Embark on the Temple trip of Siem Reap where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective. During this trip, you will be discovering all of the World Heritage Sites around Siem Reap Province.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Day 01: Small Circle Angkor Temples ( The World Heritage Site in 1992 )
You will be picked up at the lobby of hotel. Then, transfer to visit Angkor Wat, first a Hindu, then subsequently a Buddhist, temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura,( present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. After that, you will go to visit Angkor Thom with the wall rising eight meters high, the laterite wall measures 3x3km and guards many treasures inside, protected by a moat still flooded today. You will enter the ancient city through its South Gate. In the very centre lies the temple of Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Your guide will point out the best angles for photography here and give explanation of the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries. You will then continue to Baphuon with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war. Phimeanakas is hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-tree-tops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top. Continuing along the Esplanade of the Royal Palace more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants you will wind up your exploration in the shaded area of the picturesque Preah Palilay. Break for lunch.
Afternoon, you will visit Thommanon temple, one of a pair of Hindu temples built during the reign of Suryavarman II at Angkor, Cambodia. The name of the temple is derived from the Pali words "Dhamma", which means 'Buddhist Teachings' and "Nanda", which means 'supreme wisdom'. Then, visit Chau Say Tevoda, a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is just east of Angkor Thom, directly south of Thommanon across the Victory Way. Built in the mid-12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat period. It is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with unique types of female sculptures of devatas enshrined in it. Our next stop, Ta Prohm, gained its 21st Century fame from the movie Tomb Raider featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Today, with Lara long gone, this temple is on the itinerary of most visitors and rightfully so. Many corners of Ta Prohm showcase an intricate relationship between the roots of Spung tree (Tetrameles Nudiflora) and ancient stones covered in moss. Truly a photographer's paradise, don't miss the opportunity to capture your own explorer's moments. Drive back to hotel and drop off.
Day 02: Big Circle temples ( Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, The East Mebon, Banteay Samré, Phnom Bok Hill )
You will be picked up at the lobby of hotel. Then, transfer to visit Preah Khan temple, another temple with spectacular trees and roots taking over the ancient man made structures which would give Ta Prohm run for its money any day! Explore the delicate carvings and don't miss the only two-storey construction in Angkor; standing on high columns this is a unique phenomenon in Khmer architecture. Your knowledgeable guide will help you navigate through the temple grounds before continuing further.
Constructed in roughly the same period as Preah Khan, Neak Pean offers a different view altogether. Located in the centre of the Northern Baray, this temple is essentially an island and most impressive to view in the wet season. The long raised wooden causeway leading to the temple is surrounded by water and submerged tree trunks lend the scene a ghostly appearance. After that, visit Ta Som temple, a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is located north east of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean. The King dedicated the temple to his father Dharanindravarman II who was King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160. Then, visit The East Mebon, a 10th Century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir. The East Mebon was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king. Lunch break.
After lunch, we go to visit Banteay Samré, located 400 metres to the east of the East Baray. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. Then, we visit Phnom Bok, the 695-foot-high (212-meter-high) hill with brick-built temples from around the same period built by Yasovarman I, who reigned 889–910 AD. Driver back to the town and drop off at hotel.
Day 03: Kbal Spean, Pre Rup and Lady Temple
After breakfast, we go to visit Kbal Spean with the “River of Thousand Lingas” To get to the top of Kbal Spean and appreciate the intricately carved stone river bed you have to conquer a fairly steep incline, but fear not – the path is well worn and the biggest obstacles and boulders are overcome by series of well maintained wooden staircases, yet at least medium level of fitness is required for this 3km jungle walk. You will have a lunch break locally and rest during the hottest part of the day. After that, we you will visit a small temple of Banteay Srei well known for its beautiful delicate carvings in warm pink sandstone. This late 10th century structure is fairly compact and very different from other Angkorian temples. On your way back, we visit Pre Rup, a Hindu temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or early 962. It is a temple mountain of combined brick, laterite and sandstone construction. The temple's name is a comparatively modern one meaning "turn the body". Drop off at hotel.
