Highlight
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Angkor Wat Sunrise: Watching the sky change colors and reflect off the ancient moat before exploring the largest religious monument in the world.
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South Gate of Angkor Thom: Driving through the impressive ancient gateway lined with statues of gods and demons depicting the "Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
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Bayon Temple: Getting up close to the mesmerizing, giant smiling faces carved into the central towers of King Jayavarman VII's state temple.
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Ta Prohm: Witnessing the power of nature where massive strangler fig and silk-cotton tree roots have grown over and through the temple ruins (famous for its appearance in Tomb Raider).
Description
This itinerary covers the most famous and breathtaking sites of the Angkor Archaeological Park, commonly known as the "Small Circuit." Your journey begins in the early hours of the morning to catch the world-renowned sunrise over the lotus towers of Angkor Wat. From there, you will step back in time as you explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, stand in awe of the giant smiling stone faces at Bayon Temple, and wander through the atmospheric, jungle-reclaimed corridors of Ta Prohm.
Itinerary
- 4:30 AM: Hotel Pick-up & Ticket Office
- Start bright and early! Your driver or guide will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap. If you haven't purchased your Angkor Pass online beforehand, you will stop at the official ticket center to buy your 1-Day, 3-Day, or 7-Day pass.
- 5:00 AM: Arrival at Angkor Wat
- Walk through the dark (bring a flashlight or use your phone) and position yourself by the northern reflection pool. This is the prime spot to watch the sunrise silhouette the five iconic towers of Angkor Wat.
- 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM: Exploring Angkor Wat
- Once the sun is up and the crowds begin to thin out for breakfast, head inside the temple. Explore the incredible bas-reliefs on the outer galleries, the Library, and make the steep climb up to the Bakan (the upper level and central sanctuary) for panoramic views.
- 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM: Breakfast Break
- Take a well-deserved rest. You can pack a breakfast box from your hotel to eat near the temple, or stop at one of the local food stalls just outside the temple grounds for a hot coffee and some fresh fruit or noodle soup.
- 9:00 AM: Enter Angkor Thom via the South Gate
- Drive north toward the ancient city of Angkor Thom. You will cross a bridge flanked by 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right before passing under the massive stone faces of the South Gate.
- 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM: Bayon Temple
- Head straight to the center of Angkor Thom to explore Bayon. Wander through the maze-like lower galleries before climbing to the upper terrace, where you will be surrounded by over 200 serene, smiling stone faces looking out in all directions.
- 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM: Ta Prohm
- Leave Angkor Thom and take a short drive to Ta Prohm. Unlike the other temples, this one was intentionally left largely as it was found, swallowed by the jungle. Spend your time wandering the shaded corridors, taking photos of the massive tree roots crushing the ancient stonework, and enjoying the slightly cooler, mystical atmosphere.
- 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM: Return to Siem Reap
- Conclude your temple run and head back to your hotel in Siem Reap just as the midday heat sets in. You will have the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool, grab a cold drink, and reflect on the incredible history you just witnessed!
Inclusions
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Hotel Pick up/ Drop off
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English Speaking Tour Guide
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Air-condition Vehicle
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Bottle of water
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Cool towel
Excliusions
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Temple Entrance Fee
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Person expends
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Gratuities
Meeting Point
We will pick up all Traveler from Hotel in Siem Reap.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.