Arriving at Thommanon Temple, a small and elegant temple located east of the Gate of Victory of Angkor Thom, the architecture echoes the elements of its slightly younger but much larger brother, Angkor Wat.

Stepping into the restored splendour of the 900-year-old temple complex, ones eyes drawn to the two cauldrons of flame that welcome guests at the entrance. Then escorted by a traditional band through bare-chested temple guards with their ivory-tipped antique spears. Torches light the way as guests process through the temple, arriving in front of a field of candles that illuminate the ancient structure. Monks, in their saffron robes, chant a welcome prayer from the temple alcoves.

Prasat Kravan Temple is a small and elegant temple located east of the Gate of Victory of Angkor Thom. Despite many temples of Angkor being in partial ruins, Prasat Kravan is still in good condition and a perfect location for a private event. 

One of the first temples built on the plain of Angkor; Prasat Kravan is 1100 years old and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is a five-tower temple and possesses the only carved brick bas relief ever built by the Khmer Empire. The temple was built without using mortar and is one of the last brick temples constructed by the Empire.

Within Siem Reap town next to the river, lies a vibrant working Pagoda. This relatively small temple is well-preserved and has some beautiful features. The temple is made of sandstone and features a number of intricate carvings. The main sanctuary of the temple is topped by a five-tiered roof. 

We step through the gates of this hidden oasis and are immediately transported to another world. The temple grounds are peaceful and tranquil, with lush greenery and towering sandstone structures. The air is filled with the sound of birdsong and the gentle trickle of water from a nearby fountain. We can smell the sweet scent of incense wafting from the main sanctuary.

After Angkor Wat itself the Bayon is arguably Cambodia’s most famous temple site. This colossal temple was built in the late 12th or early 13th century with the exact date being unknown. It was constructed well after Angkor Wat by a century or so and whilst not the last temple built in Angkor, it was certainly the last of the large state temples to be built. It was the centerpiece of the Buddhist king Jayavarman VII’s massive temple building spree that included many nearby temples. 

The single most dramatic feature of the Bayon are its 173 gigantic faces remaining its towers with debate and theories going on to this day over who the faces actually represent. 

Lying some 30 minutes journey time from Siem Reap, Banteay Samre temple is a hidden gem and considered perhaps one of the most beautiful of the smaller ancient temple sites. Built in the early 11th century as a Hindu temple under the reign of King Suryavarman II (reign 1113 – c.1150 AD), Banteay Samre has been beautiful preserved over the centuries and is famed for its predominantly sandstone build, which is a blaze of colour as the sun sets.

The temples pediments and lintels are decorated with very intricate and well preserved carvings of Hindu mythological stories and Buddhist depictions. 

The Athakon house is built on two large rice fields, which for many years were fed by streaming water originating from the Phnom Kulen holy mountain. The unique shape of the house is inspired by classic Khmer architecture. 

The center of Athakon is an octagonal shape represents the Mount Meru and is the major meeting space where we will start with a pre-dinner cocktail. At the raised ground level, the lobby is surrounded by four large pounds, filled with streaming water, plants and waterliles. 

At the top floor one can sense the open space beyond with a 360 degree view all around the landscape. Striking sunsets can be experienced from the high lifted lobby, while bridges and steps connect the lobbies with four central corner houses.