Siem Reap , Cambodia

The Unmissable Realm of Angkor Thom

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

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About this experience

One often needs to take a break: Angkor’s immense size is mind-blowing, and with a cornucopia of temples, pagodas and remnants of what once was one of the largest cities in the world (according to the records, more than one million people lived in the great Angkor Kingdom at one time), it is bound to overload you with impressions.

Our half-day explorations of the famous sights from the perfect base to head out into Angkor before moving on to another highlight, surrounding Siem Reap. The Angkor Thom region is worth its own half-day. With landmarks such as the 200-headed Bayon temple and the opulence that once adorned the Elephant Terrace, this fits perfectly into a morning or an afternoon venture.

Available options

Private Tour (AM)

Private Tour in the morning<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour (PM)

Private Tour in the afternoon <br/>Pickup included

What's included

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

Transportation by car / mini-van / coach with professional driver.

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Detailed itinerary

Your English speaking guide and professional driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby for this 4-hour venture into UNESCO-protected territory. The trip starts with entering the magnificence of Angkor via the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, one of the main entrances in the life of the Jayavarman Kings and often visualized on travel magazines with a Cambodia spread.

Stop 2

Nothing beats seeing the Bayon (our first stop of the day) for the first time. Erected by Jayavarman VII at the end of the XII century, The Bayon (literally “Great City”) is located in the geographical heart of Angkor Thom. The fifty four-tower-counting temple is a quite remarkable sight. Initially, the temple seems to be a shapeless mass of grey and brown stone but as one approaches one realizes that each of the towers is carved manually. There are over two hundred huge enigmatic faces of Avalokitesharva on 54 towers bearing down on you wherever you turn.

Stop 3

A short walk from the Bayon brings you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, a monumental plateau where once King Jayavarman VII resided.

Stop 4

A short walk from the Bayon brings you to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, a monumental plateau where once King Jayavarman VII resided.

n the site itself, we visit and learn about the intricate history, vividly told by your guide, about the Baphuon and Phimeanakas within the Royal Enclosure. As this still is considered a Royal Site, an appropriate dress code is compulsory to enter.

Stop 6

The whole complex of Angkor Thom is within easy walking distance of each other, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of the once-mighty Kingdom and the lush nature that enshrines these statures of immense Khmer importance.

At the end of touring the Angkor Thom, it is time to head back to your hotel in Siem Reap before moving on to exploring the next part of Siem Reap.

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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1 reviews

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Important information

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 Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap 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.

Some of the Angkor sights temples and palaces (such as the Baphuon) uphold a very strict dress code: it is essential that you dress appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees. Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance.

The Bakan will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days, for four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.

The Bakan tower is allowed only 100 persons once, so visitors have to line up if you wish to climb the tower

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It 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.

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.

Ongoing renovation and restoration work may see parts of the Angkor Thom temples covered up without prior notice. We regret we cannot confirm in advance when certain aspects of the renovation projects will see completion.

Important notes

• Our office hours are from 08:00 hrs. until 17:30 hrs. from Monday to Friday
• 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, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Siem Reap

Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.

Top Attractions

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.

Historical Half to full day USD 37 for 3-day pass

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.

Historical Half to full day USD 37 for 3-day pass

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.

Historical 1-2 hours USD 37 for 3-day pass

Pub Street

Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.

Entertainment Evening Free to explore, budget for food and drinks

Siem Reap Night Market

The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.

Shopping 1-2 hours Budget to moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Amok

A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.

Main dish Vegetarian options available

Nom Banh Chok

A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.

Breakfast Vegetarian options available

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.

Breakfast Contains meat

Lok Lak

A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.

Main dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Angkor Archaeological Park Exploring the bamboo train in Battambang Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying a traditional Khmer massage Exploring temples and historical sites Attending traditional dance performances Boat tours on Tonlé Sap Lake Swimming in waterfalls

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Khmer
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Time Zone

Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of scams and overcharging.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Siem Reap International Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wat Bo Wat Damnak Sivatha

Day trips

Battambang

150 km from Siem Reap • Full day

Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.

Kampong Phluk

16 km from Siem Reap • Half day

Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Kbal Spean

25 km from Siem Reap • Half day

Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.

Festivals

Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 13-15 (dates vary) Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) • November (dates vary) Angkor Photo Festival • December (dates vary)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a deeper understanding of the temples' history and significance.
Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
Try local street food like nom banh chok and bai sach chrouk for an authentic culinary experience.
Bargain for better prices at markets and street stalls, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
Use a map app like Google Maps for navigation, as street signs can be limited and confusing.