General Introduction
With dozens of temple ruins in the Angkor Archaeological Park and elsewhere in Siem Reap, the region has so much to offer to the curious visitor. However, unless you plan to spend weeks exploring the area, you’ll have to be selective in which temples to visit. The following suggested itineraries will help you make the best out of you r trip to Angkor, when your time is limited to 1, 2 or 3 days.
Visiting these temples in the recommended order is a great way to experience the rich history and culture of Cambodia. The Small Circuit is 17 km long and covers all the must-visit temples in the park. You should visit them in this order:
Keep in mind that the Angkor Archaeological Park is a large and complex site, so it’s important to take breaks and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Take your time and split the Small Circuit into two days for a more relaxed experience, or power through in one day if you’re feeling energetic!
Additionally, it’s a good idea to start early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat, and to avoid the busy midday period.
Maximize your 3-day pass with the Grand Circuit tour! Explore more key temples with a 26 km journey, just ask your tuk-tuk or taxi driver for the tour. The temples on the Grand Circuit, should be visited in this order:
If you prefer to stay closer to Siem Reap, check out these historic sites on your third day. We recommend to start your itinerary with the Roluos Group in the morning and Wat Athvea / Phnom Krom in the afternoon:
3. Kompong Phluk and Tonlé Sap Lake:
Full description
Begin your trip with a 45-minute drive into the beautiful countryside, stopping along the way to visit a local village. Upon arrival at Tonle Sap Lake, board a boat for a 1.5-hour ride, watching for some of the migratory birds that can often be seen at the edge of the water. Tour the floating village of Kompong Phluk whose name means "Harbor of the Tusks," where everything from police stations to schools float on the water. From February to August, the village is dry, and you'll be treated to the sight of houses on stilts.
Day 4: Chong Kneas Floating & Fishing Village, Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, providing livelihoods for over 10% of Cambodia’s population. Its water level varies considerably and the inhabitants of six of the seven villages at Chong Kneas live in houseboats that need to be moved with the changing levels. As with other fishing communities in the flooded area of the Tonle Sap, the way of life for the 5,000 or so inhabitants is strongly tied to the seasonal rise and fall of water. In the dry season, the floating villages anchor in a small inlet at the edge of the lake, where there is ready access to fishing grounds and some protection from storms and waves.
Chong Kneas Floating & Fishing Village is the floating village at the edge of the lake closest and most accessible to Siem Reap. If you want a relatively quick and easy look at the Tonle Sap, boat tours of Chong Khneas are available, departing from the Chong Khneas boat docks all day long. The boatman will probably point out the differing Khmer and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, clinics, schools and other boatloads of tourists.
Chong Khneas, while interesting, is over-touristed and is not as picturesque and 'unspoiled' as floating villages further from Siem Reap. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
For the residents of the floating villages of Chong Kneas, life on the water is not a cultural tradition that people cherish and wish to preserve. When the villagers were consulted about their living conditions, they said that they would prefer to live on the land and have access to clean water and sanitation as well as have their children go to proper schools instead of the poorly maintained floating school.
Not templed out yet? Then we recommend to visit some of the more remote temple sites, located outside the Angkor Archaeological Park, but included in the admission fee.
Banteay Srei is a beautiful and historic district located north of Angkor Archaeological Park. It’s a must-visit for nature and history lovers! Here are some must-see attractions for a full day of exploring. Note that Kbal Spean, the first attraction of the day, is located 42 km from Siem Reap center.
Hire a driver for the day and head over to Koh Ker, a group of remote temples about 2.5 hours drive from Siem Reap. The main building is a 7-tier pyramid in the forest, and a stairway leads to the top where you can get a nice view of the whole area.
This is an incredible spot that’s part of the Koh Ker area. These are ancient temples being swallowed up by huge strangler trees and you must see them while you’re nearby.
This is another remote temple you can visit on the way back to Siem Reap. The temple is mostly ruined, but that’s part of what makes it cool!
Embark on a full-day guided tour from Siem Reap to Kulen Mountain, enchanting waterfalls, and the ancient temple of Beng Melea. Experience rural life in the floating village of Kampong Phluk by boat. Immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and nature on this enriching adventure.
Start with a morning hotel pickup in Siem Reap. After securing your ticket for Kulen Mountain, the adventure unfolds with a scenic 1-hour drive through rice paddies and traditional Cambodian villages, offering a glimpse into local life and picturesque landscapes.
Stop at the Palm Cake Village to witness traditional palm cake. Next, ascend to the hilltop of Phnom Kulen, guided by a local. Explore the park's highlights, including magnificent waterfalls, a reclining Buddha sculpture, and the River of Thousand Lingas from 802 AD.
Siem Reap Tours Beside Temples
1. Angkor National Museum
Looming large on the road to Angkor is the Angkor National Museum, a state-of-the-art showpiece on the Khmer civilisation and the majesty of Angkor. Displays are themed by era, religion and royalty as visitors move through the impressive galleries. After a short presentation, visitors enter the Zen-like Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas, which has a fine collection of images. Other exhibits include the pre-Angkorian periods of Funan and Chenla; the great Khmer kings; Angkor Wat; Angkor Thom; and the inscriptions.
Exhibits include touch-screen videos, epic commentary and the chance to experience a panoramic sunrise at Angkor Wat. Although there appears to be less sculpture on display than in the National Museum in Phnom Penh, the presentation of the artefacts here is cutting edge.
Some of the standout pieces in the collection include a late-12th-/early-13th-century seated Buddha sheltered by a naga (mythical serpent-being); a 7th-century standing Vishnu from Sambor Prei Kuk in Kompong Thom; and a stunning 10th-century lintel from the beautiful temple of Banteay Srei.
As the museum is entirely air-conditioned, plan a visit during the middle of the day to avoid the sweltering midday temperatures at the temples of Angkor. Audio tours are available for US$5 and are useful for those who want a more comprehensive understanding of the exhibits on display. Wheelchairs are available free of charge for visitors with mobility impairment.
Allow about two hours to visit the museum in depth and to stop by the shop and small cafe at the end of your visit.
2.Artisans Angkor – Les Chantiers Écoles
Siem Reap is the epicentre of the drive to revitalise Cambodian traditional culture, which was dealt a harsh blow by the Khmer Rouge and the years of instability that followed its rule. Les Chantiers Écoles teaches wood- and stone-carving techniques, traditional silk painting, lacquerware and other artisan skills to impoverished young Cambodians. Free guided tours explaining traditional techniques are available daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm. Tucked down a side road, the school is well signposted from Sivatha St.
On the premises the school runs a beautiful shop called Artisans Angkor, which sells everything from stone and wood reproductions of Angkorian-era statues to household furnishings. There’s also a second shop opposite Angkor Wat in the Angkor Cafe building, and outlets at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports. All the profits go back into funding the school and bringing more young Cambodians into the training program, which is 20% owned by the artisans themselves.
Les Chantiers Écoles also maintains Angkor Silk Farm, which produces some of the best work in the country, including clothing, interior-design products and accessories.
Meet the hero rats that are helping to clear landmines in Cambodia. Apopo has trained the highly sensitive, almost-blind Gambian pouched rat to sniff explosives, which dramatically speeds up the detection of mines in the countryside. The visitor centre gives background on the work of Apopo, with a short video and the chance to meet the rats themselves.
Prepare for a full evening entertainment at Phare Circus: Shopping, dining and live performance theater.
The experience begins from the moment you approach the venue in Siem Reap. You see larger-than-life images of Phare artists on banners and billboards along the street. You are greeted by the smiling faces and warm welcome of the customer service team as you enter the site. You pause to take your first photo of the evening: the authentic red big top behind colorful lights made from recycled plastic bottles.
With your ticket in hand, you pass by story panels that provide you a little background of the artists, Phare Ponleu Selpak Artistic Center where they learned their skills and the mission of our social enterprise, which is to provide them gainful employment and professional development.
Enter the newly redesigned Phare Boutique, where you can get enjoy shopping for the most extraordinary souvenirs, including original artwork from Phare visual artists. Maybe one of the hand-crafted items will catch your eye. Of course, you know you need to take home several Phare t-shirts and polo shirts as souvenirs for your friends and family. Don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind just yet. Phare Boutique will be open after the show as well.
Between Phare Boutique and the big top, you discover Phare Café, serving drinks, snacks and delicious meals. Start your evening entertainment dining at the Cambodian Street Food Festival. Grab a table and enjoy dinner and drinks with free pre-show performances. Another drink? Popcorn with real butter? No problem. You’re welcome to take it into the big top.
