Cambodia New Year Meditation Retreat

Day 01

Arrival in Siem Reap

Welcome to the Spiritual Heart of Cambodia

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you will be met and transferred to settle into the accomodations. The evening is kept open and restful to acclimate to the peaceful pace, tropical air, and serene Cambodian atmosphere.

Day 02

Angkor Wat

Dawn Over the Cosmic Center of Mount Meru

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat (05:00 AM – 08:00 AM): We depart early to witness the sunrise over the world’s largest temple sanctuary. Conceived as an earthly representation of Mount Meru—the cosmic axis of Vedic cosmology—Angkor Wat was originally consecrated to Lord Vishnu, with sacred bas-relief galleries depicting the legendary Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) and the Mahabharata.

Day 03

Ta Prohm & Banteay Kdei

Living Forests & Enclosed Cloisters

• Ta Prohm: Known as the temple intertwined with nature, where colossal silk-cotton and strangler fig tree roots gently embrace ancient stone galleries.
• Banteay Kdei: A peaceful, less-crowded monastery complex known as the “Citadel of Monks’ Chambers,” offering a quiet, contemplative atmosphere with weathered enclosures and serene Buddha carvings.

Day 04

Angkor Thom, Bayon & The Sacred Terraces

The City of the Gods & Divine Faces

• Angkor Thom South Gate: Guarded by giant stone balustrades depicting the eternal churning of the ocean, lined with Devas (gods) on one side and Asuras (demons) on the other.
• Bayon Temple: The centerpiece of Angkor Thom, world-renowned for its 216 monumental, serenely smiling stone faces radiating compassionate presence (karuna and metta).
• Baphuon Temple: A majestic three-tiered temple mountain dedicated to Shiva, featuring a massive reclining Buddha stone relief added in later centuries.
• Elephant Terrace & Terrace of the Leper King: Historic royal ceremonial platforms adorned with intricate reliefs of sacred Garuda birds, nagas, celestial deities, and guardian elephants.

Day 05

Srah Srang & The Eastern Temples

Sunrise by the Royal Pool & Sacred Sanctuaries

• Sunrise at Srah Srang: Greet the dawn over the tranquil “Royal Bath,” a large 10th-century reservoir where morning light reflects across mirror-calm waters.
• Chau Say Tevoda & Thommanon: A harmonious pair of twin 12th-century Hindu shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, renowned for exquisite devata and celestial apsara carvings.
• Ta Nei & Ta Keo: Venture into quiet Ta Nei nestled deep in the forest, followed by Ta Keo, an imposing, massive sandstone temple mountain dedicated to Lord Shiva that remains uniquely uncarved.

Day 06

Preah Khan, Neak Pean & Ta Som

The Sacred Sword & Waters of Healing

• Preah Khan: A sprawling monastic complex and former royal academy, featuring sacred corridors, labyrinthine stone passageways, and intricate Buddhist and Hindu shrines.
• Neak Pean: A circular island sanctuary in the middle of the Jayatataka reservoir, designed as an earthly recreation of Lake Anavatapta to represent spiritual and physical healing through water.
• Ta Som: A charming, intimate temple whose eastern gopura gateway is famously enveloped by the roots of a sacred sacred fig tree.

Day 07

Banteay Samre, East Mebon & Pre Rup

Preserved Shrines & Sunset Temple Mountains

• Banteay Samre: A beautifully preserved 12th-century Hindu fortress-style temple dedicated to Vishnu, featuring pristine courtyards and elevated stone causeways.
• East Mebon: A five-towered Shiva temple adorned with magnificent, life-sized freestanding guardian elephant statues standing watch at each corner.
• Pre Rup (Sunset): A towering laterite and brick temple mountain historically associated with ancient cremation rites and transitions, offering one of the region’s finest elevated sunset viewpoints.

Day 08

Sacred Phnom Kulen Mountain

Thousand Lingas & The Riverbed of Blessings

• Phnom Kulen Holy Mountain: The sacred birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire and a revered pilgrimage mountain.
• 1,000 Shiva Lingas & Spring Waters: Intricate lingams and carvings of Lord Vishnu and Brahma sculpted directly into the stone riverbed (Kbal Spean), continuously sanctifying the mountain’s natural springs and rivers.
• Phnom Kulen Waterfall & Giant Reclining Buddha: A cascading tropical waterfall paired with a visit to Wat Preah Ang Thom to view the colossal sandstone reclining Buddha sculpted from a natural boulder.
• Optional Exploration: An optional journey by motorcycle to the remote Indra Hill and ancient rock-hewn Elephant’s Pool (Srah Damrei).

Day 09

Beng Mealea

The Forgotten Forest Sanctuary

• Beng Mealea: A dramatic 12th-century temple largely untouched by modern restoration, built to the same floor plan as Angkor Wat but enveloped in lush jungle vines, fallen stone blocks, and moss-covered courtyards.

Day 10

Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap Lake & Bakong

Rose Sandstone, Living Water Culture & Ancient Capitals

• Banteay Srei: The legendary “Citadel of Women,” celebrated as the jewel of classical Khmer art for its deep red-pink sandstone and exceptionally fine, three-dimensional carvings of the Ramayana and Lord Shiva.
• Floating Villages & Mangrove Forests: A contemplative boat cruise through traditional stilt-house communities and flooded mangrove forests on Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.
• Bakong Temple & Phnom Bakheng Sunset: Visit Bakong, the first major sandstone temple mountain of the historic Roluos group, concluding the day with panoramic golden-hour views at Phnom Bakheng.

Day 11

Departure from Siem Reap

Carrying the Sacred Experience Home

Following your morning, transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight home, taking with you the timeless memories and peaceful spiritual resonance of ancient Cambodia.