Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Half-Day Tour
About this activity
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
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Angkor Wat
- Visit to Angkor Thom
- Exploration of Elephant Terrace
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: You will get picked up from your hotel in Siem Reap
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pass by: Return to Siem Reap and drop off at your hotel in Siem Reap after tour.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler reviews
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.
Excellent
Outstanding - very knowledgeable and friendly. Great overview of the different sites. Highly recommended
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.
Amazing experience, tour for 5 people
Visiting Angkor Wat was a truly breathtaking expierence. Our length of our visit was 5 hours and we all felt that was just right. The driver Mr.Heng kept us hydrated and allowed one of our members to stay in the AC van when the heat was too much for her. Our tour guide Sophy was friendly and suggested places to take pictures and even helped us take great group photos. He didn't rush us as we observed our way through the 2 temples.
Prin Vath is the goat
Vath is awesome!! His knowledge of Angkor Kingdom is absolutely incredible. The detail he is able to explain when walking through the temples made the tour feel like we went back in time. He dropped amazing knowledge all day and that's not even the best part. He has the best photography skills ever.. he knew every single place to stand for the best pictures. I took loads of photos but compared to his photos his were all superior. So he captured memories for us forever. What a great Khmer man! I cannot recommend him enough. Thanks mate