Remote Full Day Banteay Chhmar Temple Tour

Far in the north-western corner of the former Angkor kingdom lies Banteay Chhmar, ranked among the largest temples of the Angkorian period alongside Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Commissioned by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th or early 13th century, the temple is set within a moat and reservoir in a remote, largely unrestored setting. Its central shrine is thought to have once held an image of the king's Crown Prince. After a local lunch at a community restaurant, visit Les Soieries du Mekong, a French non-profit project training young Cambodians in traditional silk weaving, giving these apprentices a source of income and a stake in preserving the craft. The drive back to Siem Reap is long, but the passing countryside offers a genuine look at rural Cambodian life along the way. A full day for travellers seeking Angkor's most remote and least-visited major temple.

1. 1

   Banteay Chhmar

   2 hours

   Thought to translate to 'The Small Citadel' or 'Narrow Fortress', Banteay Chhmar is the Angkorian period's fourth-largest temple after Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Considered as the country's most important temple of the same era, the complex consists of a moat and reservoir set in a remote, lush and unspoilt setting. Although little is known about the temple, it is known that King Jayavarman VII commissioned it in the late twelfth and early thirteenth century and a shrine within the complex held the image of his Crown Prince.

2. 2

   Soieries Du Mekong

   1.5 hours

   After a local lunch at a community restaurant, we make a stop at a French NGO project call "Les Soieries du Mekong’. This not-for-profit project is encouraging, and training, young Cambodians in the region around the temple keeping traditional silk weaving skills alive. An admirable initiative that gives these young artisans a source of income and a brighter future. It will be a long drive back to Siem Reap, but en route, the true heart of traditional Cambodia will keep you entertained until your return at your overnight address.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
• Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
• We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant
• Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users; Part of this excursion includes walking over unpaved roads and paths. This may not suit guests with walking issues.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.