3 DAYS-ANGKOR TOUR WITH PREAH VIHEA 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 PHOTOT GALLERY

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.

BIG CIRCUIT TOUR PHOTO GALLERY

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

BANTEAY SREI TEMPLE TOUR PHOTO GALLERY

DAY-3:

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 (3-day: $62). 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

$245 USD Per vehicle for 3DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)

PRIVATE AC MINIVAN STAREX : 12 SEATS

Maximum 10 people

$255 USD Per vehicle for 3DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)

PRIVATE AC MINIVAN SANNYONG : 15 SEATS

Maximum 14 people

$265 USD Per vehicle for 3DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)

INCLUSIONS: Gasoline – Cold drinking water – Parking fee

EXCLUSIONS: Angkor Tickets – Koh Ker Ticket – Your own foods – Tour guides 

RATES FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE

ENGLISH-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE IN SIEM REAP

$150 USD Per vehicle for 3DAYS-TOUR (Sunrise included)

To save money, consider hiring a tour guide for only the main temples