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:

_{Koh Ker-Pyramid And Beng Mealea Temple Tour Itinerary} 

_{This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, giving visitors a unique experience beyond Angkor Wat.}

7:30 AM – Departure 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. Begin the day with an early start from Siem Reap. It’s a 2-hour scenic drive to the Koh Ker temple complex. 

 9:30 AM – Arrival at Koh Ker Group

Explore the mystical and remote Koh Ker temple complex, once the capital of the Khmer Empire. This site is known for its unique architecture, grand pyramid, and impressive carvings. The highlight temples to visit include:

PRASAT PRAM

Duration: 30 minutes

Feature: Known for its towers overgrown with jungle vines and trees, Prasat Pram is a blend of nature and ruins—a photographer’s dream. A group of small towers covered in vines and trees, with walls of dark stone that contrast beautifully with the green jungle.

Highlight: Prasat Pram is one of the most photographed spots at Koh Ker, known for its towers overtaken by nature, giving it an almost surreal, “lost in the jungle” appearance.

PRASAT NEANG KHMAO (Temple of the Black Virgin)

Duration: 30 minutes

Feature: Named after a black statue of the goddess Neang Kmao (meaning “Black Virgin”), this temple consists of two tall, dark stone towers.

Highlight: The unique color of the stone, combined with the weathered, overgrown appearance, gives Prasat Neang Kmao an air of mystery and legend. The site reflects the mix of Hindu and animist influences that define Koh Ker, offering a hauntingly beautiful and lesser-known corner of the complex.

PRASAT THOM (Pyramid Temple)

Duration: 1 hour

Feature: A seven-tiered pyramid rising 36 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. This is a must-see and a great spot for photos.

Highlight: The highest point offers stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. Climbing to the top is a thrilling experience and an excellent photo opportunity.

Lunch Break: at a local restaurant near the Koh Ker site. This is a great time to relax and take in the rural scenery of Cambodia. Recommended Duration: 1 hour

PRASAT LINGAS AND LINGAM SHRINE

Duration: 15 minutes

Feature: A small but unique shrine containing lingams, representing Hindu symbols of fertility. A shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, with a series of lingams (symbolic representations of Shiva).

Highlight: This shrine showcases the religious importance of Koh Ker as a former Khmer capital, providing insight into Hindu influences on Khmer culture and religion.

PRASAT KRA CHAB

Duration: 15 minutes

Feature: Prasat Kra Chab is a small but intriguing temple featuring delicate carvings and a design that exemplifies the architectural diversity of Koh Ker.

Highlight: Its compact size makes it easy to explore, and the carvings on the lintels and door frames reveal intricate, well-preserved details. Prasat Kra Chab is a quieter temple, ideal for those interested in studying Khmer artistry without large crowds.

PRASAT DOMREI (Elephant Temple)

Duration: 30 minutes

Feature: Named after the statues of elephants (domrei) that once guarded the temple, this structure is partially in ruins but still showcases remnants of its original elephant sculptures.

Highlight: The elephant statues, though weathered, give a unique character to the temple and are symbols of strength and protection in Khmer culture. This temple is a great spot to appreciate the interplay of art, nature, and ancient Khmer beliefs. Total Time at Koh Ker Group: ~3 hours

1:30 PM – Depart for Beng Mealea Temple, a jungle-covered temple about 1 hour from Koh Ker.

2:30 PM – Arrival at Beng Mealea Temple

Beng Mealea is a sprawling, partially ruined temple covered in thick vines, moss, and lush vegetation. It offers a wild and immersive experience of Angkorian architecture. Main Temple Structure

Duration: 1 hour

Walk along wooden walkways and explore collapsed corridors, hidden shrines, and the intricately carved sandstone walls. Your guide can help you understand the historical and religious significance of the bas-reliefs. Outer Moat & Jungle Surroundings

Duration: 30 minutes

Wander through the ancient moat area and outer grounds. Beng Mealea is particularly special for those who enjoy nature intertwined with architecture.

Total Time at Beng Mealea: ~1.5 hours

4:00 PM – Departure Back to Siem Reap

Start the journey back to Siem Reap, enjoying the countryside views.

5:30 PM – Arrival in Siem Reap

You’ll arrive back in Siem Reap by late afternoon, in time for dinner or evening plans.