Many people associate Siem Reap with Angkor Wat, and head down to this sleepy little town for this very reason. Rightly so! The architecture and cultural gems that people identify with Angkor Wat is tremendous. However, there is much more than just Angkor Wat and quite often, visitors to Siem Reap only discover so upon their arrival to Angkor Archaeological Park.
Here, we present just a few of the many temples that are located within the Park. Take note that visitors can purchase multiple-day tickets to Angkor Wat. For those who are first-time travellers to Siem Reap and wish to take it easy visiting the temples, a one-day pass is often enough. For those enthusiastic about the temples and wish to spend much more time doing so, be grateful with the fact that they offer multiple-day passes, including 3-day and 7-day passes, with the corresponding difference in their prices.
For those who have finished visiting Angkor Wat, which would most probably be the very first temple of the day, it is time to explore the other temples. Tour agencies and hotels would generally split such visits into two types, and visitors can choose either the “Little Circuit Tour” or the “Big Circuit Tour”. For those who wish to explore the more popular temples in Siem Reap, the “Little Circuit” is often sufficient, and would keep you occupied for most of the day. Similarly, people passionate about temples should go for the "Big Circuit Tour", which ensures you visit more temples, especially those farther out of downtown Siem Reap.
To benefit first-time travellers to Siem Reap, we will discuss a little further about the Little Circuit.
Besides Angkor Wat, the next temple you will likely be visiting is Angkor Thom. It is more than just one temple. Instead, it is a complex with different temples and entrances, each with its own unique character. Among its most popular inhabitants is Bayon and Phimeanakas. It would take a minimum of two hours to finish exploring these temples in Angkor Thom. Take your time, as the day would have just started, and remember to hydrate!
Here, we present just a few of the many temples that are located within the Park. Take note that visitors can purchase multiple-day tickets to Angkor Wat. For those who are first-time travellers to Siem Reap and wish to take it easy visiting the temples, a one-day pass is often enough. For those enthusiastic about the temples and wish to spend much more time doing so, be grateful with the fact that they offer multiple-day passes, including 3-day and 7-day passes, with the corresponding difference in their prices.
For those who have finished visiting Angkor Wat, which would most probably be the very first temple of the day, it is time to explore the other temples. Tour agencies and hotels would generally split such visits into two types, and visitors can choose either the “Little Circuit Tour” or the “Big Circuit Tour”. For those who wish to explore the more popular temples in Siem Reap, the “Little Circuit” is often sufficient, and would keep you occupied for most of the day. Similarly, people passionate about temples should go for the "Big Circuit Tour", which ensures you visit more temples, especially those farther out of downtown Siem Reap.
To benefit first-time travellers to Siem Reap, we will discuss a little further about the Little Circuit.
Besides Angkor Wat, the next temple you will likely be visiting is Angkor Thom. It is more than just one temple. Instead, it is a complex with different temples and entrances, each with its own unique character. Among its most popular inhabitants is Bayon and Phimeanakas. It would take a minimum of two hours to finish exploring these temples in Angkor Thom. Take your time, as the day would have just started, and remember to hydrate!
After you have finished exploring the vastness of Angkor Thom, you will be picked up by your driver to head to the next temple. Remember though, that you will be passing by many temples and more often than not, you would be exhausted before you have finished visiting all the temples in the Little Circuit. There’s no shame in informing the driver that you are done for the day. They understand that it can be humid and warm. Don’t worry!
Another temple that must be mentioned is Ta Prohm. It is the temple that has trees growing all over it, with tree roots and branches intertwined with the structure. As a result, it creates a natural beauty that cannot be imitated by humans. It is a beautiful sight to behold. Many people also head over here to snap pictures. So, make sure you do your shots here as well! Of course, this is also known as the temple where Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie came over to do her scenes for Tomb Raider. Try to watch the movie before heading over to Siem Reap!
Another temple that must be mentioned is Ta Prohm. It is the temple that has trees growing all over it, with tree roots and branches intertwined with the structure. As a result, it creates a natural beauty that cannot be imitated by humans. It is a beautiful sight to behold. Many people also head over here to snap pictures. So, make sure you do your shots here as well! Of course, this is also known as the temple where Hollywood superstar Angelina Jolie came over to do her scenes for Tomb Raider. Try to watch the movie before heading over to Siem Reap!
These temples are all quite far apart, such that it requires a use of a vehicle. Hence, while heading to the Park by yourselves is technically possible, it may not be practical. Most hotels are able to arrange a tour for you, and you simply pay for their services, which would last for a day. Whether you wish to take a tuk-tuk or an air-conditioned van, the choice is really yours. A tuk-tuk is cheaper, and we also felt that it created a more authentic experience. It seemed as if we were real explorers researching the ruins of the different temples. However, for those who feel that they may not be able to take the heat and humidity, an air-conditioned van is highly recommended. The day will be long, and it is not worth it to spoil your day so early in the morning!
