Discover Angkor Temples, Bakong Temple, Tonle Sap Lake, Floating Village, and City Tours

Preah Ko - The Shiva temple Preah Ko, meaning “Sacred Bull,” is located in the former capital of Hariharalaya, now known as Roluos, situated between the Lolei temple and the Bakong pyramid. It is the first ancestor temple of the Khmer Empire, consecrated in 879, and served as a royal chapel next to the king’s palace. The residential area was encircled by a moat measuring 500 meters in length and 400 meters in width. The palace’s wooden structures have disappeared over time, leaving only the stone temple buildings. Preah Ko is renowned for its intricate decorations, which influenced later Angkor stone carving styles, particularly its unmatched carved colonettes.

Bakong Temples - Commissioned by Indravarman I and consecrated in 881, the Bakong temple is historically significant as it became a prototype for the typical Khmer temple pyramid, also known as a temple-mountain or step-pyramid. It served as the state or imperial temple of its era, dedicated to the king’s Shiva-Lingam. Jayavarman II, in the early 9th century, is credited as the founder of the emerging Angkor Empire, now referred to as “Kambuja-Desa,” or “Land of Kambu’s Descendants.” Indravarman I (877-889) is the first Khmer king of the Angkor era with documented achievements, evidenced by his inscriptions and architectural masterpieces like Bakong and Preah Ko.

Lolei - Lolei, located in Roluos, is just a few hundred meters north of the A6 main road. It is the youngest and smallest of the three major Roluos temples, less photogenic than Preah Ko. However, Lolei’s historical significance is noteworthy. Consecrated in 893 by Yashovarman I (889-910), who moved the capital from Hariharalaya (present-day Roluos) to a new 16 square kilometer fortified city called Yashodharapura, which included the area of the later Angkor Wat. Yashovarman, who built the Lolei temple in honor of his father, Roluos-king Indravarman I, is considered the founder of the renowned ancient Khmer capital, Angkor. His state temple was the Bakheng in Angkor, and he constructed the East Baray.

Kampong Phluk Floating Village - This community resides in floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. These people have lived in Cambodia for 3-4 generations. Once living comfortably, they suffered significant losses during the Khmer Rouge, with many losing their lives.

Wat Bo Temple - One of the town’s oldest temples, Wat Bo houses a collection of well-preserved wall paintings from the late 19th century.

SATCHA - សច្ - Cambodian Handicrafts Incubation Center - With boldness and authenticity, this center aims to give Cambodian handicrafts a new dimension. It is the first Cambodian handicraft center that incubates local artisans, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary design to showcase Cambodian talents to both local and international visitors, ensuring the transmission of these skills over time while having a sustainable social, economic, and environmental impact.

Tonle Sap Lake - Tonle Sap is one of the world’s most productive fishing lakes, supporting over three million people and providing more than 75 percent of Cambodia’s annual inland fish catch and 60 percent of the population’s protein intake. Its fish species richness and productivity rank fourth globally.

Angkor Wat Sunrise and Explore Angkor Thom Complex, Bayon, and Ta Prohm

Angkor Wat - Rise early to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s national emblem and the pride of the Khmer people. Its silhouette of five towers, or three from a frontal view, is as iconic as the pyramids of Giza or the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is the largest historical temple monument globally, with the central tower rising 65 meters from the ground. Originally, all nine pinnacles, not just the central five, were gold-plated. The temple-pyramid platform measures 332 meters in length and 258 meters in width, with an enclosure wall 1025 meters long and 800 meters wide, surrounded by a moat measuring 1500 meters by 1300 meters. Angkor Wat is not only vast but also a masterpiece of architectural design, craftsmanship, and sculptural decoration.

Angkor Thom South Gate - The South Gate is the most famous city gate and a symbol of Angkor Thom. Every visitor to Angkor will pass through it, as the only road from Angkor Wat to the Bayon crosses Angkor Thom’s South Gate. Visitors often stop here to admire Angkor’s extensive collection of giant sculptures. Many tourists begin an elephant ride here, either through the South Gate to the Bayon temple or to the top of the nearby hill Phnom Bakheng. The South Gate’s causeway can be crowded, especially between 9:00 and 10:00 am. In the evening, an hour or two after sunset, the South Gate closes.

