Discover Angkor Temples, Bakong Temple, Tonle Sap Lake, Floating Village, and City Tours

Preah Ko - The Shiva temple Preah Ko, meaning “Sacred Bull,” is located in the former capital of Hariharalaya, now known as Roluos. It is situated between the Lolei temple and the Bakong pyramid. Preah Ko, consecrated in 879, is the first ancestor temple of the Khmer Empire, believed to have served as a royal chapel next to the king’s palace. The residential area was encircled by a moat measuring 500 meters in length and 400 meters in width. While the wooden palace structures have disappeared over time, the stone temple buildings remain. Preah Ko is renowned for its intricate decorations, which influenced later Angkor stone carving styles, particularly its unmatched carved colonettes.

Bakong Temples - Commissioned by Indravarman I and consecrated in 881, the Bakong temple is historically significant as it became a prototype for the Khmer temple pyramid, also known as a temple-mountain or step-pyramid. Bakong served as the state temple of its era, dedicated to the king’s Shiva-Lingam. While Jayavarman II is credited with founding the Angkor Empire in the early 9th century, Indravarman I (877-889) is the first Khmer king of the Angkor era with well-documented achievements, including architectural masterpieces like Bakong and Preah Ko.

Lolei - Located a few hundred meters north of the A6 main road in Roluos, Lolei is the youngest and smallest of the three main Roluos temples. Though less photogenic than Preah Ko, Lolei’s historical significance is noteworthy. Consecrated in 893 by Yashovarman I (889-910), who moved the capital from Hariharalaya to a new fortified city called Yashodharapura, encompassing the later Angkor Wat area. Yashovarman, who built Lolei in honor of his father, Indravarman I, is considered the founder of the renowned ancient Khmer capital, Angkor. His state temple was Bakheng in Angkor, and he constructed the East Baray.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - This community resides in floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. These residents, who have lived in Cambodia for 3-4 generations, faced significant losses during the Khmer Rouge era, with many losing their lives.

Wat Bo Temple - One of the town’s oldest temples, Wat Bo houses a collection of well-preserved wall paintings from the late 19th century.

SATCHA - សច្ - Cambodian Handicrafts Incubation Center - With boldness and authenticity, this center aims to elevate Cambodian handicrafts. It serves as the first Cambodian handicraft center that nurtures local artisans, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talents to both local and international visitors, ensuring a sustainable social, economic, and environmental impact.

Tonle Sap Lake - Tonle Sap is one of the world’s most productive fishing lakes, supporting over three million people and providing more than 75% of Cambodia’s annual inland fish catch and 60% of the population’s protein intake. Its fish species richness and productivity rank fourth globally.

Angkor Wat Sunrise and Explore Angkor Thom Complex, Bayon, and Ta Prohm

Angkor Wat - Rise early to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s national emblem and a source of pride for the Khmer people. Its silhouette of five towers, or three from a frontal view, is as iconic as the pyramids of Giza or the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is the largest historical temple monument globally, with the central tower rising 65 meters from the ground. Originally, all nine pinnacles, not just the central five, were gold-plated. The temple-pyramid platform measures 332 meters in length and 258 meters in width, with an outer temple wall measuring 1025 meters by 800 meters, surrounded by a moat of 1500 meters by 1300 meters. Angkor Wat is not only vast but also a masterpiece of architectural design, craftsmanship, and sculptural decoration.

Angkor Thom South Gate - The South Gate is the most renowned city gate and a symbol of Angkor Thom. Every visitor to Angkor will pass through it, as the only road from Angkor Wat to the Bayon crosses Angkor Thom’s South Gate. Visitors often stop here to admire Angkor’s extensive collection of giant sculptures. Many tourists begin an elephant ride here, either through the South Gate to the Bayon temple or to the top of the nearby hill Phnom Bakheng. The South Gate’s causeway can be crowded, especially between 9:00 and 10:00 am. In the evening, an hour or two after sunset, the South Gate closes.

