_{DAY-1 : SMALL CIRCUIT AND SUNRISE TOUR (FULL DAY)}

_{MORNING: At 4:30 or 5:00 AM (depending on the time of year and sunrise schedule), our driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Angkor ticket office to assist you in purchasing your Angkor Pass. After that, we will head to Angkor Wat to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and begin exploring the temple complex.}

Please note that you can also purchase your Angkor ticket online in advance if you prefer to save time in the morning. If your hotel provides complimentary breakfast, we recommend requesting a breakfast box to take with you. If breakfast is not included, we can stop at a nearby restaurant for breakfast and coffee after sunrise and once you have completed your visit to Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat and Sunrise — Duration: 3hours : Highlight : sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Cambodia. As the first light of dawn slowly appears behind the temple’s five iconic towers, the sky changes from deep blue to soft pink and golden orange. The reflection of Angkor Wat in the peaceful lotus ponds creates a breathtaking and picture-perfect moment. The early morning atmosphere is cool, quiet, and magical, making it the best time for photography and enjoying the spiritual beauty of the temple. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and the most iconic landmark of Cambodia. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and later became a Buddhist temple. The temple is famous for its grand architecture, five lotus-shaped towers, and long galleries decorated with stunning bas-reliefs that tell stories from Hindu epics. 

_{BREAK for breakfast  and coffee after sunrise and once you have completed your visit to Angkor Wat – Duration: 1hour} 

South Gate of Angkor Thom – Duration: 30mn : Highlight :  is one of the most impressive and well-preserved entrances to the ancient royal city. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this grand gate stands about 23 meters high and is crowned with four giant smiling faces looking in the four cardinal directions. These serene faces are believed to represent Avalokiteshvara or the compassionate spirit of the king. As you approach the gate, you will cross a long stone bridge lined with 54 statues of gods (Devas) on one side and 54 demons (Asuras) on the other, each holding the body of a giant naga (serpent). This dramatic scene represents the famous Hindu legend of the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Bayon Temple – Duration: 1hour : Highlight: is khnow for its 54 towers and over 200 smilling  stone faces and one of the most fascinating temples in the Angkor complex, famous for its many stone faces smiling in all directions. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon was originally a Buddhist temple located at the center of Angkor Thom. The temple is known for its unique architecture, with more than 50 towers carved with serene faces believed to represent Avalokiteshvara or the king himself. Bayon’s bas-reliefs vividly show daily life, battles, and historical events of the Khmer Empire, making it a truly unforgettable site to explore. 

Baphuon Temple – Duration: 30mn: Highlight : is an impressive 11th-century temple located within the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Built during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. The temple is designed as a three-tiered pyramid, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology.

Phimeanakas – Duration: 15mn: Highlight : is a fascinating temple located within the Royal Palace area of Angkor Thom. Built in the late 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman and later expanded by King Suryavarman I, this Hindu temple was dedicated to the god Shiva. The name “Phimeanakas” means “Celestial Palace,” reflecting its royal and spiritual significance.

Elephant Terrace   – Duration: 30mn: Highlight : is one of the most impressive royal structures inside Angkor Thom. Built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this long sandstone terrace stretches for about 300 meters and was used as a grand viewing platform for public ceremonies, royal processions, and victory celebrations.

Leper King Terrace – Duration: 30mn: Highlight: is a mysterious and beautifully carved royal terrace located just north of the Terrace of the Elephants in Angkor Thom. Built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it is believed to have served as a royal cremation site or ceremonial platform.

Ta Keo Temple – Duration: 30mn: Highlight: is a striking temple mountain built in the late 10th century during the reign of King Jayavarman V and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is considered one of the earliest temples in Angkor constructed almost entirely from sandstone. Ta Keo is known for its massive pyramid shape with five towers arranged in a quincunx pattern on the top level, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. Visitors can climb the steep staircases to reach the upper terraces, where they can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding Angkor jungle.

BREAK FOR LUCH: 12:45 PM – Take a break for lunch. There are many local restaurants or food stalls around Srah Srang. Enjoy some traditional Khmer foods.

_AFTERNOON:

Ta Prom or Tomb Raider Temple – Duration: 1hour : Highlight: is one of the most atmospheric and photogenic temples in the Angkor complex. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and originally dedicated to his mother, this Buddhist monastery and university was once home to hundreds of monks and thousands of attendants. What makes Ta Prohm truly special is the way nature has intertwined with the ruins. Massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow directly out of the temple walls, with enormous roots wrapping around the ancient stones. Unlike many other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely in its natural state, giving visitors a real sense of discovery and adventure.

