Page 28 - Thailand Laos Cambodia Myanmar 26 Day Sample

DAY 16 SIEM REAP Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch This morning visit Banteay Srei, the birthplace of Board an elephant near the Bayon and enjoy Khmer classical style architecture. This is a small a 20-30 minute ride to the South Gate of temple complex with impressive carvings. Angkor Thom. Also visit Banteay Samre, one of the most complete The Bayon is an awesome sight. At first sites at Angkor, due to restoration using the method glance, the complex seems a shapeless mass of "anastylosis". The name Samre refers to an ethnic of stone. Suddenly, further scrutiny reveals a group of mountain people who inhabited the region face, enigmatic and silent, watching with at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably half-closed eyes. Soon, another face is made related to the Khmers. No inscriptions have been out, and another, and still yet another, until found for this temple, but the style of most of the they are all around - silent, heavy, and architecture is of the classic art of the middle period impressive, staring from a primitive remote similar to Angkor Wat. The proportions of Banteay past. Samre are splendid. A unique feature is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with Afterwards embark on a rowing boat and water must have given an ethereal atmosphere to the enjoy a sunset cruise around Angkor Thom. temple. Hi-Tea is served on board. Visit Prasat Chrung Temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This evening you may want to consider This afternoon visit the impressive Angkor Thom dining at FCC Angkor Restaurant and Bar. (which means Great City). Angkor Thom is the The restaurant is set in the tranquil Old cultural home of the Khmer (Cambodian) people French quarter, amongst mature trees and one of the ancient wonders of the world. This alongside the Siem Reap River. FCC Angkor vast network of Wats (temples) dating back to the offers an extensive menu of moderately 7th century is the center of some of the most price international, fusion and locally- important structures, statues, and carvings produced inspired contemporary fare. Your guide can in the name of the Buddhist and Hindu religions. assist with reservations. The Great City covers an area of four square miles. The total length of the wall surrounding the city is Overnight: Grand Hotel D’Angkor – 7.5 miles. Incorporated into the wall are a number of Landmark Pool Room earlier buildings: Baphuon and Phimeanakas. The city is dominated by a mania for colossal size, punctuated with enormous numbers of towers and reliefs.