What You Will Do
The Small Circuit is a circular loop that passes the most impressive Angkor Temples near Siem Reap including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. Here’s how best to do the circuit including tips on when to go and which temples to skip and optional sunset .
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Angkor Wat
2 hours
At 8 :00am Pick up by our local guide and driver from your hotel , spend 15 minutes stop at the ticket booth for buy get a pass for angkor temple complex , Then have the first stop Banteay Kdei meaning "A Citadel of Chambers", also known as "Citadel of Monks' cells", is a Buddhist temple in Angkor and after keepgoing to the Taphrom temple it is( Tomb raider ) ,next stop is Angkor thom city is undeniably an expression of the highest genius. It is, in three dimensions and on a scale worthy of an entire nation, (Bayon temple gain faces ) and have some lunch front of the angkor wat till afternoon lest people inside ,and spend around 2 hours .
2
Angkor Wat
2 hours
The most iconic of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat is the largest religious building in the world and the Khmer Empire’s greatest legacy. It’s the showpiece of the empire’s devotion to religion and the best example of their architectural skill.
Angkor Wat is a powerful symbol of Cambodian culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3
Angkor Thom
2 hours
Angkor Thom was one of the most impressive cities of the Angkor period, and evidence of their extensive urban planning.
This ancient city covers an area of 9 square kilometres surrounded by four walls 3 kilometres in length. Each wall has a gate which provides access to the complex over a moat. The most impressive gate is the South Gate, which is how you enter Angkor Thom on the small circuit.
At the centre of the complex is Bayon, an extensively decorated temple with 216 gigantic smiling faces. Surrounding it are numerous other sites, which are best seen by walking between them.
4
Bayon Temple
1 hour
We highly recommend stopping at Bayon Temple on the small circuit. The surrounding temples are also well worth strolling around.
From the parking area (Bayon Park on the map), walk westwards along the stone concourse into Bayon temple. Do a half loop of the inner walls looking at the carvings before heading into the centre to get up close to the giant faces.
Exit Bayon Temple northwards and when you see another temple on your left follow the thin stone causeway to Baphuon. Climb to the summit for wonderful views over the forest, before descending and winding your way through the trees to Phimeanakas, a Hindu temple surrounded by a pretty moat.
Continue through the trees to small but pretty Preah Palilay, then return to the main path and head past the Terrace of the Leper King to the Terrace of the Elephants. Either get the tuk-tuk driver to pick you up here or walk back to where you parked the bike.
5
Ta Keo
30 minutes
The Small Circuit now exits Angkor Thom via the Eastern Gate. Ruined and less restored than the South Gate it’s an easy quick stop.
The highlight of the area is Ta Keo. One of the first temples built entirely from sandstone, it is a monumental, stepped pyramid topped with five massive towers. Even if you don’t climb the stairs to the summit, it’s well worth stopping and grabbing a photo from the base.
The road then passes between two small temples. Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. They have interesting carved pediments, but most people quickly skip by. Next is Spean Thmor, an ancient bridge that has seen better days and not worth stopping at.
6
Ta Prohm Temple
1 hour
Ta Prohm is the Tomb Raider Temple with ancient walls crumbling under the constriction of the jungle.
The complex is a maze of corridors, vaults, and closed courtyards. Many are piled up with boulders tossed aside by the advancement of the jungle. Bas-relief adorns many of the walls and porches, enhanced by the flickering shadow of huge encroaching trees.
It’s a magical place and an essential stop on the Small Circuit.
Don’t miss the door surrounded by room from the Tomb Raider movie and the giant Crocodile Tree. The bas-reliefs on the Dancer’s Corridor are also exceptional.
7
Banteay Kdei
45 minutes
Banteay Kdei is a maze of chambers and corridors, partially overrun by jungle. The temple is adorned with lions, Buddha statues, lintels, and a few bas-reliefs.
It’s much less visited than most of the other temples of Angkor Wat making it a refreshing place to stroll around. We enjoyed visiting, but it’s not as impressive as some of the other temples. Try to squeeze it in if you have time.
Opposite Banteay Kdei is the massive reservoir of Srah Srang. The stone platform offers pretty views over the lake and it’s a popular spot for sunrise or sunset.
8
Prasat Kravan
15 minutes
Prasat Kravan is a 10th-century site containing unique bas-reliefs on its inner walls. It’s a well-preserved small temple and, being only a short distance from the road, it only takes a few minutes to explore.
9
Phnom Bakheng
1 hour
If sunrise is too early to start for you, this is an excellent alternative. After breakfast at your guesthouse complete the Small Circuit in reverse (anti-clockwise) starting at Prasat Kravan.
If you leave mid-morning, you should arrive at Angkor Wat about 3:30pm. Explore the interior of the temple first and then get photos from the libraries and over the ponds in the late afternoon (just before it closes at 5.30 pm) when gentle light streams onto its wall and towers.
You can then walk up nearby Phnom Bakheng for sunset.
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