DAY 1: The Grand Circuit (Sort Of) 8.00 am

Angkor Wat - We usually recommend starting with your earliest day first, as you might be too tired after three days of exploring. However, if you’ve had a long journey to Siem Reap and need the first day to recover, consider doing “Day 3” of the itinerary first, as it is the easiest day. Otherwise, your day begins with the must-see sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple.

If you’re a photographer, aim to be there by 4:45am, or even as early as 4:40am. The temple opens at 5am, but space at the pond in front of the temple is limited, and people arrive early to secure their spot. We arrived at 4:40am and narrowly beat a large group. Being first allowed us to get what we considered the perfect reflection and set up our tripod. If you’re not a photographer, check the sunrise time and try to arrive at least 20 minutes before.

Ta Prohm Temple - Ta Prohm Temple is the second most popular temple in Angkor Wat, largely due to its reputation as the “Tomb Raider temple.” It is famous for the ancient trees and root systems growing right out of the temple.

Ta Prohm doesn’t open until 7:30am, but I recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes early to stay ahead of the crowds. This will allow you to take photos and walk the grounds without other people in your shots. It’s also the best light for your photos.

If you arrive at opening as recommended, you’ll have time to explore at a leisurely pace and get to the next stop ahead of the crowd.

Banteay Kdei - Similar to Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei is much smaller, more peaceful, and quieter. There’s a spot near the front entrance with a massive tree and root system growing over the outer wall, which was my favorite view of the temple.

Ta Keo - For those who like to pack it all in, your next stops will be Ta Keo and Bayon temples. The advantage of visiting these two on your first day is that it frees up your third day to venture to some of the more remote temples. If you don’t see them now, you’ll visit them on Day 3.

Sunrise at Pre Rup Temple (Can be flexible to Angkor Wat), 4.45 am

Pre Rup - While it’s hard to beat Angkor Wat Temple for sunrise, Pre Rup truly challenges the title. The photos may not be as iconic or dramatic, but the magic of Pre Rup at sunrise lies in the peace and solitude. We were the only ones there, watching the sun rise over the jungle from one of the tallest, oldest temples in Angkor Wat. Compared to the thousands of people who swarmed Angkor Wat, this was bliss.

From a photography standpoint, the sunrise itself offers a clear view, but not the most interesting foregrounds for compositions. However, the first golden light reflecting off the temples and bathing the grand staircase in warmth was brilliant!

We had the temple to ourselves for nearly two hours, and just when we thought it was safe to put the cameras away, a group of monks came to explore and asked us to take photos with them!

Eastern Mebon - The East Mebon is a 10th Century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir. The East Mebon was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king.

Ta Som - Ta Som is a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is located northeast of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean. The King dedicated the temple to his father Dharanindravarman II, who was King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160.

Neak Pean - Neak Pean at Angkor, Cambodia is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray, which was associated with Preah Khan temple, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is the “Mebon” of the Preah Khan baray.

Preah Khan - Preah Khan is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. It is located northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the Jayatataka baray, with which it was associated. It was the center of a substantial organization, with almost 100,000 officials and servants.

Phnom Bakheng - This is an optional tour if you wish to add more adventure to your trip. We are happy to serve you.

Bayon Temple & Siem Reap City Tour, 8.00 am

Bayon Temple - Notice there’s no sunrise in front of this stop! While you’re welcome to catch a sunrise, you will have already visited two of the three temples that open early enough to do so. Your only option would be to visit Phnom Bakeng for sunrise or make a second visit to Angkor Wat or Pre Rup. Instead, I opted for a later night out at Pub Street and a bit of a lie-in, starting our day at one of my favorite temples, Bayon.

Though Bayon doesn’t technically open until 7:30am, there are multiple entrances, and people were already walking around by 7:15am. For this reason, I recommend getting in by 7:15am, perhaps even earlier, if you want photos of the entrances without people. We also spent more time at Bayon than any other temple, as I found the details so interesting and loved all the smiling faces.

Angkor National Museum - Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and presentation of Angkorian artifacts. It provides information and education about the art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections mainly dating from the Khmer Empire’s Angkor period, circa 9th to 14th century.

Wat Thmey (Killing Fields) - The Wat Thmey Temple is notable for being an area that served as one of the killing fields during the Khmer Rouge regime.

Artisans Angkor - Artisans Angkor is a Cambodian social business creating job opportunities for young people in rural areas while reviving traditional Khmer craftsmanship. The organization, founded in 1992, is located on Stung Thmey Street, a 2-minute walk from the Old Market in Siem Reap center, Cambodia.

• Transportation based on your package selected
• Professional English speaking guide (based on package selected)
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• One complimentary airport (SAI) shuttle one way (advance request required)

• Angkor Pass ( 2-3 day 62US$/pax)
• Appreciated Tip
• Food & Drinks