2 DAYS-ANGKOR TOUR AND PREAH VIHEAR ITINERARY OPTION
PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE AND KOH KER MAP
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 visit 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.
SMALL CIRCUIT TOUR PHOTO GALLERY
DAY-2:
Preah Vihear And Koh Ker-Phyramid Tour Itinerary
5:30 AM – Pick-up from Siem Reap Hotel
Begin your journey with a very early pick-up from your hotel in Siem Reap. This early start ensures you have enough time to visit all the temples on your list. Enjoy the drive through the scenic Cambodian countryside en route to Preah Vihear Temple.
8:00 AM – Arrive at Preah Vihear Temple
PREAH VIHEAR TEMPLE: is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located atop a 525-meter high mountain. The temple is an excellent example of Khmer architecture and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Spend time exploring this magnificent temple, with its breathtaking views of the plains and the Thai border. Walk through the temple’s multiple levels, which feature intricate carvings and impressive stone structures.
11:30 AM – After your visit to Preah Vihear: Drive to Koh Ker (Approx. 1.5 Hours)
Depart for Koh Ker, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. The drive will take you through beautiful rural landscapes and dense jungle, creating an adventurous atmosphere. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
PREAH VIHEAR TOUR PHOTO GALLERY
1:00 PM – Arrive at KOH KER GROUP
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
2:00 PM – 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 THOM (Pyramid Temple)
Duration: 1 hour
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.
PRASAT LINGAS AND LINGAM SHRINE
Duration: 15 minutes
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
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: 15 minutes
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.
PRASAT NEANG KHMAO (Temple of the Black Virgin)
Duration: 15 minutes
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 PRAM
Duration: 30 minutes
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.
Total Time at Koh Ker Group: ~2.5 hours
4:30 PM –Drive Back to Siem Reap.
Optional Visit to BENG MEALEA TEMPLE (If Time Permits)
KOH KER TOUR PHOTO GALLERY
Tips:
– Tickets: Buy your Angkor Pass ahead of time (1-day: $37). The ticket is required for all temples in the park.
– Tickets: Must be purchased separately Preah Vihear $10 and Koh Ker $10 per adult
– Dress Code: Wear appropriate clothing to enter the temples (shoulders and knees must be covered).
– Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
– Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
– Transportation: For a comfortable journey, consider hiring an air-conditioned car or minivan, as it’s a longer drive and hot weather. If you’d like a more informative experience, we recommend hiring a guide to share insights and history during the trip.
RATES FOR TRANSPORTATION AND TOUR GUIDE SERVICES
RATES FOR PRIVATE ENGLISH-SPEAKING DRIVER AND VEHICLE
PRIVATE AC CAR SUV : 5 SEATS
Maximum 4 people
$195 USD Per vehicle for 2DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)
PRIVATE AC MINIVAN STAREX : 12 SEATS
Maximum 10 people
$205 USD Per vehicle for 2DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)
PRIVATE AC MINIVAN SANNYONG : 15 SEATS
Maximum 14 people
$215 USD Per vehicle for 2DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)
INCLUSIONS: Gasoline – Cold drinking water – Parking fee
EXCLUSIONS: Angkor Tickets – Preah Vihear Tickets – Koh ker Tickets – Your own foods – Tour guides
RATES FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE
ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE IN SIEM REAP
$100 USD Per vehicle for 2DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)
To save money, consider hiring a tour guide for only the main temples