Banteay Kdei Temple  – Duration: 30mn : Highlight: is a peaceful and less crowded Buddhist temple built in the late 12th to early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The name “Banteay Kdei” means “Citadel of Chambers,” which reflects its maze-like layout of halls, courtyards, and galleries.

Srah Srang – Duration: 15mn: Highlight: often called the “Royal Bath,” is a beautiful and peaceful reservoir located near Banteay Kdei in the Angkor area. Originally constructed in the 10th century and later renovated in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Srah Srang was once used for royal bathing rituals and ceremonial purposes.

Kravan Temple – Duration: 30mn. Highlight: is a small but historically significant 9th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman IV, Kravan is known for its unique use of red brick construction and intricate terracotta bas-reliefs that have remarkably survived through the centuries.

END OF TOUR

This tour will finish around 4:00 PM. After the last attraction, we will transfer you back to your hotel. 

In the evening, you may also enjoy a night show such as the Apsara Traditional Dance Show or the Phare, The Cambodian Circus. The performances usually run from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Please inform our driver in advance if you would like us to arrange a reservation for you, and you pay a bit extra to driver for OT.

_{DAY-2 : 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, your driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your private tour. We will drive for approximately one hour via the new expressway, passing through the beautiful Cambodian countryside, with scenic views of local villages and traditional houses, until we reach the ticket office near Beng Mealea Temple. Upon arrival, we will assist you in purchasing your entrance ticket to Beng Mealea, priced at US$10 per adult. After purchasing your ticket, we will continue driving for approximately 10 minutes to visit Ou Thmor Dab Stone Quarry, an interesting historical site associated with sandstone extraction for ancient Khmer temple construction. Here, you can learn about how sandstone blocks were quarried and transported to build the magnificent temples of the Angkor region. In ancient times, these heavy stone blocks were transported using various methods, including waterways and rafts, as well as elephants and ox carts. We will spend approximately 15 minutes exploring the site and learning about the traditional methods used to transport sandstone for temple construction. After our visit, we will continue our journey to Koh Ker Archaeological Site, which takes approximately another hour by car, then we will assist you again to buy Koh Ker ticket in US$15 per adult..

10:00 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 BRAM Duration: 30 minutes

Highlight: 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. 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 Duration: 30 minutes

Highlight: Named after a black statue of the goddess Neang Kmao (meaning “Black Virgin”), this temple consists of two tall, dark stone towers.  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 DOMREI (Elephant Temple) Duration: 30 minutes

Highlight: 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.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 KRA CHAB Duration: 15 minutes

Highlight: Prasat Kra Chab is a small but intriguing temple featuring delicate carvings and a design that exemplifies the architectural diversity of Koh Ker. 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 LINGAS AND LINGAM SHRINE Duration: 15 minutes

Highlight: 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). 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 THOM (Pyramid Temple) Duration: 2 hours

Highlight: is the main temple of the ancient Koh Ker temple complex and is famous for its impressive seven-tier pyramid structure. Built in the 10th century during the reign of Jayavarman IV, Koh Ker briefly served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. The pyramid rises about 36 meters high and represents the sacred mountain of the gods in Hindu belief, symbolizing Mount Meru. Visitors can climb the wooden staircase to reach the top, where they are rewarded with wide views over the surrounding jungle and the remote archaeological landscape of Koh Ker. Unlike the more ornate temples of Angkor, Prasat Thom impresses visitors with its powerful and monumental design. The massive laterite blocks, steep steps, and quiet forest setting create a mysterious atmosphere, making it one of the most unique pyramid-style temples in Cambodia.

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

Total Time at Koh Ker Group: ~3 hours

2:00 PM – Depart for Beng Mealea Temple, a jungle-covered temple about 1 hour from Koh Ker.

3:00 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

BENG MEALEA TMEPLE: Duration: 2hours

Highlights: Beng Mealea is one of the most mysterious and atmospheric temples in the Angkor region. Built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, the temple is believed to have been constructed around the same time as Angkor Wat and follows a similar architectural style. Unlike many temples in the Angkor complex, Beng Mealea has been largely left in its natural state. Huge sandstone blocks lie scattered across the ground, and thick jungle vegetation grows over the towers, walls, and galleries, creating a dramatic “lost temple” atmosphere. Visitors can walk along wooden walkways and explore collapsed corridors, hidden carvings, and ancient libraries.Surrounded by dense forest, the temple offers a quiet and adventurous experience, giving visitors the feeling of discovering a forgotten ruin deep in the jungle. Beng Mealea is located about 65 km from Siem Reap and is a perfect destination for travelers who want to explore a more untouched and less crowded temple.

5:00 PM – Start the journey back to Siem Reap, enjoying the countryside views. We will arrive at Siem Reap around 6:00 PM.