Time for the main event of your evening entertainment: Phare, the Cambodian Circus. The smile automatically comes to your face as you find a seat in the traditional, authentic, circular big top. Maybe you’re thinking of a circus you went during your childhood, but guaranteed, this will be unique. The music, acting, acrobatics and high-energy music will captivate you. At the end, the artists welcome you on stage for a chat or group photos. Don’t be shy: they certainly aren’t.
Exit the big top feeling exhilarated. When you pass back through Phare Boutique for shopping on the way out, you know exactly which souvenirs you will take home. With your bag in hand, you jump in one of the tuk tuks waiting for you. Do you go to Pub Street or back to your hotel to look at all the pictures you took and upload them to your social media? Siem Reap nightlife experience you’ll remember.
5. ANGKOR ZIP LINE
When you join us for a tour, you’ll have an experience unlike any other. We offer a unique adventure soaring through the lush rainforest canopy, taking in stunning views of the jungle surrounding the ancient temples of Angkor Wat.
Our friendly and knowledgeable Sky Rangers will guide you through the course and share fascinating information about the surrounding area and nature as well as the history and culture of the local area.
We have a focus on safety, sustainability, and responsible tourism, so you can feel good about taking a tour with Angkor Zipline.
Book your tour day and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
6. WAKE PARK
- AQUA LAND:Experience an exhilarating aquatic adventure at Aqua Land as you challenge your friends and race through thrilling water obstacles.
- WAKEBOARDING
Unleash Your Riding Potential: Conquer the Full Size Cable at Cambodia's Ultimate Wake Park!
- BEACH·BAR·RESTAURANT
Where Summer Bliss Meets Culinary Delights - Sip Cocktails on a White Beach or Savor a Delicious Meal in Style.
7. The Apsara Theatre
Since 1997, Siem Reap’s oldest Theatre contributes to the revival of Khmer Traditional Dances, and the preservation of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
Built in a traditional semi-colonial style, the Apsara Theatre is imbued with a grandiose energy. From its original wooden exterior to its antique décor and marquee lights; the magic of the old theatre is alive and well.
Madam Net has been training dancers and promoting Khmer performing arts since the 1980s. Today, a troupe of 30 artists perform renditions of the ancient Reamker legends, and folk dances from rural Cambodia.
On evenings, the Apsara Theatre opens its doors to showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, our traditional performing arts. Dancers, singers and musicians will perform 3 classical and 2 village dances to the music of the traditional orchestra. The performance will be preceded by a beverage service and an authentic meal.
8. Angkor Botanical Garden
Angkor Botanical Garden is Cambodia's first botanical garden, located in the city of Siem Reap. It is a popular tourist attraction for visitors from around the world who visit the famous Angkor Wat Buddhist temple. The garden was developed by APSARA National Authority with multiple benefits, including preventing forest land encroachment, conservation of natural resources, development of tourism, conservation of the Angkor archaeological site, environmental education, and preservation of rare and endemic plants (Ref 1, 4). Moreover, the garden has been also well-received as a place for relaxation and recreation. (Ref 1 and 2) The garden was initially a 2-hectare spice garden, which has been transformed into a 15-hectare garden with an automatic irrigation system linked to the Siem Reap River and landscaped with hills, ponds, canals, and waterfalls (Ref 1). The garden has more than 500 different species of plants and is developed to showcase the relationship between plants and animals (Ref 4). In the future, the garden is planned to be expanded into an area of 130 hectares. (Ref 2)
9. Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium
Welcome to Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium, where nature comes to life in breathtaking spectacles and captivating encounters!
Your gateway to a world-class experience where nature’s marvels come to life! Immerse yourself in the wonders of our state-of-the-art aquarium, where a vibrant underwater paradise awaits.
Encounter an array of captivating marine species, from exotic fish to graceful sea creatures. With two beautiful tanks that represent River water and Ocean water variety fish from all over Southeast Asia.
Step into our Wildlife Park and embark on a thrilling journey through diverse ecosystems, encountering magnificent animals from around the globe.
For the adventurous at heart, our Reptile House offers an up-close encounter with mesmerizing reptilian wonders.
Join us as we ignite curiosity, foster conservation, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Angkor. Prepare to be amazed!
