Why Travel To Cambodia
- Fascinating ancient temples
- Stunning natural landscapes
- Friendly locals
- Delicious cuisine
- Affordable travel
Angkor Area Map
Angkor/Siem Reap Travel Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap
- Day 2: Explore the temples inside the Angkor central area aka the small-circuit route (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, etc.)
- Day 3: Explore the temples outside the Angkor central area aka the grand-circuit route (Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Banteay Srie, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, etc.)
- Day 4: Visit Angkor National Museum & Konpong Phluk Floating Village
- Day 5: Depart
Best Time To Visit Angkor/Siem Reap (Cambodia)
The best time to visit Angkor is between November and March when the weather is the driest. December and January are the best months with hardly any rainfall and relatively cooler temperatures.
Angkor/Siem Reap Top Experiences
- Magnificent Angkor Wat & Bayon Temple
- Intricate temples of Banteay Srei
- State-of-the-art Angkor National Musuem
- Stunning mangrove forest at Konpong Phluk
- Beautiful Apsara dance performance
Day 1: Arrive In Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the second-largest city of Cambodia and it serves as a base for travelers to explore the famous Angkor temples. The town of Siem Reap is located just 6 kilometers to the south of Angkor.
Best area to stay in Siem Reap: If you're visiting Siem Reap for the first time, the Old French Quarter is the ideal place to stay. This lively area is conveniently situated for discovering all the local attractions and is brimming with hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
After your long journey to arrive Siem Reap, take some time to relax and get comfortable in your hotel. In the evening, treat yourself to a wonderful dinner at a Cambodian restaurant featuring a live Apsara dance show. You'll have the chance to indulge in delicious local cuisine while being mesmerized by the enchanting performances of the Apsara dancers.
Alternatively you can head to the Pub Street in evening to enjoy a nice dinner. Pub Street is the vibrant heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, buzzing with energy and excitement. The Pub Street is packed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, street food vendors, shops, market stalls, and a whole lot more to explore!
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| Apsara Dance |
Day 2: Explore Angkor Temples
To explore the Angkor temples, join a guided day tour that covers the main temples in the central area of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat. This is often referred to as the small-circuit tour. It's a good idea to book this tour a few days in advance. If you prefer, you can also hire a tuk-tuk for the day to navigate the temples at your own pace. Travel Tip: Consider purchasing a 3-day Angkor temple pass for the best value, allowing you to visit numerous temples over three days.
Angkor served as the capital city of the Khmer Empire, situated in what is now Cambodia. This remarkable city thrived from around the 9th to the 15th centuries and is home to the famous Angkor Wat temple as well as the Bayon temple.
The Angkorian era commenced in AD 802 under the reign of Khmer Hindu King Jayavarman II and continued until the late 14th century. During this time, Hinduism emerged as the predominant religion in the ancient Khmer Empire, leading to the construction of numerous Hindu temples by Khmer rulers, many of which were devoted to Hindu gods, such as the iconic Angkor Wat.
Angkor Archaeological Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. While Angkor doesn’t offer any lodging or many amenities, the nearby town of Siem Reap, located just 6 kilometers to the south, serves as the main tourist center for the region.
Following are some of the top temples you can visit as part of your small-circuit tour:
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm temple
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat stands as the largest religious monument in the world, spanning approximately 400 acres, and represents the pinnacle of Khmer architectural achievement. This expansive complex includes over a thousand structures, making it one of the most remarkable cultural treasures globally.
This magnificent temple beautifully merges two fundamental designs of Khmer architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried style, which draws inspiration from early South Indian Hindu architecture. Angkor Wat was crafted to symbolize Mount Meru, the dwelling place of the Hindu deities.
Constructed in the 12th century under the reign of King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire, the temple was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Over time, Angkor Wat transformed into a Buddhist shrine, with many of its original Hindu carvings and statues being replaced by Buddhist artwork.
