real stilted village on Tonle Sap, far from the tourist crowds
  • Sample traditional sticky rice and observe fishermen at work

Itinerary

— DAY 1 —
6:00 AM – Breakfast at hotel
7:00 AM – Depart for Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)
8:00 AM – Visit Ta Nei (peaceful, hidden jungle ruin)
9:00 AM – Climb the unfinished lightning-struck temple of Ta Keo
11:00 AM – Return to hotel for rest & lunch

2:30 PM – Depart for Angkor Thom
3:00 PM – Walk the ancient wall from Gate of Death to Gate of Victory (500m)
3:30 PM – Explore Preah Palilay, Phimeanakas, and the pyramid of Baphuon
4:30 PM – Arrive at Bayon and its enigmatic smiling faces
5:30 PM – Sunset boat ride with a cold drink on the ancient moat
6:30 PM – Return to hotel

— DAY 2 —
4:45 AM – Depart for Angkor Wat sunrise viewing
5:30 AM – Watch sunrise from the reflecting pools
6:30 AM – Tour Angkor Wat’s galleries and towers
8:30 AM – Return to hotel for brunch and rest

1:30 PM – Depart for Tonle Sap lake (60-minute drive)
2:30 PM – Explore Kompong Khleang or Kompong Phluk depending on season
3:30 PM – Try traditional sticky rice and see local floating homes
4:30 PM – Optional boat ride and sunset over the lake
6:00 PM – Return to hotel

What’s Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off both days
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private air-conditioned transport
  • Traditional wooden boat for Angkor Thom moat sunset cruise
  • Cold bottled water and towels
  • Sunset drinks

What’s Not Included

  • All temple and lake entrance fees
  • Tonle Sap cruise boat fee
  • Meals
  • Tips (optional)

Transportation

Comfortable, private, air-conditioned vehicle for all land transfers. Boat rides use covered, local-style wooden boats with life jackets. Travel time to Tonle Sap: approx. 60 minutes each way.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY