Angkor Wat Small Tour

This tour begins with the short journey to the world famous Angkor archaeological site, and the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat started construction during the reign of King Suryavarman II and completed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The temple itself has become the symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the national flag. According to legend, Angkor Wat was built by the order of the Indra and was constructed during a single evening by a divine architect. However, recent scholars suggest it could have taken over 30 years to construct. After exploring Angkor Wat we now head out to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom literally means “Great City” and was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the ancient city covers an area of 9 km² and has several monuments and temples inside the 8m high walls which are surrounded by a moat. As we enter through the main gate of Angkor Thom we come across Bayon Temple, most famous for its distinctive towers of smiling stone faces. Bayon Temple was built in the early 13th century and is believed to be the last temple constructed within the Angkor complex and is the only temple built as Buddhist Shrine dedicated to Buddha. As we continue to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom we come across the small Hindu temple of the Phimeanakas, the name Phimeanakas translates to “Celestial Palace” and was built during the 10th century by King Rajendravarman II as his private temple. Located in the northwest corner of the royal grounds we shall discover The Terrace of the Leper king, dating from the 12th century this impressive 7 meter high platform decorated with intricate carvings on top of which stands a nude statue of a sexless being. We now continue to the Terrace of the Elephants or the Elephant terrace which was built during the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. The terrace stretches over 300 meters and is aptly named because of the grand carvings of elephants and their mahouts. The purpose of the terrace was so the king could watch ceremonies and parades such as the home coming of his victorious armies. After a short break and refreshments, we continue the tour to Ta Prohm Temple. Originally known as Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), this temple was constructed by King Jayavarman VII during the 12th century and was built in dedication of his mother. The most distinctive feature of this temple is the trees and vegetation that grow out of the temple ruins in an almost symbiotic relationship. To finish the tour off we now head for Bakheng Hill on top of which sits Phnom Bakheng Temple. Phnom Bekheng Temple was built 2 centuries before Angkor Wat in the 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman. Bakheng Hill is a popular destination for tourist to see the spectacular views of the Angkor complex and one of the best places to see the sunset (optional).eng Hill.

Angkor Wat Small Tour

This tour begins with the short journey to the world famous Angkor archaeological site, and the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, the largest religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat started construction during the reign of King Suryavarman II and completed by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The temple itself has become the symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the national flag. According to legend, Angkor Wat was built by the order of the Indra and was constructed during a single evening by a divine architect. However, recent scholars suggest it could have taken over 30 years to construct.

After exploring Angkor Wat we now head out to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom literally means “Great City” and was the last capital city of the Khmer Empire. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, the ancient city covers an area of 9 km² and has several monuments and temples inside the 8m high walls which are surrounded by a moat.

As we enter through the main gate of Angkor Thom we come across Bayon Temple, most famous for its distinctive towers of smiling stone faces. Bayon Temple was built in the early 13th century and is believed to be the last temple constructed within the Angkor complex and is the only temple built as Buddhist Shrine dedicated to Buddha.

As we continue to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom we come across the small Hindu temple of the Phimeanakas, the name Phimeanakas translates to “Celestial Palace” and was built during the 10th century by King Rajendravarman II as his private temple.

Located in the northwest corner of the royal grounds we shall discover The Terrace of the Leper king, dating from the 12th century this impressive 7 meter high platform decorated with intricate carvings on top of which stands a nude statue of a sexless being. We now continue to the Terrace of the Elephants or the Elephant terrace which was built during the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. The terrace stretches over 300 meters and is aptly named because of the grand carvings of elephants and their mahouts. The purpose of the terrace was so the king could watch ceremonies and parades such as the home coming of his victorious armies.

After a short break and refreshments, we continue the tour to Ta Prohm Temple. Originally known as Rajavihara (Monastery of the King), this temple was constructed by King Jayavarman VII during the 12th century and was built in dedication of his mother. The most distinctive feature of this temple is the trees and vegetation that grow out of the temple ruins in an almost symbiotic relationship.

To finish the tour off we now head for Bakheng Hill on top of which sits Phnom Bakheng Temple. Phnom Bekheng Temple was built 2 centuries before Angkor Wat in the 9th century during the reign of King Yasovarman. Bakheng Hill is a popular destination for tourist to see the spectacular views of the Angkor complex and one of the best places to see the sunset (optional).eng Hill.

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A local guide

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