Bayon
The Bayon served as the state temple for King Jayavarman VII and was constructed towards the end of the 12th century. This mountain temple symbolizes Mount Meru, which is considered the center of the universe in both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. One of the most striking aspects of the Bayon is the numerous large, tranquil stone faces that adorn the various towers, rising from the upper terrace and surrounding the central peak.
Day 3: Explore Angkor Temples
To explore other Angkor temples, join another guided day tour that covers the temples outside the central area of Angkor. This is often referred to as the grand-circuit tour. It's a good idea to book this tour a few days in advance. If you prefer, you can also hire a tuk-tuk for the day to navigate the temples at your own pace. Travel Tip: Your 3-day Angkor temple pass will give you entry to most of the temples in the grand-circuit tour.
Following are some of the top temples you can visit as part of your grand-circuit tour:
- Pre Rup
- East Mebon
- Ta Som
- Banteay Srie
- Preah Khan
- Neak Pean
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a Hindu temple located in Angkor, constructed as a state temple for Khmer King Rajendravarman. It was completed in 961 and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
East Mebon
The East Mebon is a temple from the 10th Century located in Angkor. Built by King Rajendravarman II, this Hindu temple was originally on an islet in the middle of the Eastern Baray, but today it stands firmly on dry ground. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the East Mebon also pays tribute to the king's parents. Its unique temple-mountain design features five impressive towers at the top.
Ta Som
Ta Som is a small temple at Angkor, constructed at the close of the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This temple was dedicated to his father, Dharanindravarman II, who ruled the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160.
Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is a Cambodian temple from the 10th century CE, dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Parvati. Uniquely, it stands out as the only significant temple in Angkor not constructed by a king. Instead, its creation is attributed to a courtier named Yajnavaraha, who was known for his scholarship, philanthropy, and service as an advisor to King Rajendravarman. Located 25 km to the northeast of the main Angkor temple complex, Banteay Srei is primarily made of red sandstone, which beautifully showcases the intricate wall carvings that can still be admired today. The temple receives a lot of acclaim as a true masterpiece of Khmer artistry.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan is a temple located in Angkor, constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII to pay tribute to his father. This temple was erected on the very spot where Jayavarman VII triumphed over the invading Chams in 1191. It served as the hub of a large administration, employing nearly 100,000 officials and servants.
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is a small temple located on a circular artificial island in Jayatataka Baray. Constructed by the renowned King Jayavarman VII during the 12th century, this temple was initially intended to serve as a hospital, with the surrounding waters believed to possess healing qualities.
Day 4: Explore Siem Reap
- Escape the morning heat and kick off your day at the Angkor National Museum, an archaeological gem focused on collecting, preserving, and showcasing artifacts from the Angkorian era. This museum also offers valuable insights into the art and culture of the Khmer civilization, featuring collections primarily from the Angkor period, which spans the 9th to 14th centuries. Many of the artifacts on display were unearthed in and around the nearby Angkor archaeological sites.
- In the afternoon join half day guided tour of Konpong Phluk Floating Village. Your tour schedule will be something like this: You'll begin your adventure with a peaceful rowboat ride across the tranquil waters of Tonle Sap Lake, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the mangrove forest. Next, you'll hop onto a motorboat to visit the fascinating Kompong Phluk floating village. Here, you'll be captivated by the distinctive homes built on tall stilts and gain insight into the daily life of rural fishing communities. You'll discover the routines of the locals and how they adapt to the changing seasons. You'll wrap up the tour while enjoying a stunning sunset as you glide around the Tonle Sap Lake.
- Make the most of your final night in Siem Reap by heading over to Pub Street.
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| Mangrove Forest at Konpong Phluk |
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| Pub Street (Siem Reap) |
Day 5: Depart
Depart to your destination from Siem Reap.
What to Shop In Cambodia
Cambodia is known for Krama (Cambodian traditional scarf), silk products, sculpture reproductions, silverware & silver jewelry, Kampot pepper and palm sugar.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.
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