Classic Angkor Temples: Photo Discovery Tour by Peace Of Angkor Tours

Tour Itinerary

A visit to Angkor is to discover one of the most beautiful places on earth. By far the largest religious building in the world today, it was centre of what was the worlds largest capital city, in it's prime around a thousand years ago.

Come on a journey with us and see how our experienced tour guides will bring the stones of these ancient temples to life.

At around 7am, we'll commence our tour from Siem Reap and take the short 20 minutes journey to Angkor Wat. On the way, we'll will stop at the ticket booths in case you need to purchase a day pass costing US$20.

Your first view of Angkor Wat as we approach from the east, will be breathtaking. We initially spend around 2 - 3 hours discovering this inspirational monument, which was built in the early 12th century as a Funerary Temple for Suryavaraman II.

We have plenty of time to explore over 1 km of spectacular carvings, a vast labyrinth of passages, courtyards and the five lotus flower towers at its centre.

Following this, we take the short journey to what was the centre of the great capital city of Angkor at Angkor Thom (pronounced in Khmer as 'Tom' and meaning 'Big'!).

Angkor Thom was the centre of the late 12th Century city of Angkor. With over one million people, it was the world's largest city. At that time London and Paris had around 30,000, people. At the centre of the great city of Angkor lies the Bayon Temple. It had 52 towers with the huge serene faces of the Jayavarman VII.

To the north of the Bayon is the great plaza adjoining 300 metre long Elephant terrace. It must have been a spectacular meeting place 800 years ago. Behind this are the ruins of the Royal Palace and the pyramid temple of Phiminakas.

The area to the east of the Royal Palace was a meeting place where thousands watched the entertainment and dancing on the huge Elephants Terrace. At the rear of the plaza are 12 towers the Prasats Sour Prat. Tight rope walkers used to perform across what is now the road to the Victory Gate.

Following lunch (included) taken at at a Khmer restaurant opposite Angkor Wat, we will visit the fascinating temple of Ta Promh

This huge temple complex looks much the same as when it was first re-discovered. Here you will see how nature has quite literally run riot. The high lichen covered walls are distorted by the movement of the earth beneath. 800 years of history lie twisted and broken, with sinister root systems of huge trees enveloping doors and windows in a stranglehold. This is a particularly fascinating place for photography.

Our last call of the day, will be back at Angkor Wat. This time we'll be at the western side to experience what is usually a magnificent sunset. Golden and pink hues cast a warm glow over this ancient temple and the surrounding countryside. No visit is complete without seeing this. Your experience will be both moving memorable!

We arrive back into Siem Reap following sunset - generally around 6 -7pm.