Bayon Temple - Built around 1200 A.D. in the center of Angkor Thom, the Bayon is the second most popular monument in Angkor, after Angkor Wat. It is famous for its numerous enigmatic “stone faces.” The identity or symbolism of these giant Buddhas remains unclear, making the smiling faces of Angkor Thom emblematic of Angkor’s mysteries. The original number of face towers is debated, but there were likely about 50 towers and 200 colossal faces at the Bayon. Currently, 37 towers remain, most with four Buddha faces oriented toward the cardinal points. These towers are raised on a cruciform terrace surrounding the central tower, which is uniquely circular. The central tower rises 43 meters above the ground. Besides the face-towers, the Bayon also features large-scale carvings on the gallery walls.

Baphuon Temple - Completed around 1060 by King Udayadityavarman II near the Royal Palace, the Baphuon served as his state temple. Like previous Khmer state temples, it was dedicated to Shiva, with a Lingam in the central shrine atop the pyramid. At the time, the Baphuon was Asia’s largest stone temple. (The larger Borobudur in Java is built on a natural hill.) The Baphuon’s original height is unknown, as the central tower collapsed after a few centuries. In the 15th or 16th century, its stones were repurposed to construct a 9-meter tall and 70-meter long reclining Buddha on the temple’s west facade. However, in the late 13th century, Chinese envoy Zhou Daguan still saw the original state temple and referred to it as “the Tower of Bronze,” approximately 50 meters tall. It now stands at 34 meters.

Phimeanakas - Initiated by King Rajendravarman II (944-69), Phimeanakas underwent alterations by subsequent kings, particularly Suryavarman I (1006-1050). It is primarily a laterite structure with some sandstone elements. The monument lacks many carvings. Axial stairways on all four sides are flanked by guardian lions. Elephants once adorned the tier corners, but most are broken. The stairways are steep, with a wooden stairway added for visitors on the west side. At the top, there are small sandstone galleries and remnants of an elevated sanctuary, likely later additions. An inscription on a door jamb, reused from an older temple of a minister of Yashovarman I, the founder of Angkor, is present.

Terrace of the Elephants - The Elephant Terrace, also known as the Terrace of the Elephants, is an ancient wall and platform forming most of the western edge of Angkor Thom’s Royal Square. This square, located a few hundred meters north of the Bayon temple, was the city’s secular core, hosting parades and festivals. The Elephant Terrace separates this square from the Royal Palace compound, serving as a high entrance platform. The Victory Avenue from the Victory Gate ends in front of the Elephant Terrace, likely serving as the Royal audience hall, where the king, his family, and court officials observed public events like military parades and presented themselves to the people. The terrace once supported pavilions made of perishable materials, with remains of painted lead tiles from a former roof found nearby.

Terrace of the Leper King - Situated immediately north of the Terrace of the Elephants, in the northwest corner of Angkor Thom’s Royal Square, the Terrace of the Leper King is worth visiting for its ornate open-air wall with deeply carved reliefs. These depict gods and demons, Garuda half-birds, multi-headed Naga serpents, and other mythical beings, many of them female.

The 6-meter high and 25-meter long terrace is named after the kneeling statue on top. Four more guardian statues surround the central statue, carrying swords and wearing ornate costumes, but they are headless. The larger central “Leper King” is naked but without genitals, with long hair and a mustache. He once carried a mace on his right shoulder. His kneeling position with the right knee raised is uncommon in Khmer art.

Ta Prohm - Located three kilometers northwest of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is renowned as Angkor’s “jungle temple.” If time is limited, this large monument with its stone-strangling trees is one of Cambodia’s three must-see sites, alongside Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom’s Buddhist face towers. Early French archaeologists intentionally left it partially unrestored, allowing enormous strangler figs (Ficus gibbosa) and even larger Thitpok trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) to grow from the towers and halls, spreading their massive roots over intricately carved stone. This makes Ta Prohm an icon of architecture reclaimed by nature’s force. This unique blend of art and vegetation is unforgettable. Visit in the early morning before the first bus groups arrive.

Banteay Kdei - Banteay Kdei is the first large temple built by Jayavarman VII (1181-1218?), the Buddhist ruler responsible for nearly as many monuments as all his Hindu predecessors combined. Most of Jayavarman’s constructions are at ground level, lacking pyramids as bases and upper levels. Contemporary flat temples include Banteay Kdei, the nearby “jungle temple” Ta Prohm, the vast Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, Banteay Thom, and numerous smaller structures, such as the Chapel of the Hospital. Jayavarman VII’s state temple, Bayon, in his new capital Angkor Wat, is his only tiered structure.

