1-Day Angkor Small Circuit & Banteay Srei Tour | Cambodia Tours

Tour starts: 9:00 AM: visit to Bayon Temple. Bayon is located in the center of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was built by King Jayavarman VII and is dedicated to Lord Lokesvara, a savior god in Mahayana Buddhism.

The Bayon Temple features 49 towers, each adorned with four smiling faces. This is why tourists often refer to Bayon as the "Most Beautiful Smiling Faces Temple" in the world. The four faces smile brightly in the four cardinal directions: East for Shiva, South for Brahma, West for Vishnu, and North for Indra. In terms of Buddhist significance, these four faces represent Lokesvara and King Jayavarman VII. They also symbolize the four well-known precepts of the Buddha: Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy, and Sincerity.

Some scholars suggest that Bayon serves as a gigantic stone map of Cambodia, representing the 54 provinces that existed during that time. The temple consists of 49 towers, along with five additional towers located in Angkor Thom.

Banteay Srei is renowned as the most beautiful pink sandstone temple, located approximately 37 kilometers. The name "Banteay Srei" translates to "Lady Temple," and the unique charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, as well as its small size, which is complemented by exquisite decorations. Banteay Srei is often considered a true jewel of Khmer art.

It’s celebrated for its fine and intricate carvings, leading some locals to believe that it must have been built by women, which is reflected in its name, "Lady Temple." The original name of this temple was Isvarapura, and it was constructed by King Rajendravarman II in the year 967, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors to Banteay Srei are often captivated by its stunning artistry and the serene atmosphere that surrounds this remarkable site. It stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of the Khmer artisans who crafted it, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Cambodia.

Ta Prohm is the most famous jungle temple in Cambodia, renowned for its appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster "Tomb Raider." Built by King Jayavarman VII in 1186, the temple is dedicated to his mother, represented as Prachnabaramita, the goddess of mercy and the embodiment of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. The name "Ta Prohm" translates to "Brahma God," while its original name, "Rajavihara," means "The Royal Monastery."

Located northeast of Angkor Wat, it’s a breathtaking site where nature and architecture intertwine. Towering trees and sprawling roots envelop the temple ruins, creating a stunning and dramatic landscape that captivates visitors. This unique blend of man-made and natural beauty is what makes Ta Prohm so popular among tourists.

To fully appreciate the temple's serene atmosphere and avoid the crowds, the best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In addition to its architectural significance, Ta Prohm also served as an important royal school.

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and is also the best preserved. It is an architectural masterpiece of the Khmer Empire. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief, and sculpture makes it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Relief is a sculptural method in which the sculpted pieces are attached to a solid background of the same material. The term "relief" comes from the Latin verb "relevo," which means "to raise." To create a sculpture in relief is to give the impression that the sculpted material has been raised above the background plane. When a relief is carved into a flat surface of stone (relief sculpture) or wood (relief carving), the field is actually lowered, leaving the unsculpted areas appearing higher. This approach requires a lot of chiseling away from the background, which can be time-consuming. On the other hand, a relief eliminates the need to form the rear of a subject and is less fragile and more securely fixed.