Angkor Wat
We will begin the tour early in the morning at around 4:45am and take a short drive to Angkor Wat. We’ll see a beautiful sunrise and discover many amazing things in this mega-religious structure.
Angkor Thom Temple Groups
South Gate of Angkor Thom
South Gate of Angkor Thom, a 3km by 3km gate, built to protect the capital of Angkor Thom. It is the popular entrance to Angkor Thom. Two row of devas and asuras from the Hindu Myth of Churning of the Sea of Milk were built at the front of the causeway.
Bayon Temple
Located about 1km from the South Gate, Bayon temple is located at the heart of Angkor Thom as it was the state temple of king Jayavarman VII. The 54 towers decorated with 216 of Avalokiteshvara’s smiling faces makes it look like an alien construction.
Baphuon Temple
Baphoun is the second biggest temple in Angkor Thom that was built in the mid-11th century as a state temple of king Udayadityavarman II for the Hindu God Shiva. It is a pyramid-shaped temple that has three tiers. It is a must-see temple for its gorgeous architecture.
Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King
They are the two close terraces built at the front of Angkor Royal Palace. The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was served as a large viewing stage for public ceremonies and used as a base for the king to watch his military training. Next to the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of Leper King is standing north of it with many stunning carvings inside that make you drop your jaw.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm was once used as a Buddhist Monastery and a university during the Angkor period. It is called the Tomb Raider temple since the movie was filmed in the temple. A large tree grows on the temple and it is a popular spot for photos.
Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei was recently restored, but it is still open to tourists. There surrounding forest of the temple makes it look mysterious and quiet for explorers.
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is the baray or reservoir of Banteay Kdei. It has stunning views, especially at the sunrise and sunset.
Preah Khan
Preah Khan means “Royal Sword”, a 12th century temple built by the great Khmer king Jayavarman VII to honour his father. During the Angkor era, it was a huge centre of a substantial organization with almost 100, 000 officials and servants. Today, it is still the main tourist attraction in Siem Reap that should not be missed.
Neak Pean
Neak Pean means “The Entwined Serpents”, a neighbouring temple of Preah Khan. It is an artificial island temple dedicated to Buddhism, and the “Mebon” of Preah Khan Baray. The temple was designed like a full-opened lotus flower in the middle of the water.
Ta Som
Ta Som is a 12th-century temple situated east of Neak Pean temple. It was built was built during king Jayavarman VII’s reign and dedicated to his father. There is a famous spot is the third eastern gopura where a fig tree has grown through the temple, making it a significant feature for photographers.
East Mebon
East Mebon is a temple built at the centre of now dry East Baray. It was a Hindu temple, created by king Rajendravarman II in 952 AD and dedicated to his parents. On the first and second tier of the temple, there are 8 two-meter-high, perfectly carved stone elephants in the corners of each side.
Pre Rup
Pre Rup means “Tuning the Body”, a temple located 1km south of East Mebon. It was built by the same king Rajendravarman II with the same style as East Mebon. It is a pyramid-shaped temple which has three tiers and five lotus towers on the top.
Banteay Samre
Banteay Samre was built by king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple. It uses the same materials as Banteay Srei, and it is still looking good today.