Ta Nei Temple - Ta Nei is a late 12th-century stone temple in Angkor, Cambodia. Built during King Jayavarman VII’s reign, it is near the northwest corner of the East Baray, a large sacred reservoir. It was dedicated to the Buddha.

Discover Banteay Srei, Angkor Grand Circle, and Watch Sunset at Angkor Temple

Banteay Srei Temple - When asked about the most beautiful temple in Cambodia, many visitors say Angkor Wat was impressive, but Banteay Srei was their favorite. Cambodians often say that without seeing Banteay Srei, one hasn’t truly seen Cambodia. Banteay Srei is a top contender for the title of the world’s most beautiful temple. Its abundance of carvings and perfect harmony of architectural and sculptural art make it special. At Banteay Srei, building and ornamentation are nearly indistinguishable, similar to the finest examples of Indian art. However, unlike Indian masterpieces, Banteay Srei is not overly ornate. Its design is discreet and delightful rather than imposing. Visitors are often surprised by its modest dimensions.

Banteay Samre - Banteay Samré is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, located 400 meters east of the East Baray. Built during the reigns of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style.

Prasat Preah Khan - In 1191, Preah Khan was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father, with the central statue named “Jayavarmeshvara,” meaning “Jayavarman, Lord of the world.” Jayavarman’s father was venerated as a personification of Avalokiteshvara, the universal Bodhisattva of compassion and care, while the five-year-older temple Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother as Prajnaparamita, the female embodiment of perfect wisdom. Care and knowledge are the central themes in Mahayana Buddhism’s salvation doctrines, which Jayavarman VII introduced as the Khmer Empire’s new official cult, without suppressing former Hindu beliefs. Temples for Vishnu to the west and Shiva to the north accompany the central Avalokiteshvara shrine, integral to Preah Khan’s layout from the start.

Neak Pean - Neak Pean is truly unique, with a layout unlike any other Khmer architecture. It was a temple on a 350-meter diameter artificial island in the vast Baray. Unlike other Mebons, known island temples in other reservoirs’ centers, Neak Pean features a round platform for the temple and a series of ponds arranged in a concentric Mandala structure. The central circular temple platform, resembling a lotus bud, is an island within the island, surrounded by a 72-meter square pond. This larger pond sits at the axis of a cross of four more square ponds in the cardinal directions, each 24 meters by 24 meters. Originally, the five ponds were surrounded by eight more square pools in a lotus pattern.

Pre Rup - Founded in 961, Pre Rup is the most significant legacy of Rajendravarman II (941-968), one of the prominent Angkor kings. After empire-founder Jayavarman II, Roluos-founder Indravarman I, and Angkor-founder Yashovarman I, King Rajendravarman II is considered the “Angkor-restorer,” as he decided to return the capital to Angkor after a period of political turmoil and dominance by Koh Ker, where Jayavarman IV resided. Rajendravarman did not build his monuments in the first Angkor capital area, Yashodharapura, founded by Yashovarman I, but further east, near Angkor’s East Baray reservoir, also built by Angkor’s founder Yashovarman. King Rajendravarman II erected the East Mebon on an island near this massive man-made lake’s center, now dry, and a decade later, the similar but more massive Pre Rup, likely in his new capital’s center.

East Mebon - The East Mebon is a 10th-century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during King Rajendravarman’s reign, it stood on what was once an artificial island at the center of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

• Private cruise tours to visit floating village at Tonle Sap lake
• Drink water and cool fresh towel for the whole trip
• Professional English speaking licensed tour guide
• All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
• Private hotel pick up and drop off (provide hotel name in Siem Reap for pickup)

• Tips for tour guide and Driver
• Entrance fees
• Meals

The Private Siem Reap 3-Day Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the renowned Angkor Temples, including witnessing both sunrise and sunset, as well as visiting the Tonle Sap Floating Village. This tour is an ideal choice for those wishing to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park. Carefully curated, the itinerary includes the most captivating sites, such as the famous sunrise at Angkor Wat and the stunning sunset at Phnom Bakheng Temple. Participants will explore both the small and grand circuits, including Angkor Thom, Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei Temple, along with the early temples of the Rolous Group, such as Bakong Temple. In addition to temple visits, the tour features a special activity: a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to visit the floating village at Kampong Phluk, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Cambodian people.

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