Day 04: Beng Mealea and Roulos group
After breakfast, we will go to visit Beng Mealea, more accessible with the addition of a wooden walkway throughout the structure assuring a safe access and slight elevation, thus a better view. This mid 12th century temple features mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism attributes and is particularly mesmerising in the wet season. In the afternoon you will head through picturesque countryside back towards Siem Reap stopping at the late 9th century Hindu temples Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko which are collectively known as the Rolous Temple Group. Explore the early capital of Angkor and let your guide show you the most attractive sites in this location, the most impressive being the pyramid-like Bakong surrounded by moat still containing water today. To finish off your day you may wish to briefly visit Lolei temple with its four brick towers on a double laterite platform. Then, we come back to the town.
Day 05: Temple Visit with sunset
After breakfast, we go to visit Kravan temple, an early 10th century Hindu monument. It consists of a line of five brick towers built closely together set atop a low platform oriented towards the East. Keep going to Srah Srang, the King's Baths – a large reservoir still containing water today. From here it's only a short walk to the sprawling labyrinth of the Buddhist temple Banteay Kdei, a 12th – 13th century temple built by King Jayavarman VII. In English, the name translates to “A Citadel of Chambers”. The temple is actually made up of a number of complex chambers and passages. We visit Bat Chum, a small sanctuary with three towers facing east. It was constructed in the mid 10th century (around 960) by the architect Kavindrarimathana for his own personal use. Kavindrarimathana is the only Khmer-era architect whose name has survived, and it is known that he also designed East Mebon and the royal palace of King Rajendravarman. Quite unusual for this time, Kavindrarimathana was a Buddhist and dedicated Bat Chum to the Buddha, Vajrapani, and Prajnaparamita (one tower represented each incarnation). After that, we visit Ta Keo, It was built in the end of the tenth century to early 11th century by the King Jayavarman V to Suryavarman I dedicated to Siva (Hindu), replica to Kleang style of art. Visit Ta Nei, built under King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Some scholars believe that the temple was constructed as a hospital. It is now in a fairly ruined state and approached only via a track through the forest. Lunch Break.
After lunch, we visit Baksei Chamkrong, a small pyramid temple located just to the south of Angkor Thom. It was constructed in 947 by King Harshavarman and is dedicated to Shiva. Measuring 27 meters on each side, the temple rises in 4 tiers of laterite surmounted by a single tower with an entrance facing east. The jambs on the entrance include two well-preserved inscriptions which give the precise date and time of the temple's dedication—9:40 AM on the morning of Wednesday, February 23, 948. The text also indicates that the shrine was built in honor of Shiva and his spouse Devi and to memorialize King Harshavarman I's parents. It goes on to celebrate earlier Khmer kings including Jayavarman II, the founder of the Khmer empire, along with the mythological hero Kambu whose marriage to Mera spawned the Khmer people.
Then, we walk up to visit Bakheng temple for sunset. Phnom Bakheng was the first significant temple built at Yasodharapura, the city which came be known as Angkor. It was constructed in the late 9th, early tenth centuries as the state temple of King Yasovarman I, who moved the capital here from Roluos, about 13 kilometers to the southeast. The site was selected because the hill upon which the temple stands towers 70 meters above the otherwise flat countryside. From here, Yasovarman could gaze upon his capital city which covered at least four square kilometers, bounded by earthen walls. Back to hotel.
Day 06: Preah Vihear and Koh Keh ( The World Heritage Sites in 2008 & 2023 )
It's worth setting your alarm and leave early. Situated atop a 52 meter high cliff in the Dongrek Mountains forming the natural border between Cambodia and Thailand is Preah Vihear temple, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7th, 2008. Subject to controversial ownership issues over time this temple officially belongs to Cambodia. Its location is 150km north of Siem Reap and it will take approximately 3 hours to get there. You will drive through picturesque countryside which becomes less and less populated the further north you go. This temple is a unique architectural complex of series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on 800 meter long axis. It is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture and well preserved mainly due to its remote location. Then, we go down and spend two hours on arrival in the Koh Ker temple group – another ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Koh Ker archeological Park was accepted and recognized as The World Heritage Site by UNESCO in September 17, 2023. Scattered over a large area, the most prominent temple of this group by far is the pyramid-like Prasat Thom. A wooden staircase has been repaired recently and it is now again possible to climb up and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding region. On a clear day one can see the Kulen Mountain range in the south-west direction and Dangrek Mountain in the north marking the border with Thailand.
