Description
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the mysterious 11th-century temple of Beng Mealea in the sprawling jungle, and visit the floating village of Chong Phneas on Tonle Sap Lake on a combined tour from Siem Reap.
Pick-up from your Siem Reap hotel at 08:00, drive through the Cambodian outback for approximately 36 miles (60 kilometers) to the enigmatic 11th-century Beng Melea Temple, an Angkor-style temple where the vines and roots of ancient trees grow through the broken galleries.
The impressive “lost” temple complex is primarly made from sandstone and contains carvings of Buddhist motifs, along with extensive carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology among the towers, courtyards, and piles of stones lying in heaps among the thick brush.
After lunch, glide along Tonle Sap Lake, cruising to the floating village of Kampong Phluk. This is one of the most atmospheric settlements of the lake, where the abundant fish serve to provide the locals with their source of income. Meet some of the fishermen to learn more about their everyday lives. Then, visit a small fish farm and a crocodile farm.
Drive back to Siem Reap to watch a traditional Apsara dance show, and be dazzled by the costumed dancers presenting a graceful display of Cambodian folk stories as you enjoy a buffet dinner.