SAMPLE ANGKOR WAT TOURS

You can book these as standalone day tours but to get the true experience of the majestic temple complexes around Siem Reap and the Cambodian countryside, Roben recommends the full 3-day immersive experience. Here is a schedule of what you can expect on a typical Angkor Wat tour, however, Roben’s services are fully customisable to your liking and will gladly take you anywhere you want to go.

Day 1 – Sunrise Tour, Small TOUR

Stop 1: Angkor Wat

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:30am (depending when the sun rises during the time of year) and driven to arguably the most famous historical temple in South East Asia and what was once the center of the Khmer Empire – Angkor Wat. The best place to catch the sunrise is just to the left of the entrance in front of the food vendors. There is a small pond and if you’re in the right spot you can see the reflection of the five main towers caught in the still waters as the sun crests over the horizon right in front of you.

Stop 2: South Gate/Angkor Thom

Heading north, you will be driven to the South Gate of Ankor Thom. Note the statues lining the entrance on the bridge – angels to the west, demons to the east. Walk through the gate where Roben will pick you up to continue onto the next stop.

Stop 3: Bayon

This impressive pyramid-esque temple is richly decorated and stands out as one of the more popular locations within the complex. Try to imagine what life was like back then as you look up at the ancient reliefs of gods and demons, kings and peasants, or elephants and tigers. Watch your head as you make your way up the steep steps!

Stop 4: Ta Keo

This massive unfinished temple is thought to be one of the first sandstone constructions made by the Khmer people.

Stop 5: Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple)

In stark contrast to the well-maintained construct of Ankor Wat, Ta Phrom has been left almost entirely abandoned to the jungle and it is increasingly clear that the jungle is winning. Huge old-growth tree roots, crumbling walls, and dimly-lit corridors make this temple an explorer’s ultimate fantasy. Unsurprisingly, Hollywood has picked up on this hidden gem and shot part of Angelina Jolie’s “Tomb Raider”. See if you can spot the famous tree!

Stop 6: Banteay Kdei

Translating to “A Citadel of Chambers” this temple was actively used by monks up until the 1960s.  The poor quality of sandstone used in its construction means that many of the walls are unstable and crumbling, adding to the authenticity of the ruins.

Total time: 6-8 hours including driving time and a 45 minute lunch break at a local restaurant within in the complex.

Day 2  – The Grand Loop

Roben will pick you up from your hotel in the morning – while you may not want to do the sunrise again, it is recommended to get there early to avoid the crowds and the heat (not to mention the temples look fantastic in the soft early morning light!). It’s another 25-30 minute journey from Siem Reap into the temple area and your first stop will be…

Stop 1: Pre Rup

This large temple is characterised by its large square design and two unique galleries running alongside it. Pre Rup is made of brick and sandstone and it has a pleasantly soft reddish colour.

Stop 2: East Mebon

This temple was dedicated to the Hindu God of Shiva and is home to two 3-meter tall stone elephant statues which you are sure to want a second look at. This is a complex that was once accessible by water – see if you can find the four landing stages at the base where boats would have once docked.

Stop 3: Ta Som

This smaller temples lies to the north of East Mebon and is enclosed by a moat on three sides. The more notable feature of this temple are the entranceways (gopura), one of which is almost entirely overgrown by a sacred fig tree.

Stop 4: Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a quick stop but certainly one stop worth making, as it is an artificial island that was constructed in a pond with a buddhist temple sitting on top of it.

Stop 5: Preah Khan

End off the day with a stop into this larger temple and wander around its many corridors before jumping back on the tuk tuk and heading home.

Despite being called the Grand Loop, day two has less stops and won’t take as long as the first day so you may be able to make it back to Siem Riep around lunchtime. Depending on how you are feeling after a quick rest (and maybe a massage in town) you may want to consider doing the Floating Village tour or Cambodia Landmine Museum in the afternoon.

Total time: 4-5 hours, lunch break not included