Amazing Siem Reap & Battambang Tour with Excursions

Outside of Siem Reap the dawn is quiet and soothing. The river gently trickles beneath the canopy and the wildlife slowly comes alive. Many people depart their hotels before sunrise and venture to Angkor Wat, the iconic temple of Angkor, to see the sun rise over the historic edifice. When you come to the entrance gate you see the dark sandstone that makes the entrance look like you are stepping into a shadow. You come to the spacious plaza and find a pond filled with flourishing lilies. The temple stands at the far end of the fertile grass. Five towers rise over the sprawling structure. Each tower resembles a beehive in shape and is textured with tiers. The central tower rises to a height of 141 feet.

The entire temple was constructed in the 12th century and displays the power of the Khmer Empire and its devotion to the deities and beliefs of Hinduism. Monks in burnt saffron colored robes walk around the pond. When you enter the main gallery you find a small shrine and burning incense. The scent of sandalwood drifts in the tiny wafts of smoke. The pillared windows and heavenly nymphs decorate the inner wall. Male figures dance and animals prance. The sheer scale of the entire temple is spellbinding. The beauty of this ancient complex is magnificent and makes you wonder how stunning it must have been almost a millennium ago.

You rise before the sunshine hits the hills in order to experience the shifting colors of Angkor Wat. The Towers stand tall and proud over the outer gallery that covers an area of over 430,000 square feet. The light casts a glow on the sandstone that brings the dark silhouette to a golden glisten. After breakfast you make your way to Banteay Srei. The 10th century temple complex consists of low walls and is surrounded by peaked edifices made of rich red sandstone.

When you arrive near the complex you find the jungle sprawl and these how the trees separate into an open plaza. You find remaining temples standing tall against the backdrop of spectacular wild countryside. The exteriors of the central buildings contain elegant and well-preserved relief carvings. The pediments are magnificent and large with a gabled shape. Entire epic scenes are played out on the stone base. The entrances are guarded by various dvrapalas, fearsome warriors and giants often armed with a weapon. Each relief tells a different story; however, their artistry is impressively detailed and captivating, a testament to the décor and the devout.

Shortly outside of Siem Reap is the Rolous Group of temples. They once stood at the heart of the first capital of the Khmer Empire, Hariharalaya. The laterite and sandstone temples shine vibrant red in the morning light against the background of verdant trees and grass. Some of the temples date back far enough to have been built entirely of brick. Lolei was constructed in the 9th century and is dedicated to Shiva. Four brick temple towers stand together on a raised terrace. The dvarapala is armed with a trident and stands under an arched doorway, safeguarding the temple from spirits and people alike. False doors help to hide the main entrance.

In the afternoon you will visit the Old Market which is home to artisan workshops. The interior structure is cavernous and filled with everything from food to clothing. Wicker baskets dangle from the ceiling. Hand-woven purses surround an open store. Locally made shirts and blouses are folded neatly and stacked around the vendor. This is a piece of modern Cambodia that you find enlightening and charming. Local people come to do their marketing. The aroma of fresh noodles and fried eggs travel down the walkways. Little carts sell fresh baguettes and spreadable cheese, flavors left over from French Colonialism. You have taken a rich look into the historic and contemporary culture of Cambodia.

The crowds disappear behind the lush jungle as you make your way to Beng Mealea. The temple was constructed in the 12th century and only recently opened to the public for viewing. Nature is gorgeously rampant around the temple, which adds to the structure’s mystique and luster. The area is largely un-restored. Through the overtaking vines you can see Buddhist and Hindu motifs. The entire temple is almost 300,000 square feet. Wind your way around, and sometimes over, fallen masonry, through stretches of dim chambers, and alongside thick vines. The complex was at the center of the ancient road that connected Angkor to another ancient province nearby. The ambiance is quiet. The leaves rustle in the breeze and you swear they are trying to tell you about the area’s secret history. At times the overrun jungle looks like a purposeful, composed garden.

Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city but maintains its small-town charm. The local people are friendly, always smiling and welcoming. The French Colonial architecture fills the city’s historic center. You leave behind Angkor and the bustling streets of Siem Reap and find yourself in a time warp of architecture. The Governor’s Palace was constructed in the early 1900s and upholds its regal façade and decadent décor. A long balcony extends from the second story and watches over the manicured garden. The surrounding historic district has embellishments of the French design, from pillars to wooden shutters, doorframes to pedestrian alleyways.

The scents of coffee and baguettes drift through the streets. You see an iconic façade with floral designs that looks like a building you may have seen in Paris. History thrives alongside the wide avenues, but the past has been reconstituted by Battambang to be part of its culture, as opposed to a reminder of what the city once was. In the evening you can partake in the celebrated Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus Show. The non-profit organization allows underprivileged youth to express themselves in an artistic manner, whether through dance, artwork, or even the now renowned circus performances. Children use their talents of twisting and flipping to express their culture and connection to an emotional history.

The river is serene in the morning light. The sky is pale blue. The city comes to quiet life and you make your way to the Bamboo Train. Outside of Battambang you will discover the rural life of Cambodia. Paddy fields stretch to the distant tree line. You can see farmers pulling at the rice. The marshes are sectioned and the fertile greenery glows. The Bamboo Train takes you into the classic journey of Cambodia’s rural history. The train tracks were laid by the French and have since warped or misaligned.

You climb aboard the Bamboo Train, a seven-foot long wood frame topped with bamboo slats. Other platforms have been loaded with large bags of rice before commuters use the bags as cushions. Monks have sat on the front and watched the countryside pass by. Your private cart trundles down the track. The surrounding lush trees whisper as you pass. There is only one real train a week and you think you can hear its whistle in the far off distance.  The Bamboo Train is unique to Cambodia and allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of this rural landscape.

You can hear the serene trickle of the lake that runs alongside the city. Today you will make your way outside of Battambang to venture deeper into the celebrated countryside around the city. Phnom Trong Morn Trong Tea is known for its abundance of flora and fauna. The greenery is endless, from the tall grass to the towering trees. You can see a rocky outcrop at the center of a field. Sporadic homes create an untouched vision of the landscape, until you find Barsaet Temple. The edifice was built in the 11th century and sits next to a pond over 65 feet in length.

Nature helped concave the doorframe; however, the remaining edifice is powerful in its strength. It stands as a symbol of historical perseverance in the face of time. At Wat Kor you can see the tribe that maintains their cultural values in the face of pressing modernity. Twenty-one Khmer heritage houses are made with rare hardwood. Orchard gardens surround the complex, which creates an ethereal and time-tested ambiance. In the Khor Sang House you will walk through the cherished home with bare feet. Antique furniture decorates the interior and photos give you a glimpse into the family’s personal connection to their past.

You have seen Battambang and have felt its warm embrace. The serene river and gracious people have created an atmosphere of endless and relaxing acceptance. In the morning you watch the sun slowly rise higher into the pearl blue sky. Sit alongside the river at one of the charming cafes and sip a fresh coffee. You wrap your fingers around the warm cup and wait for your transfer to the airport. You have seen timeless temples and immersed yourself into the marvelous culture of the people. Cambodia has given you unforgettable memories that you happily take home with you.

Read the Cambodia travel reviews for ideas on how to extend this trip or customize it further.