Surrounding Siem Reap are often temple ruins, left aside to focus on the landmarks that make Angkor such an attraction. These off-the-chart ruins have played a crucial part in the development of the Khmer Empire. One of these lies hidden in the far north-western corner of the former Angkor kingdom – Banteay Chhmar. Banteay Chhmar is located around 60 kilometres away from Serey Sophoan and was constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the 12th/13 century. The central temple once held an image of Srindrakumaraputra (the Crown Prince), probably a son of Jayavarman VII.
• Wander around an untouched pearl from the Angkor era; • Banteay Chhmar is a perfect example of rural Siem Reap • Learn how locals earn a living through silk weaving • See Cambodia from an untouched rural perspective • Lunch is included at a local restaurant
Pickup included
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.
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.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Hotel pickup is available from most centrally located Siem Reap hotel, Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request. - Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time. - Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time. - Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity. - To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.