Siem Reap has been dominating bucket lists the world over with an estimated two million tourists descend annually to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Is it possible to beat the crowds? Yes!
Anantara Angkor Resort has been granted special access to the famed ‘eighth wonder of the world’ which allows guests to immerse themselves into the ancient history of the ninth century temple complex before the crowds of daily tourists are allowed to enter. The resort’s new ‘Breakfast at Angkor Tour’ offers a truly unique encounter very few travellers are privileged to ever engage in.
Rising at an early 4.30am, under the cover of darkness, guests at the resort can take a private car or local tuk-tuk to the nearby Angkor Archeological Park. With flashlight in hand, Anantara’s expert guide escorts guests through the temple compound via a secret back entrance, the temple complex is hauntingly silent with no other tourists to be seen, the tour then ends at the front of Angkor Wat as the sun’s first rays emerge, ensuring guests do not to miss the perfect sunrise photo opportunity.
After sunrise a private breakfast awaits guests in one of the more secluded temples close to Angkor Wat. A personal butler is waiting to serve freshly squeezed juice, coffee or tea, an array of tropical fruits and freshly baked pastries, while the guide explains the surrounding scenery and life in Siem Reap from the history of ancient Angkor to Tonle Sap Lake in the distance, where locals fish and live in a floating village in the mangrove waterways, After relaxing at leisure, guests can choose to explore more temple ruins before returning back to the resort.
Anantara’s ‘Breakfast at Angkor Tour’ includes an English speaking guide, breakfast, a one-day ticket to the Angkor Archaeological Park and transport to and from the site. Prices start at USD $115++ for one guest and USD $135++ for two guests.
For more information on the resort please go to http://angkor.anantara.com/