Bayon Temple - Built around 1200 A.D. in the center of Angkor Thom, the Bayon is the second most popular monument in Angkor, after Angkor Wat. It is famous for its numerous enigmatic “stone faces.” The identity or symbolism of these giant Buddhas remains unclear, making the smiling faces of Angkor Thom emblematic of Angkor’s mysteries. The original number of face towers is debated, but there were likely about 50 towers and 200 colossal faces at the Bayon. Currently, 37 towers remain, most with four Buddha faces oriented toward the cardinal points. These towers are raised on a cruciform terrace surrounding the central tower, which is uniquely circular. The central tower rises 43 meters above the ground. Besides the face-towers, the Bayon also features large-scale carvings on the gallery walls.

Baphuon Temple - Completed around 1060 by King Udayadityavarman II near the Royal Palace, the Baphuon served as his state temple. Like previous Khmer state temples, it was dedicated to Shiva, with a Lingam venerated in the central shrine atop the pyramid. At the time, the Baphuon was Asia’s largest stone temple. (The larger Borobudur in Java is built on a natural hill.) The Baphuon’s original height is unknown, as the central tower collapsed after a few centuries. In the 15th or 16th century, its stones were repurposed to construct a 9-meter tall and 70-meter long reclining Buddha on the temple’s west facade. However, in the late 13th century, the Chinese envoy Zhou Daguan still saw the original state temple and called it “the Tower of Bronze,” which was approximately 50 meters tall. Now it stands at 34 meters.

Phimeanakas - Initiated by King Rajendravarman II (944-69) and later modified by subsequent kings, particularly Suryavarman I (1006-1050), Phimeanakas is primarily a laterite structure with some sandstone elements. The monument lacks many carvings. The axial stairways on all four sides are flanked by guardian lions. Elephants once adorned the corners of the tiers, but most are now broken. The stairways are extremely steep, with a wooden stairway added for visitors on the west side. At the top, there are small sandstone galleries and remnants of an elevated sanctuary, likely later additions. An inscription on a door jamb, reused from an older temple of a minister of Yashovarman I, the founder of Angkor, is present.

Terrace of the Elephants - The Elephant Terrace, also known as the Terrace of the Elephants, is an ancient wall and platform forming most of the western edge of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom. This square, located a few hundred meters north of the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom’s center, was the city’s secular core, used for parades and festivals. The Elephant Terrace separates this square from the Royal Palace compound, serving as a high entrance platform. The so-called Victory Avenue from the Victory Gate ends in front of the Elephant Terrace, likely serving as the Royal audience hall, where the king, his family, and court officials watched public events like military parades and presented themselves to the people. The terrace once supported pavilions made of perishable materials, with remains of painted lead tiles from a former roof found nearby.

Terrace of the Leper King - Located immediately north of the Terrace of the Elephants, in the northwest corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Leper King is worth visiting and studying as the best example of an ornate open-air wall with deeply carved reliefs. These depict gods and demons, Garuda half-birds, multi-headed Naga serpents, and other mythical beings, many of them female.

The 6-meter high and 25-meter long terrace was named for the kneeling statue on top. Four more guardian statues surround the central statue, carrying swords, with ornate costumes but headless. The larger central “Leper King” is naked but without genitals, with long hair and a mustache. He once carried a mace on his right shoulder. His kneeling position with the right knee raised is uncommon in Khmer art.

Ta Prohm - Located three kilometers northwest of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is renowned as Angkor’s “jungle temple.” If time is limited, this large monument, enveloped by stone-strangling trees, is one of Cambodia’s three must-see sites, alongside Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom’s Buddhist face towers. Early French archaeologists intentionally left it partially unrestored, allowing enormous strangler figs (Ficus gibbosa) and even larger Thitpok trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) to grow from the towers and halls, spreading their massive roots over intricately carved stone. This makes Ta Prohm an icon of architecture reclaimed by nature’s force. This unique blend of art and vegetation is unforgettable. Visit in the early morning before the first bus groups arrive.

Banteay Kdei - Banteay Kdei is the first large temple built by Jayavarman VII (1181-1218?), the Buddhist ruler who left nearly as many monuments as all his Hindu predecessors combined. Most of Jayavarman’s constructions are at ground level, without pyramids or upper levels. Contemporary flat temples include Banteay Kdei, the nearby “jungle temple” Ta Prohm, the vast Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, Banteay Thom, and numerous smaller structures, such as the Chapel of the Hospital. Jayavarman VII’s state temple Bayon in his new capital Angkor Wat is his only structure with tiers.