Day 07: Kulen Mountain ( Holy Place and Birth of Angkorian Period )
The cradle of Khmer civilisation is located 40 km northeast from Siem Reap and is an important pilgrimage site for Cambodian people. Phnom Kulen often lies shrouded in mist but on a clear day one can see the loaf like shape on the horizon across the flat plains of Siem Reap province. You will rise early and travel through picturesque countryside to reach your destination in the mid morning. The sites atop Phnom Kulen include a Buddhist Pagoda with giant Reclining Buddha, Hindu carvings in the stone river bed and an impressive waterfall under which swimming is possible.
Day 08: Sambo Preikuk ( The World Heritage Site in 2017 )
This tour is ideal for those not bothered by longer drives in order to gain another perspective on temple touring. It's essential to leave Siem Reap early in the morning as getting to Sambor Prei Kuk takes approximately two and half hours. Consisting of dozens of impressive brick prasats in semi-cleared jungle, many ruins display excellent examples of early Khmer art. This pre-Angkorian complex is an important destination for the serious temple visitor. After local lunch you will pause briefly at the Kampong Kdei Bridge, nowadays serving only light local traffic, nonetheless a surviving reminder of the glory of the past.
Day 09: Banteay Chmar and Anglong Veng ( Khmer Rough Stronghold )
This late 12th – early 13th century Buddhist temple is located in the northwest corner of Cambodia's Banteay Meanchay province and only 20km from the Thai border. It is one of the largest temple-city complexes built by a Khmer king. The temple is in a bad state of preservation as no restoration efforts were conducted here in the 20th century. The layout resembles Angkor Thom and other structures attributed to Jayavarman VII. The outer gallery is carved with bas-relief depicting military engagements and daily life scenes very similar to the well known ones in Bayon.
Travelling to Banteay Chhmar takes a little effort but this should not deter you. The temple sees very few visitors mainly due to its remote location and this will earn you the well deserved bragging explorer's rights. An interesting touring addition for those who are keen to learn about the recent turbulent history of Cambodia. Anlong Veng lies 125km north of Siem Reap in the area of Dangrek Mountains which mark the border between Cambodia and Thailand. It appears on the touring map for two main reasons: it was the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge and is the resting place of Pol Pot. Not much remains of Pol Pot's bunker but a shell of a house overgrown with foliage and “decorated” with profane graffiti. The province still has plenty of mine fields but these are away from the town centre and experts are working continuously on their clearance. Your guide will be able to shed more light on the last few decades and perhaps share the story of his/her family in those difficult times.
Day 10: Tonle Sap lake and City Tour
After breakfast, we go to visit the largest freshwater lake in south-east Asia – the Tonle Sap. Embark on a journey in a traditional wooden boat and witness how people live in harmony with the rising and falling water levels of the lake depending on the season. Accessible all year round, Chhong Kneas is the largest of the floating villages in the province with three ethnicities living side by side on the margins of the lake. Then, visit Phnom Krom, an Angkorian site, dominates the horizon and overlooks the busy lives of the fishing and farming communities here. On the way back, we visit Wat Bo, one of the oldest Buddhist monastery in Siem Reap. The temple has few visitors but nonetheless is worth visiting for its beautiful wall. After that, we visit to the Artisans d'Angkor workshop where skilled artists produce gorgeous pieces of lacquer, stone carvings and silver plating and seeing them at work shows the positive direction of the path Cambodia finds itself on today. If you don't find your souvenirs and gifts here then perhaps the Old Market will have what you are looking for. Browse and use your bartering skills to bring home your memories of Siem Reap. Drop off at hotel
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
• Private Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Private Driver with license
• Professional guide with license
• Private tour & Travel Insurance
• Toll Roads
• Car Parking
• Cold Waters
• Gasoline
• Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
• Meals
• Temple ticket
• Accommodation
The 7 points in the Official Code of Conduct for Angkor Park
1. Appropriate clothing
Short shorts and sleeveless shirts are forbidden in holy places. This applies of course to the entire archaeological park of Angkor. Incidentally, and whilst I am on this subject, I mentioned this a while ago in an article and it is now one of the most read blog posts. Many travelers are well informed in advance how best to dress for Angkor Park :-) Since August 2016, visitors are unable to buy an Angkor pass, if they are not appropriately dressed at the time of purchase. This can be quite annoying as you will need to come back when dressed correctly.
