The majestic but rarley visited temple complex of Banteay Chhmar was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII as a tribute to his fallen son, who died in a battle against invading Siamese forces in the area. Apart from the main temple, which translates to ‘Citadel of the Cat’, there are several other very scenic temples in the vincinity, all belonging to what once was an enormous city. It is worth going to Banteay Chhmar for a longer tour to experience the many smaller temples, as well as the village itself , which is very pretty and offers a great inside into rural Cambodia. To add to the experience, accommodation will be in homestays organized through the community based tourism project. This tour also includes several nice places along the way, like parts of the West Baray, the hill pagoda of Phnom Chanhchang in Sisophon and the reservoir of Ang Trapeang Thmor.

 

 

Day 1: Siem Reap – West Baray – Sisophon Hill Pagoda – Banteay Chhmar

Leave Siem Reap at 7:30am on backroads and drive past the West Baray. Visit Wat Syay Romeat, which is peacefully situated on the shore of the Baray. The next stop is the small but historically important temple of Ak Yom, before heading to the ancient bridge of Spean Memey. After visiting the bridge, the tour will head to Sisophon along National Rd 06 (a stop at the Siem Reap silkfarm is also possible).

Arrive in Sisophon for lunch before visiting the hill pagoda of Phnom Chanhchang. It is a beautiful place sitting on a steep mountain offering fantastic views over the countryside.

Afterwards, the tour will drive the last stretch to Banteay Chhmar village for dinner and accommodation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Banteay Chhmar village and temples

In the morning, we visit some smaller temples around the area and village. After lunch, visit the main temple complex of Banteay Chhmar and the local pagoda.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Banteay Chhmar – Ang Trapeang Thmor Reservoir – Siem Reap

After breakfast, leave Banteay Chhmar to the massive water reservoir of Ang Trapeang Thmor, which was built by the Khmer Rouge using forced labour. It is a very scenic place and is famous for birdwatching. Once arriving at the reservoir, we will hire a boat trying to spot some birdlife. Lunch will be at a local restaurant at the reservoir. Return to Siem Reap between 4:00 – 6:00pm.

 

Included:

• Guide
• moto, helmets, fuel
• 2 nights accommodation in a homestay
• entrance fee to Banteay Chhmar temple
• boat tour at Ang Trapeng Thmor
• all drinks (except alcoholic beverages), snacks, 2x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner
• pick up/drop off at your hotel

 

Price is 325 US$ per person

For bookings of 2 or more, price is 245US$ per person