Transport by vintage jeep sets the tone for this half-day experience of Angkor Archaeological Park exploring the labyrinthian temple complex of Preah Khan through the eyes of a renowned archaeologist and Angkor expert. Much like its famous counterpart, Ta Prohm (where the Angelina Jolie film was actually shot), Preah Khan is a royal complex that was left largely as it was discovered —with crumbling walls and collapsed corridors as a result of trees and vines creeping in after the fall of the Angkorian empire. Exploring the hidden corners of this vast and little-visited temple complex with an archaeologist allows one to truly feel as though they are a 'tomb raider' for the day - an experience that won't soon be forgotten!
Programme Details
Begin at 6:30am by meeting an Angkor Archaeologist in your hotel lobby and getting a brief overview of your planned exploration. Then travel by vintage Army-style Jeep to Angkor Archaeological Park, receiving some introductory history of Angkor on your ride to your destination. Along the way, pass through the city of Angkor Thom via the South Gate of the great city, an impressive stone entryway flanked by carvings of three-headed elephants and capped by four giant faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path, crossing the moat around the city, a row of 54 gods and demons stands holding a sacred naga snake of Hindu lore.
Take a short stop at a local restaurant along the way for your breakfast time (Packed breakfast from hotel), a drink will be order in the local restaurant.
Continue onto Preah Khan, one of the largest temple complexes at Angkor and once containing a population of 97,840 in its service. Built under the reign of the great King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan derives its modern name meaning “sacred sword” from the palladium of the Kingdom that long bestowed royal rule upon those who wielded it and may have been housed on the temple grounds. The original name, Jayasri, meaning “city of victorious royal fortune”, paid homage to Jayavarman’s legendary victory that earned him his crown. The late-12th century temple was one of the last great structures consigned by the king and was built in honor of his father (Ta Prohm having been built in honor of his mother). While Ta Prohm was once the setting of the Angelina Jolie film, Preah Khan offers more of a “Tomb Raider” experience for those willing to explore.
Upon arrival at the temple, follow a route designed to both avoid the crowds and visit the most fascinating features of the sprawling and labyrinthian temple complex. Explore the exterior temple wall, featuring 5 meter-tall garuda statues; walk through forested areas few tourists explore; and meander through the heart of Preah Khan, visiting some of the most fascinating features of this exquisite temple as your archaeologist guide explains their purpose, meaning, and history.
After exiting the temple, return to the jeep for return to the hotel.
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Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
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