2. Touch the Monuments
It is in the nature of man to want to touch everything we see. And actually nature has it covered very well. This way in which we can “grasp” things literally. Only there is a significant problem. If in places like Angkor Park there are many hands touching the old stones, they will become greasy and no longer look beautiful. Even though you may want to you should simply look with your eyes and not touch so that they remain intact.
3. Talking loudly
Talking loudly is frowned upon in Cambodia and even more so in Angkor Park. You should refrain from loud shouting, screaming and shrill laughter.
4. Prohibited areas
There are many signs to indicate which areas should not be entered. There is a good reason for this. Most of these safety signs, serve to indicate which areas one cannot assess as a visitor, or which rocks visitors should not climb on. It makes little sense to expose yourself to such hazards.
5. Smoking is prohibited
Since 2012 a total smoking ban throughout Angkor Park has been in place, including outside the temple.
6. Children selling souvenirs
It can be difficult but basically you should not buy anything from children. Often they are kept away from school in order to sell items. Although this may not be true in all families, but there is not usually time to check if this child also attends school. If you want to do something good, then find out about the best local charitable organizations.
7. Photographing Monks
Monks in their orange robes are always a popular sight. Ask them first, do not simply just take a photo. It is very important that women should not touch the monks. Touching of monks clothing is also considered taboo.
Are you looking for a culturally and historically experienced tour guide in Cambodia?
My name Chansip and my coworkers Haklao, Seyha, Boreth, Pheap, Long and more. We are all English tour guides for many year experience. I was born Preh Vihear but I have been living in Siem Reap since 2002, Cambodia. In my professional life I have worked in all kinds of tourism area such as tour guide , tourist driver and in the hotel industry. I absolutely enjoy sharing and demonstrating people the history of Khmer such as the temple of Angkor Wat temple and some of interesting places in my city.
Jeff C.
“Siem Reap transfer to Phnom Penh”
I communicated with Chansip directly weeks before our trip. He was very responsive and was able to cater the drive to our needs. The driver (Richard ?) was punctual and provided lots of info during the drive. Van was first class. Would use and recommend Chansip in the future.
Mai S.
“Great tour”
We really enjoyed our tour with Sarin Som. He was very thorough, accommodating and knowledgeable of the area. He also helped us pick a wonderful restaurant for lunch. We highly recommend him to anyone who wants to visit Sihanoukville.
Chansip B.
Dear Mai, On behalf of tour guide team, Mr. Sarin. We would like to extend our gratution and huge thanks for your amazing review of his service. We are all so excited to hear you had been satisfied with his professionalism and knowledge. We wish you all the best. Best regards, Chansip
Lisa H.
“Fantastic!”
Chansip is an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. He made our trip to Siem Reap so much better. Covered all that I asked, safe van and driver, cold water and towels provided to battle the Cambodian humidity. Very highly recommend. So pleased with our experience, thank you Chan! The Canadian and Americans!
Chansip B.
Thank you so much Lisa and my amazing group, it was a great pleasure being your guide in Siem Reap, I really enjoyed my time with you! Thanks again and I wish you all the best of luck.
$1,697/ per group