Magpie
5.0(32 reviews)

Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Half-Day Tour

From$43
4 hours – 5 hours
Siem Reap, Cambodia

About this activity

Explore Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Elephant Terrace on a guided half-day tour, delving into Cambodia's rich history and architecture.

Highlights

  • Marvel at Angkor Wat's grandeur
  • Explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom
  • Discover the intricate Elephant Terrace
  • Learn about Khmer architecture
  • Capture stunning temple photographs

Full description

Dive into Cambodia's rich history with a guided half-day tour of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Elephant Terrace. Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the impressive Bayon Temple. Discover the intricate Elephant Terrace, once used by Khmer kings for royal ceremonies. This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Cambodia's architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Angkor Wat
  • Visit to Angkor Thom
  • Exploration of Elephant Terrace
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: You will get picked up from your hotel in Siem Reap

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Angkor Wat is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometers (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous guardian spirits adorning its walls.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NO
3

Angkor Thom Capital city of the Khmer empire built at the end of the 12th century NameAngkor Thom Datelate 12th century KingJayavarman VII Location North of Angkor Wat, between West Baray and East Baray Near byAngkor Wat, Preah Khan, Phnom Bakheng Angkor Thom is an almost square city surrounded by 8 meter high walls a little over 12 kilometers long with five impressive gopura gates providing access to the city. The city’s name translates to “large city” or “great city”. King Jayavarman VII made Angkor Thom the new capital of the Khmer Kingdom after driving out the Chams , who destroyed the old capital Yasodharapura. He fortified the city by building a high wall around it, in turn enclosed by a 100 meter wide moat.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NO
4

As we press onward with our tour, our path shall lead us to the majestic South Gate of Angkor Thom. Within its grand expanse lies the renowned Bayon and Baphuon temples, a splendid assembly of 54 towers adorned with 216 serene faces of the divine Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Throughout the visit, our knowledgeable tour guide shall regale us with the rich historical tapestry of the Angkor Temples and the illustrious Khmer empire, expertly illuminating the intricate architectural masterpieces that grace Angkor landscape. After this we will have lunch and your vehicle will drive pass by both the Terrace of Elephant and the Terrace of Leper King known as the royal viewing platform and the stage of the king’s great audience hall.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
5

Pass by: The Terrace of the Elephants is one of the many iconic constructions of the Khmer Empire and a key highlight within the walled city of Angkor Thom. The long terrace, also known in some records as the Terrace of Honor, fronts the Royal Palace and has an entrance that once joined a causeway leading to Victory Gate of Angkor Thom which in turn led to the terrace of the East Baray. The terrace is around 340m in length along a north-south axis with the Leper King Terrace to its north and the terrace/entrance gopura of Baphoun Temple to its south. Along its length, the front wall is decorated with near life-size carvings of elephants alternating with a section of garuda and standing lions.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: Return to Siem Reap and drop off at your hotel in Siem Reap after tour.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Photography is allowed; however, tripods may be restricted.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

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

Traveler reviews

5.0
32 reviews
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Angkor wat and Angkor thum temples

We went on a tour with San a local tour guide, he was very knowledgeable about everything. We went to Angkor wat, Angkor thum as well as some other smaller temples. We did the half day tour in the afternoon. I had a fabulous time. We got given water and cold towels eat time. It wasn’t to crowded. The weather was very nice too. We also got to see monkeys.

D2197OTannievJun 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great experience!

Such an amazing experience! The tour guide San was super knowledgable and nice. He assisted with everything we wanted and needed. Big recommend!

Brayden SJun 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Can't beat Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat a must for architecture people. Great tour, 4 hours is enough. San the guide didn't go too slow or too fast.

V585HLjameslApr 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Excellent

Outstanding - very knowledgeable and friendly. Great overview of the different sites. Highly recommended

Timothy_LMar 8, 2026VIATOR

Half-day tour is the way to go.

The tour was great for the half-day. The information presented during the tour was very informative.

Mark_BFeb 27, 2026VIATOR
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