DAY-1:

_{Small Circuit Tour Itinerary}

_MORNING:

5:00 AM – Sunrise at Angkor Wat Start your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat, the largest and most iconic temple. The view of the temple’s reflection on the moat during sunrise is a magical experience. Spend 2–3 hours exploring the intricate bas-reliefs, galleries, and towers of Angkor Wat.

_{– Visit Angkor Thom:} Enter the grand city of Angkor Thom via the South Gate. The gate is flanked by statues of gods and demons.

_{– Explore Bayon Temple, known for its 54 towers and over 200 smiling stone faces.} Walk through the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

_{LATE MORNING:}

Visit the nearby Baphuon, a three-tiered temple mountain, which was once one of the largest temples in the city.

_{– Phimeanakas & the Royal Palace} Stroll through the former royal enclosure and visit the small pyramid temple of Phimeanakas.

_{LUNCH BREAK:}

12:00 PM – Take a break for lunch. There are many local restaurants or food stalls around Angkor Thom. Enjoy some traditional Khmer food like amok (a coconut-based curry) or lok lak (stir-fried beef).

_AFTERNOON:

_{Ta Prohm (The Tomb Raider Temple)} Head to Ta Prohm, famous for being overrun by jungle and used as a filming location for “Tomb Raider.” The large trees and vines growing out of the temple walls create a mystical and photogenic atmosphere.

_{– Banteay Kdei v}isit Banteay Kdei, a quiet Buddhist monastic complex with fewer crowds. It has beautiful, intricate carvings and is a peaceful place to explore.

_{– Srah Srang (Royal Baths)} End your day with a visit to Srah Srang, the royal bathing pool located in front of Banteay Kdei. This serene spot is perfect for a quiet reflection or a scenic sunset if you prefer a less crowded spot than Angkor Wat.

DAY-2

_{Big Circuit and Banteay Srei Tour} 

Here’s an ideal full-day itinerary for exploring both the Big Circuit and the beautiful Banteay Srei Temple in Siem Reap. Starting early allows you to make the most of the day, combining famous temples with quieter spots.

MORNING : At 8:30 a.m., after breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel. First, we’ll assist you in purchasing your Angkor pass, and then we’ll begin our tour, visiting temples such as:

– Preah Khan temple: Highlights: Preah Khan is a larger temple with sprawling ruins and tree-covered walls similar to Ta Prohm. Originally a monastery and school, it offers an atmospheric walk through long corridors, hidden chambers, and impressive sculptures.

– Neak Pean temple: Highlights: This small but charming temple was built on an artificial island in the middle of a reservoir. Known for its healing symbolism, it’s a unique and serene stop in the circuit.

– Ta Som temple: Highlights: Known for its iconic strangler fig tree growing over the eastern gate, Ta Som is a smaller but beautiful temple with great photo opportunities and fewer crowds.

– East Mebon temple: Highlights: This temple was originally surrounded by water in the East Baray reservoir, and it still has unique sculptures of elephants and lions. It’s a great spot for photographs and getting a sense of the ancient water system of Angkor.

_{LUNCH BREAK:}

Have a quick local Cambodian lunch at a nearby restaurant or one of the stalls around Banteay Srei

_AFTERNOON:

– Banteay Srei Temple: Highlights: Begin the day with Banteay Srei, located about 25 km from Angkor Wat. Known as the “Citadel of Women,” it features some of the most detailed carvings in Angkor. Its pink sandstone and intricate artwork shine beautifully in the morning light, making it ideal for photography. After exploring Banteay Srei, begin your return journey to Pre Rup temple. You’ll drive through charming villages, rice paddies and local make and sell palm sugar, offering opportunities to stop for photos or shop for local crafts.

– Pre Rup Temple: Highlights: a pyramid-style structure. The total height of Pre Rup is approximately 12 meters (39 feet) from its base to the top. This includes the three-tiered platform and the central towers at the summit. This temple was once used for funerals, so it has a unique vibe and architecture then return to Siem Reap. This temple was once used for funerals, so it has a unique vibe and architecture then return to Siem reap. 

_{** Finish your day with your tour concludes. You can head back to Siem Reap around 4:30 or 5:00pm}

DAY-3

_{Beng Mealea Temple And Rolous Group Temples Tour Itinerary} 

7:30 AM – Depart from Siem Reap, after breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel. First, we’ll assist you in purchasing your Angkor pass, and then we’ll begin our tour.

Start your day early to avoid the heat. Depart from your hotel in Siem Reap around 7:30 AM. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Beng Mealea Temple.

9:00 AM – Explore Beng Mealea Temple

Duration: 2 hours

Description: Beng Mealea is one of the most mysterious temples of the Angkor period. It is almost entirely overrun by jungle, giving it an “Indiana Jones” feel. Unlike the more visited temples, this one has fewer tourists, allowing for more immersive exploration.

Highlights: The collapsed galleries, massive trees growing through the temple ruins, and the natural surroundings.

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are uneven. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore some of the darker corners.

11:00 AM – Depart for the Roluos Group Temples

The drive from Beng Mealea to the Roluos Group Temples takes about 1 hour. Along the way, enjoy the scenic Cambodian countryside.

12:00 PM – Lunch Break

Duration: 1 hour

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant near the Roluos Group. Many options serve Cambodian cuisine. Enjoy traditional dishes like Amok or stir-fried noodles.

1:00 PM – Visit Preah Ko Temple

Duration: 45 minutes

Description: Preah Ko is one of the three main temples of the Roluos Group, dedicated to Shiva and built in the late 9th century. It features beautifully carved sandstone structures and symbolic depictions of Hindu mythology.

Highlights: Intricate carvings of deities, well-preserved lintels, and the six brick towers.

Tips: Be sure to check out the detailed carvings on the towers and doorways.

1:45 PM – Explore Bakong Temple

Duration: 1 hour

Description: Bakong is the largest and most impressive of the Roluos Group Temples, considered the first major temple mountain of the Khmer Empire. The temple is surrounded by a moat, with multiple tiers leading to the central sanctuary.

Highlights: The pyramid-shaped structure, a large moat, and stunning views from the top.

Tips: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surroundings. It’s a great spot for photos.

2:45 PM – Discover Lolei Temple

Duration: 30 minutes

Description: Lolei is the smallest of the Roluos Group Temples and was originally an island temple. Though smaller, it still features fine carvings and inscriptions.

Highlights: The brick towers, inscriptions in ancient Khmer script, and the nearby modern monastery.

Tips: The active monastery near Lolei offers insight into contemporary Buddhist practices.

3:30 PM – Depart for Siem Reap

The return trip to Siem Reap will take approximately 30-40 minutes.

4:15 PM – Arrive Back in Siem Reap

End your day back in Siem Reap, giving you time to relax or explore the town.