Phnom Penh , Cambodia

The Pre-Angkor Temples near Phnom Penh

Active

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Pre-Angkor has had just an influence in the creation when Angkor itself rose from the grounds up. Phnom Penh is an ideal starting point to explore Cambodia’s most precious representation of this era in the form of Tonle Bati, Phnom Da and Phnom Chisor.
• Get amazing 360-degree views on top Phnom Chisor
• Explore the fabulous site of Ta Phrom and Tonle Bati
• Wander through the pre-Angkorian ruins at Phnom Chisor
• Gain an insight in the sheer size of the Angkor empire
• Return transfers from and to your hotel are included

Available options

The Pre-Angkor Temples near Phnom Penh

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver

Lunch at a local restaurant (food only)

All applicable taxes and service charges

A Full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Detailed itinerary

Depart Phnom Pen early in the morning and follow the main roads in southern direction. The first stop is made at Tonle Bati, a small lake and home to the 12th Century temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was built by Jayavarman VII the same king who built Bayon in Angkor Thom City. Although small in size it is a beautiful temple with some well-preserved Apsara bas reliefs and other carvings. The temple is surrounded by trees and native flowers and is close to Tonle Bati, which is a favourite weekend picnic place for Cambodians, especially from Phnom Penh.

During this morning venture, continue to Takeo where you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After a break, you will take the boat to Phnom Da hill, a dilapidated temple constructed on a small mountain. It was built in the 6th century by the King Rut Trak Varman. A French historian, Mi Bri No said that the temple is made of laterite stone and is considered one of the most historical places in Cambodia. Lunch is included en route at a local restaurant.

On the way back to Phnom Penh, take a visit to Phnom Chisor (Chisor Mountain) home to some nicely preserved 10th - 11th-century Angkorian era ruins. This Hinduism temple was constructed under King Suryavarman I during a period when the Khmer Empire was nearing its apex. The 503 steps to the temple on top of the hill make for a vigorous climb, but the quality of the ruins and the unmissable view of the countryside make it the effort worthwhile.

Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and expect to be back in the hotel around 6 pm.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities

Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing outside the general area

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Phnom Penh. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Koh Dach, Tonle Bati, and Oudong, any of the river and cruise ferry terminals and Phnom Penh International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions

To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia

To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power

We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions

From mid-February until August / September, the water levels may be too low to allow the boat to reach Phnom Da

We will offer an alternative by letting the clients to get off from the boat around 5 kilometres before site and take a tuk-tuk for the rest of the trip

Important notes

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct name or the registration name which is also the name of your hotel booking and hotel information,should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, is a city rich in history, culture, and bustling markets. Known for its French colonial architecture, the Royal Palace, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, it offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. It features beautiful Khmer architecture and is a must-visit for its historical significance and stunning design.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours 10 USD

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Also known as S-21, this museum is a former school turned into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge. It serves as a stark reminder of Cambodia's dark past.

Historical 1-2 hours 5 USD

Central Market

Also known as Phsar Thmei, this market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local food. The Art Deco building is an architectural gem.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary

Wat Phnom

This Buddhist temple is the namesake and heart of the city. It is believed to be the site where the first pagoda was built in Phnom Penh.

Religious 30 minutes 1 USD

National Museum of Cambodia

This museum houses a vast collection of Khmer artifacts, providing a deep dive into Cambodia's rich history and culture.

Museum 1-2 hours 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy coconut curry with fish or chicken, steamed in banana leaves.

Main Dish Can be made with fish or chicken, vegetarian options available.

Lok Lak

Stir-fried beef with onions and a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce.

Main Dish Typically made with beef, but can be made with other meats.

Nom Banh Chok

Rice noodles topped with a fish-based gravy and fresh herbs.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available with tofu.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork with broken rice and pickled vegetables.

Breakfast Contains pork.

Popular Activities

Boat Tours Biking Hiking Spa Treatments Riverfront Promenade Coffee Shops Temple Visits Museum Tours

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

22°C - 32°C 72°F - 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common sense

Phnom Penh is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially at night and in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of tuk-tuk drivers offering tours or services, as they may overcharge or take you to overpriced shops
• Use reputable tour operators and agree on prices beforehand
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Phnom Penh International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Phnom Penh Railway Station

By bus

Central Market Bus Station, Siem Reap Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are affordable but can be crowded and slow. Routes cover major areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Riverside BKK1 Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Poung)

Day trips

Tonlé Sap Lake

150 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A large freshwater lake known for its floating villages and unique ecosystem.

Kampong Cham

120 km from Phnom Penh • Full day

A riverside town with a mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Khmer temples.

Koh Dach Island

15 km from Phnom Penh • Half day

A peaceful island known for its silk weaving and rural landscapes.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 14-16 Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) • November (dates vary) Pchum Ben • September/October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Try local street food at the Central Market or Russian Market for an authentic experience
Take a tuk-tuk tour of the city to see the major attractions in a short amount of time
Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a sobering but important historical perspective
Explore the riverside area for great dining and nightlife options