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This morning, you will join us on an off-the-beaten-track excursion to Beng Mealea. Known as “Lotus Pond” and dated early 11th Century by Suryavarman II, this Hindu styled temple was hidden in a maze of jungle for hundreds of years and just recently found and opened for visitors. On arrival at the site, you will climb over large sandstone blocks to reach the inner sanctuary and eerie worship corridor. Architecturally, Beng Mealea is noted for its innovative, in its time, construction of hallways. It was a very large temple with wide galleries foreshadowing Angkor Wat. Garudas, hold up an outer platform, finer in detail than those to be found out in the elements of the Elephant Terrace at Angkor Thom. Surprises of fallen lintels with intricate carvings lay amongst the fallen wall and roofs.
Continue over an hour drive, we get to Koh Ker, a 10th century capital abandoned in the remote north of Cambodia for more than a thousand years. Enjoy a visit to the pyramid temple of Prasat Thom. Continue to explore the many temples at this incredible site, including the beautiful Prasat Krahom covered by jungle.
Spend overnight stay in Preah Vihear.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodations: Hotel in Preah Vihear.
Have breakfast in the hotel and we leave early heading north on the bumpy road to Preah Vihear – which was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. In some parts we got to use the special transportation to access Preah Vihear complex. Once you get to the temple, enjoy the panorama view over the Thai border and discover the unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 meter long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Shiva. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.
Later of the day, get transferred back to your hotel in Siem Reap, where you say goodbye with our dedicated team of tour guide and driver.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodations: N/A.
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