ANGKOR WAT TOURS

Time:GMT +7 Hours
Visa Required: Yes
Currency: Riel
Tel Code:+855
Official Language: Khmer
Main Religion: Theravada Buddhism
Airlines: Thai Airways,Cathay Pacific, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines,Malaysia Airlines

The celebrated temples of Angkor are Cambodia’s greatest tourist attraction. The 100 or so temples are the sacred remains of what was once a much larger administrative and religious centre. The temples were built between the 9th and the 13th centuries to glorify a succession of Khmer kings. Most of Angkor was abandoned in the 15th century and the temples became cloaked by forest. The site became the source of scholarly interest in the late19th century after the publication of Voyage à Siam et dans le Cambodge by French naturalist Henri Mouhot. Efforts were undertaken to clear away the jungle vegetation that threatened to completely destroy the monuments, and restoration continues today.

The complex’s most famous building, Angkor Wat is an awe-inspiring sight. The world’s largest religious structure and the best preserved of Angkor’s temples, the wat is an absolute must visit, and although busy, it is still possible to find a quiet spot to reflect on its extraordinary and intricate beauty. Sunrise, though bustling, is worth it.

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is the great walled city that was the heart of the Khmer Empire – the last great capital. Entered by five huge, elaborate gates each topped with four faces, within the city walls, you’ll find a number of sites of interest including the enchanting Bayon at the centre, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Ta Prohm

The crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm is one of the most atmospheric of Angkor’s temples, purposely left in a state similar to when it was discovered. With the jungle encroaching on all sides and towering trees thrusting out of the stone itself, wandering the courtyards and corridors is quite the adventure.

Grand Circuit

For those who have a bit more time to explore the temples, the Grand Circuit really shows the variety of architecture on display in the park. This leisurely 26 kilometre route takes you to the temples of Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup, the latter also being an excellent spot for sunset.

Banteay Srei

Set about 25 kilometres outside the main temple group, the captivating temple of Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women) is a richly embellished vision in rose pink sandstone. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva the decorative reliefs are so delicate, it is said that they could only have been carved by the hands of women.

Outlying temples

The outlying temples give a much quieter experience. The little visited Roluos Group actually pre-dates most of Angkor’s temples, whilst Beng Mealea has been left in the grips of the jungle. Get fantastic views over Tonle Sap from hilltop Phnom Krom and enjoy the tranquil nature at Kbal Spean, a site of numerous carvings in a river bed.

Angkor Wat temple tours are easily manageable to visit. Th complex is scattered throughout a huge area of forest, the temples of Angkor are one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders and travellers from far and wide come to this small corner of northwest Cambodia to marvel at their splendour. Although the number of visitors multiplies dramatically each year, there are still ways to enjoy Angkor away from the crowds and see it as it would have appeared when first discovered. We can recommend just how to do this at even the busiest sites and like to include some of the lesser-known temples, such as Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei in our tour suggestions.

The ‘Big Three tours’: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm & The Bayon

The Bayon

One of the largest and most impressive religious buildings in the world, Angkor Wat is arguably the most breathtaking of all the Angkor temples. Built some time in the 12th century as a funerary temple for Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is the proud national symbol of Cambodia. Avoid the crowds by making an early start or linger here at sunset in relative peace, while the majority of visitors ascend the mountain temple of Phnom Bakheng.

If there is one temple that has to be seen early in the morning then it is undeniably Ta Prohm. A firm Audley favourite, Ta Prohm is one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temples left exactly as it was discovered by European explorers in the mid-19th century. Massive creeping roots of strangler fig trees encase the stonework and as the sun breaks, the temple is full of mystique as an eerily beautiful green light penetrates the tree canopy and rays of sunlight highlight moss-covered pinnacles and mystical courtyards.

Five colossal gates heavily decorated with giant statues, elephant trunks and carved stone faces guard the entrances to the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom. At its centre is the magnificent Bayon, the ornately decorated state temple of King Jayavarman VII. A complex collection of 54 towers, its 216 enormous smiling faces – said to be in the likeness of the king – are one of Angkor’s most iconic sights, best visited at sunset to see The Bayon bask in the beauty of the late afternoon light. Here too, is the impressive Terrace of Elephants, once a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies.