Highlight
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Banteay Srei: Marveling at the "Citadel of Women," renowned for having the finest, most intricate, and deepest stone carvings in all of Angkor, cut into beautiful pink sandstone.
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Preah Khan: Getting lost in the maze-like vaulted corridors of the "Sacred Sword," a massive monastic complex built by King Jayavarman VII that feels like a less-crowded Ta Prohm.
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Neak Pean: Walking along the wooden boardwalk over the surrounding waters to reach this unique, small island temple originally designed for medicinal and healing purposes.
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Pre Rup: Scaling the towering, warm-toned laterite and brick tiers of this massive "temple mountain," which offers fantastic vantage points over the surrounding jungle.
Description
This itinerary offers a fantastic contrast to the massive, imposing structures of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. You will venture out to the Cambodian countryside to witness the incredibly intricate, pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei, often considered the jewel of Khmer art. Returning to the main archaeological park, you'll wander through the sprawling, tree-draped corridors of Preah Khan, walk across a peaceful reservoir to the island temple of Neak Pean, and finish by climbing the steep brick tiers of Pre Rup for sweeping, panoramic views.
Itinerary
- 8:00 AM: Hotel Pick-up & Scenic Drive
- Begin your morning a bit later today. Your driver will pick you up and head straight for Banteay Srei. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour from Siem Reap, offering a beautiful look at rural Cambodian villages, rice paddies, and local life along the way.
- 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM: Banteay Srei
- Explore the temple before the midday heat and heavy tour bus crowds arrive. Because the temple is small, you can take your time getting close to the incredibly well-preserved bas-reliefs of Hindu mythology.
- 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM: Drive Back to the Grand Circuit
- Head back toward the main Angkor Archaeological Park. Enjoy the breeze in your tuk-tuk or the A/C in your car as you transition back to the larger temple structures.
- 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM: Preah Khan
- Enter the vast complex of Preah Khan. You will want plenty of time here, as the temple is massive and full of hidden corners. Look for the famous two-story pavilion with round columns (which looks surprisingly Greek!) and the impressive strangler fig trees growing atop the eastern entrance walls.
- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
- Stop for lunch. There are several good local restaurants positioned near the exit of Preah Khan or along the road to Neak Pean. Grab some local Amok or fried rice and hydrate!
- 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM: Neak Pean
- Take a short drive to the entrance of Neak Pean. The walk up to the temple is almost as beautiful as the site itself, taking you across a long wooden bridge over a flooded reservoir filled with dead trees and reflecting water. View the central circular sanctuary surrounded by four connected pools.
- 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM: Pre Rup
- Finish your temple hopping at Pre Rup. This 10th-century state temple is completely different in style from the others on your list, featuring warm, reddish brickwork. Climb the steep central stairs to the top tier for a commanding view of the Cambodian countryside. (Note: If you have the energy, you can stay up here until around 5:30 PM to watch a beautiful, though sometimes crowded, sunset!)
- 5:00 PM: Return to Siem Reap
- Head back to town, drop off your gear, and get ready for a well-deserved dinner and perhaps a foot massage after another long day of walking.
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 all Traveler from Hotel in Siem Reap.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.