Angkor Grand Circuit Tour

We’ll start the tour in the morning and see the following temples. We may not necessarily seem them in this order, the actual itinerary will differ depending on your preferences. For example, if you are a photographer, some temples are better to visit earlier than others to avoid the large crowds.

Neak Pean temple is known as the “Entwined Serpents” and is an artificial islaned located in the middle of Jayatataka Baray. It was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the mid to late 12^th century. It’s thought that Neak Pean is a representation of Anavatapta, which is a mythical Himalayan lake which can cure illness.

We’ll also visit Preah Khan which means “Royal Sword” and was also built in the 12^th century by King Jayavarman VII. It’s been left largely unrestored and has a lot of vegetation growing around the ruins. The king has Preah Khan built on the location where he defeated the invading Cham people.

Jayavarman built many temples during this reign including Ta Som temple. He dedicated this temple to late father Dharanindravarman II. Again, it’s been left unrestored but has been made safe for visitors. There are trees and vegetation growing through the structure of the temple.

Banteay Prei was yet another creation of King Jayavarman VII and is often overlooked by visitors. But you can explore the beautiful ruins without huge groups of people around!

East Mebon is an earlier temple and was built in the 10^th century by King Rajendravarman. This Hindu temple is unique with large elephant statues on each corner. It’s located nearby Pre-Rup which is another early temple built at a similar time. It’s believed that Pre Rup temple was used for funerals.

We’ll also go to see Banteay Samre temple. This Hindu temple was built in the style of Angkor Wat, but it used the same materials as Banteay Srey. It was restored by Maurice Glaize in the 1930s and 1940s. Bamteay Samre was built in the early 12^th century under kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II. It’s unknown who built the temple due to the lack of inscriptions about the temples creation.

Finally, we’ll go out to see the popular Banteay Srey temple. This wonderful temple is called the “Lady Temple” because of the fine inscriptions and carvings on the walls. They are some of the finest carvings produced by the ancient Khmer and it’s thought that women carved them.

After the tour, we’ll take you back to your hotel. There is an optional buffet dinner with traditional Apsara dance show in the evening.