Ta Nei Temple - Ta Nei is a late 12th-century stone temple in Angkor, Cambodia. Built during King Jayavarman VII’s reign, it is near the northwest corner of the East Baray, a large sacred reservoir. It was dedicated to the Buddha.

Discover Banteay Srei, Angkor Grand Circle, and Watch Sunset at Angkor Temple

Banteay Srei Temple - When asked about the most beautiful temple in Cambodia, most visitors say Angkor Wat was impressive, but they loved Banteay Srei the most. Cambodians often say that without seeing Banteay Srei, one hasn’t truly seen Cambodia. Banteay Srei is a top contender for the title of the world’s most beautiful temple. Its abundance of carvings and perfect harmony of architectural and sculptural art make it special. Unlike Indian masterpieces, Banteay Srei is not overly ornate. Its design is subtle, more delightful than imposing, and its dimensions are modest. Visitors are often surprised by how small Banteay Srei is.

Banteay Samre - Banteay Samré is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, located 400 meters east of the East Baray. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, it is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style.

Prasat Preah Khan - In 1191, Preah Khan was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s father, with the central statue named “Jayavarmeshvara,” meaning “Jayavarman, Lord of the World.” Jayavarman’s father was venerated as a personification of Avalokiteshvara, the universal Bodhisattva of compassion and loving care, while the five-year-older temple Ta Prohm was dedicated to his mother as Prajnaparamita, the female embodiment of perfect wisdom. Care and knowledge are the central themes in Mahayana Buddhism’s salvation doctrines, which Jayavarman VII introduced as the Khmer Empire’s new official cult, without suppressing former Hindu beliefs. Temples for Vishnu to the west and Shiva to the north accompany the central Avalokiteshvara shrine, integral to Preah Khan’s layout from the start.

Neak Pean - Neak Pean is truly exceptional, with a layout distinct from all other Khmer architecture. It was a temple on an artificial island with a 350-meter diameter in the vast Baray. Unlike other Mebons, known island temples in other reservoirs’ centers, Neak Pean features a round platform for the temple proper and a series of ponds arranged in a concentric Mandala structure. The central circular temple platform, resembling a lotus bud, is an island within the island, surrounded by a square pond measuring 72 meters. This larger pond sits at the axis of a cross of four more square ponds in the cardinal directions, each 24 meters by 24 meters. Originally, the five ponds were surrounded by eight more square pools in a lotus pattern.

Pre Rup - Founded in 961, Pre Rup is the most significant legacy of Rajendravarman II (941-968), one of the prominent Angkor kings. After empire-founder Jayavarman II, Roluos-founder Indravarman I, and Angkor-founder Yashovarman I, King Rajendravarman II is considered the “Angkor-restorer,” as he decided to return the capital to Angkor after a period of political turmoil and dominance by Koh Ker, where Jayavarman IV resided. Rajendravarman did not build his monuments in the first Angkor capital area, Yashodharapura, founded by Yashovarman I, but further east, near Angkor’s East Baray reservoir, also built by Angkor’s founder Yashovarman. King Rajendravarman II erected the East Mebon on an island near this large man-made lake’s center, now dry, and a decade later, the similar but more massive Pre Rup, likely in his new capital’s center.

East Mebon - The East Mebon is a 10th-century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during King Rajendravarman’s reign, it stood on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir.

• Private cruise tours to visit floating village at Tonle Sap lake
• Drink water and cool fresh towel for the whole trip
• Professional English speaking licensed tour guide
• All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
• Private hotel pick up and drop off (provide hotel name in Siem Reap for pickup)

• All other accounts are not mentioned in the above inclusion
• Tips for tour guide and Driver
• Angkor entrance ticket. You will need for this tour. you can buy it on morning of first day tour

Private Siem Reap 3 Day Tour to Discover All Highlight Angkor Temples to see Sunrise and Sunset & Tonle Sap Floating Village is the best choice for your visiting the Angkor Archaeological the world heritage site of UNESCO that we selected the most interesting site to add in the tours itinerary for this tours packages as you will see famous sunrise at Angkor Wat and Beautiful sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple with exploring the small and grand circle as Angkor Thom, Bayon , Terrace of Elephant and Ta Prom , Bateay Srei temple with the beginning temple at the Rolous Group with Bakong temple and not only the temple in the tours we have another special activity as go by cruise at Tonle Sap lake to visit the floating village at Kampong Phluk to see more the every day life of the Cambodia people.

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