In this article, you can find some ideas for seeing Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples.
When you arrive in Siem Reap for the first time may find it difficult to get to all the key sights in a limited amount of time to see Angkor Wat. Here are some ideas for seeing Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples.
1. Why should you travel in winter?
From November to February is the most comfortable and popular time to explore Angkor. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies make walking between temples far more enjoyable than in the hot summer.
2. How to make the most of 3–4 days in Siem Reap
Small Circuit and Grand Circuit are the best routes for covering all the major temples of Angkor with the least fuss. The two can be completed in two days or much longer if you want to see more detail and discover more hidden wonders.
Generally, the Small Circuit begins with sunrise at Angkor Wat and continues clockwise. It is easy to tour Angkor Wat and other key temples in the central area of Angkor Archeological Park. A one-day Angkor Pass holder will enjoy this tour since it covers all the must-see temples.
The most famous monument in Angkor Archaeological Park is Angkor Wat, which is still used for religious worship today. It is not uncommon to see monks here, often offering blessings for a small donation. It took King Suryavarman II 30 years to build this temple in the first half of the 12th century. Eventually, he wanted the temple to be his mausoleum and dedicated it to Vishnu.
The original temple mountain of the area, pre-dating Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The climb up takes about 20 minutes, and you're rewarded with an amazing view and one of the best temple pyramids in the world. Watching the sunrise and sunset is also excellent here.
There are many highlights to see in this area, including Bayon Temple, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Baphoun Temple, Phimeanakas Temple, Royal Palace, Preah Pithu, and more. The area is a great place to explore, and you can eat, drink and relax while you're there.
A must-see with its classic temple character and beautiful trees, it's one of the most beautiful temples in the world. In awe of Mother Nature, the strangler figs encircle the stone structures in such a spectacular manner.
In Angkor Archeological Park, the Grand Circuit route extends the Small Circuit route and covers lesser temples outside the central cluster. Along this route, you'll still find some incredible temples. Even today, you can still see faces carved into rocks overgrown by vines. Although the temples may not be as grand and magnificent, enjoying the quietness of the Cambodian jungle on your own will be an unforgettable experience.
Located in Angkor Archeological Park, Siem Reap, Preah Khan is an ancient temple originally known as Nagara Jayasri (holy city of victory). It was constructed under the reign of king Jayavarman VII (reign 1181-1218 AD) to honor the memory of his father, who built the nearby Ta Prohm to remember his mother.
Grand Circuit Attraction 2: Banteay Prey Temple
It was built during the Jayavarman VII era in the late 12th to early 13th century. A single inner sanctuary is enclosed by an outer wall, an inner moat with causeways on either side, basins, and an inner galleried enclosure with four gopuras and pavilions on each corner.
Grand Circuit Attraction 3: Ta Som Temple
In addition to its beautiful gopura with smiling faces and especially its "jungle charm" of the outer eastern gate, this temple features that special lost temple charm similar to Ta Prohm.
2. How to Plan 5 Days or More?
If you're staying more than five days, consider expanding your journey. The Outer Circuit is perfect for travelers who love quieter temples and deeper history. You can also take a relaxing trip to Tonle Sap Lake, where floating villages offer a fascinating glimpse into local life.
Five scenic spots can be found on Angkor Wat's outer circuit. Two of the must-see temples are Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea. Other scenic spots include Rolous Group, Tonle Sap Lake, and Preah Vihear, which can be arranged according to your preferences. As the scenic spots on the outer circuit of Angkor Wat are relatively far away, the itinerary is suggested not to include more than three scenic spots.
Outer Circuit Attraction 1: Tonle Sap Lake
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake is Tonle Sap. It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its abundance of nature, including seasonal populations of waterbirds. Tonle Sap is surrounded by rivers and waterways, with a multitude of settlements, termed 'floating villages', where fisherman and their families live while harvesting the lake's waters.
Outer Circuit Attraction 2: Banteay Srei
There are few temples in Angkor that were commissioned not by kings but by Brahmans, who may have served as tutors to Jayavarman V. Among the most impressive are the lavishly decorated libraries and the three towers, which feature beautiful relief work and male and female divinities.
Outer Circuit Attraction 3: Beng Meale
Recently, some of the dense foliage around the temple has been cut back and cleaned up. From the south, visitors pass over finely chiseled sandstone blocks, through long, dark chambers and under hanging vines. Despite the collapse of the central tower, several impressive carvings remain hidden among the rubble and foliage, including a well-preserved library.
Outer Circuit Attraction 4: Rolous Group
Angkor Park does not contain the Roluos Group of four Angkor-era monuments. These four temples are the last remains of Hariharalaya, the second capital of the Khmer Empire during the Angkor era.
3. Where to Stay in Siem Reap?
Anantara Angkor Resort
Anantara Angkor Resort is an all-suite luxury hotel in Siem Reap, and the closest to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. It provides the ideal starting point for temple exploration by tuk-tuk or Vespa with is only 15 minutes away. The largest suites in Siem Reap are perfect for romantic hideaways and have interconnecting suites for families, so you can unwind in comfort after a day of exploration.
Closest airports: Siem Reap International Airport 3.8km
Breakfast info: Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Asian, American
Nearby attractions: Cambodian Cultural Village 300m, Siem Reap War Museum 1.3km, Angkor National Museum 3km
Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, airport shuttle, spa and wellness centre, non-smoking rooms, fitness centre
ANJALI by Syphon Cambodia
Couples seeking a calm and private hotel stay may find the Anjali to be an attractive, modern resort with slightly gloomy but exquisite design elements. Along a pathway that runs through a little jungle, visitors enter the resort. Rattan leaf sculptures in serene green and blue pastels liven up the grey walls and flooring, giving the space a sense of Zen without coming off as unduly monastic. The majority of the furnishings in the resort is produced in Cambodia.
Closest airports: Siem Reap International Airport 4.3km
Breakfast info: Continental, Vegetarian, Asian, American
Nearby attractions: Cambodian Cultural Village 1.3km, Siem Reap War Museum 1.7km, Angkor National Museum 2.2km
Facilities: Indoor swimming pool, airport shuttle, non-smoking rooms, spa and wellness centre, children's cots (upon request)
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Should I exchange my currency for Cambodian Riels?
A1: No, USD is accepted in Cambodia. It's not necessary to carry local currency unless you're paying for small items on the street.
Q2: Is Siem Reap a safe place to travel?
A2: Traveling to Siem Reap is safe. Petty theft can occur in the Old Market and at Angkor Wat, but violent attacks against tourists are extremely rare. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Q3: Is a visa required?
A3: Yes, you need a visa to enter Cambodia, but you can apply for an e-visa online before you depart. For more information, please visit https://www.evisa.gov.kh/.
Q4: Is it necessary to book the tour in advance?
A4: Booking the tour before your trip is recommended. It might be necessary to rent a car to transfer between attractions in Siem Reap since they are located at a distance from one another.
If you want to visit Cambodia, please feel free to contact our travel consultants to help you plan a wonderful trip! Contact us on WeChat ID: Expatsholiday or email us at [email protected] to start your journey today!
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