10. Angkor Wonder Garden Cambodia
Angkor Wonder Garden is the biggest wonderful garden is just opening on the most famous temple land of Cambodia. It's opening in December 2023, and it will give you a new relaxing feeling with a lot of types of real flowers. The entry fee is only 7 US dollars for adults and 3 US dollars for children. And you will feel walking into the heaven flower on earth. The smell of freshly flowers mix with the air fill fully in whole garden make the visitor heal all sadness and enjoy peacefully into the view of colourful decoration. The Angkor Wonder Garden opens two times per year because of the difficulty of caring real type flower, most flower can be alive only a few months, so the first opening date is 27th December 2023 til 20th April 2024 then second opening date is about the end of November 2024.
| Tour Information | ||||
| Direction | Tuk Tuk | Small Car | Big Car(Van) | Remark |
| Small Tour | $18.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 | |
| Big Tour | $23.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 | |
| Small Tour or Big Tour + Silk Farm | $28.00 | $45.00 | $55.00 | |
| Small Tour or Big Tour + Rolous Group | $28.00 | $45.00 | $55.00 | |
| Bonteay Srei | $28.00 | $50.00 | $60.00 | |
| Kbal Spean | $33.00 | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
| Kbal Spean + Bonteay Srei | $33.00 | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
| Kbal Spean + Small Tour | $38.00 | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
| Kbal Spean + Big Tour | $38.00 | $55.00 | $75.00 | |
| Beng Mealea | $38.00 | $70.00 | $85.00 | |
| Beng Mealea + Bonteay Srei | $48.00 | $90.00 | $105.00 | |
| Beng Mealea + kbal spean | Unavailable | $95.00 | $115.00 | |
| Beng Mealea + Rolous Group | $38.00 | $70.00 | $85.00 | |
| Beng Mealea + Kampong khleang | $43.00 | $75.00 | $90.00 | |
| Koh Keh + Beng Mealea | Unavailable | $120.00 | $150.00 | |
| Kampong Khleang | $38.00 | $55.00 | $70.00 | |
| Rolous Group | $18.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 | |
| Rolous Group + Kampong Pluk | $20.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 | |
| Tonle Sap (Chong Kneas ) | $13.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 | |
| Tonle Sap (Mechrey ) | $18.00 | $35.00 | $40.00 | |
| Silk Farm | $18.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | |
| Sunrise Or Sunset | $13.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 | |
| Kulen Mountain | Unavailable | $75.00 | $95.00 | |
| Kulen Mountain + Bonteay Srei | Unavailable | $80.00 | $100.00 | |
| Kulen Mountain + Beng Mealea | Unavailable | $95.00 | $115.00 | |
| Pick Up/Transfer (Air Port ) | Unavailable | $35.00 | $45.00 | |
| Pick Up/Transfer ( Bus Station ) | $8.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 | |
| Extra Charge | ||||
| Direction | Extra Charge | Tuk Tuk | Small Car | Big Car ( Van ) |
| Sunrise | Extra Charge | $8.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Big Tour Or Small Tour + Kbal Spean | Extra Charge | $18.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Bonteay Srei | Extra Charge | $13.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Tour Guide Service | ||||
| Type | Charge | Extra Charge | ||
| Sunrise | Kbal Spean Or Kulen Mountain | Koh Keh Temple | ||
| English Speaking Tour Guide | $35.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Frech Speaking Tour Guide | $50.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Chinese Speaking Tour Guide | $45.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| German Speaking Tour Guide | $50.00 | $15.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Japanese Speaking Tour Guide | $35.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Thai Speaking Tour Guide | $35.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Italain speaking Tour Guide | $70.00 | Please Check The Price With The Tour Guide | ||
| Russian Speaking Tour Guide | $70.00 | |||
| Spainish speaking Tour Guide | $75.00 | |||
| ANGKOR Ticket Price Information | ||||
| Type | Price | Nº of Person | Remark | |
| One Day | $37.00 | Valid for 1 Day | Available at Ckeck point | |
| Two Days Or three Days | $62.00 | Valid for 10 Days | ||
| One Week | $72.00 | Valid for one month | ||
| Note: All tour guide don't work for half day and all tour outside Angkor Wat Area, the price might be go up. | ||||
| Please you kindly talk with front office or driver frist before you dicide to make the tour . | ||||
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