While most people think of Angkor Wat as one of the genuine ancient wonders of the world, Cambodia is home to thousands of other temples. The Angkor Archaeological Park, which is run by the APSARA National Authority, is responsible for the management of the vast region that houses Siem Reap's temples.
The largest of them all, Angkor Wat, is the focal point of the major temple complex, which is surrounded by Angkor Thom and a variety of other temples that formerly made up the ancient city of Yashodapura, or Angkor. The first-time visitor should spend the majority of their time here. Around 20 or more must-see locations can be conveniently visited using the little and grand circuits, two popular travel routes.
Day 1: Small Circuit Tour
One of the most popular tours for every traveller is the small tour in which you will embark on the most impressive temples in the area as such:
1. Angkor Wat
2. Ta Prohm or known as Tomb Raider by Angelina Julie movie
3. Ta Nei ( a small beautiful temple hidden deep in jungle with few visitors)
4. The Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.
5. The Elephant Terrace
6. Ba Phoun
7. Bayon Temple ( commonly known as a face temple)
Day 2: Grand Circuit Tour
After you are done within a small circuit tour, do not miss to explore more temples which were built different period of time in a grand circuit tour. In this tour, you are going to explore the following temples as such:
1. Preah Khan
2. Neak Poan
3. Ta Som
4. East Mebon
5. Preah Rup
Day 3: Banteay Srei + Kulen Mountain Water
Can't stop exploring temples and other interesting places in the country! Banteay Srei which was built before Angkor wat in the 10th century. This temple is an unexplained able by historians and scholars due to it unique structure constructed out of pink sandstone with its deep intricate carvings. It is about 45 km of Siem Reap city and it takes about an hour traveling to this temple by car. After you are done at Banteay Srei or the lady temple, you must carry on your tour to Kulen Mountain which is about 35km to the east of Banteay Srei. Kulen Mountain used to be the first ancient capital city built in 802 AD where the king Jayavarman II declared himself as a king of all kings in the Khmer Empire at that time. What you can do on your day 3 tour such as:
1. Banteay Srei or the Lady Temple
2. A thousand Shiva Linga River or known as the spiritual river
3. The biggest reclining Buddha installed in the 16th century on the top of the mountain
4. The waterfall
5. Small Trekking
Day 4: Explore the Floating Village
Apart from temples and Kulen Mountain, there is one more place which you should not forget is to explore the floating and fishing village on Tonle Sap lake, the biggest lake in Southeast Asia. At this place what you can do is to see hundreds of houses built on stilts 10 to 20 meters off the ground, floating houses, restaurants, churches, jump into the small fishing boat rowing into the mangrove trees. You can take morning or afternoon tour to visit this place.
Day 5: Explore the City of Koh Ker + Beng Melea (120 km from Siem Reap City)
Over 100 kilometers are driven in slightly over two hours from Siem Reap on well-maintained, weather-permitting highways. If you have the time, you can stop at a number of historic places along the way, such as Beng Mealea, Svay Leu Temple, and Prasat Pram, to mention a few that are conveniently located.
The Koh Ker Archaeological Site is a historic city that dates back to the 10th century. It is situated in the sizable Srayang Commune of Preah Vihear Province and is home to Prasat Prang, Cambodia's most well-known pyramid temple. Old Khmer inscriptions refer to it as Chok Gargyar, while Sanskrit inscriptions refer to it as Lingapura. Jayavarman IV would construct here as his new capital after leaving Angkor (present-day Siem Reap).
Other Information
1. Angkor Ticket: 1 Day Ticket is 37 USD per person
3 Days Ticket is 62 USD per person
7 Days Ticket is 72 USD per person
2. Ticket for Koh Ker temple groups: 15 USD per person
3. Ticket for Kulen National Park is 20$ per person
Note: Kids under 12 years old are free of charge, yet need to bring a copy of his or her passport.
2. Guiding Service : Between 30 USD - 80 USD per day
3. Transportation : Between 25USD - 150 USD per day
Get in touch with us via:
- Email: visethsorng@gmail.com
- Whatsapp: (+855) 77 620 445
- Telegram: (+855) 77 620 445
