Welcome to Northwestern Cambodia
Looking for temples without the tourist hordes? The remote temples of Northwestern Cambodia are a world apart. While hilltop Prasat Preah Vihear is the big hitter, the other temple complexes – wrapped in vines and half-swallowed by jungle – are all fabulous to explore.
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Northwestern Cambodia activities
Angkor Temples Small-Group Tour
We start our adventure with a visit to Angkor Wat temple, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all temples within the Angkor complex. We then move on to Angkor Thom, visiting Bayon, with its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatic smiling faces, Phimeanakas, Baphoun, Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. We finish the morning with a stop at the very photogenic South Gate of Angkor Thom City, where the gods and demons line the road leading to the gate, struggling in a cosmic tug-of-war. The Gate itself is crowned with four large faces facing in the cardinal directions. Lunch is Khmer-style in a local restaurant. Regain your energy enjoying a sumptuous Khmer feast near Sras Srang, the Royal Pool of Ablutions, originally reserved for the king and his consorts. Enjoy a spread of great local food followed by a nap lazing in a hammock, or explore to see the traditional way of life and say hello to the Cambodians living here. After lunch we continue your day tour by visiting the beautiful Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider) temple, which was made famous by Angelina Jolie, of course. Feel like one of the early explorers as you visit this temple which has been left to be reclaimed by the jungle. If time permits we'll finish the day climbing one of the oldest buildings in the Angkor complex, the brick pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup.
Siem Reap Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show Admission Ticket
Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), a non-governmental organization, was established in 1994 by eight young Cambodians who returned to their country after a childhood spent in refugee camps at the Thai border. Recognizing the importance of preserving their culture and Khmer art, the founders developed social and educational programs for vulnerable children living in difficult situations — including street kids, trafficked children and orphans. PPS has used theater and circus arts to help them reintegrate into society, vastly improving the choices available to these young people as they reach adulthood. You'll see PPS's positive impact on the talented performers of Phare, a circus arts troupe that performs different shows throughout the year. The show (see below for the list of performances) elevates Cambodian culture, history and beliefs through music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial arts, contortion and other circus skills. You have the choice of open seating, or select an upgrade to preferred seating in front center rows that includes refillable sports water bottle with cold water (Section A only)
Angkor Wat , The Royal Temples Private Day Tour from Siem Reap
After hotel pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, your private tour of the Angkor temple complex starts at the South Gate of Angkor Thom City, where 54 demons line the road. Not far from Siem Reap, the UNESCO-listed archeological park includes countless remains from the 9th to the 15th centuries built by the former Khmer Empire. Just let your private guide know your specific interests so he or she can include them in your flexible itinerary.First, explore the Bayon, the centerpiece of the ancient walled city, known for its decorative Khmer temple. Your guide points out distinctive features such as the more than 200 serene and massive stone faces that tower around the central peak. Your informative tour continues at the Baphuon, a three-tiered temple built in the mid-11th century and fully restored in 2011. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it was converted to a Buddhist temple in the late 15th century. You’ll spend approximately two hours in Angkor Thom, including the Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings. Then enjoy lunch in front of the majestic Angkor Wat before entering this magnificent temple, easily the most famous and best-preserved of all structures within the complex. Spend most of the afternoon meandering with your guide through this architectural masterpiece, unrivaled in its beauty. Built in the 12th century, the Khmer ceremonial structure is believed to have functioned as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II. Take a look at the enormous moat and reflection pools, and wander through the galleries to find an astounding array of ornate bas-reliefs (carvings) that depict scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.Afterward, you’ll be transported by private vehicle back to your hotel in Siem Reap.
Siem Reap to Angkor Temples Full-Day Bike Tour Including Lunch
Begin your full-day tour at a bike shop in Siem Reap, where you’ll meet your small group and get fitted with your quality mountain bike and helmet. Then, follow your experienced guide on a small road alongside the river until you reach Angkor Archaeological Park. At the gate, you can purchase an Angkor Pass for admission to the UNESCO World Heritage site.Your first stop is the amazing Angkor Wat, a monumental temple among myriad ruins built by the former Khmer Empire during the 9th to the 15th centuries. Admire the reflection pools and galleries showcasing elements of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. After stopping for refreshments, cycle the main circuit road to Angkor Thom, riding past 54 sculptured gods and demons, and then spend the rest of the day on charming, quiet trails around more majestic structures in the ancient walled city. Take time to visit Bayon Temple, famous for its 200 or so stone faces, and explore the Terrace of the Elephants while lunch is prepared.After you devour tasty Khmer dishes, ride with your guide to Ta Prohm, commonly known as the jungle temple, with tree roots attempting to reclaim the ruins. Stand in awe of the otherworldly atmosphere as you take advantage of numerous photo ops.Departing the Angkor complex, hop back on your bike to follow a red dirt road and several small paths back to Siem Reap, pedaling through local villages in the countryside until you arrive at your starting point by late afternoon.Please note: This bike tour covers a distance of approximately 15–18 miles (25–30 km). The ride is mostly on flat paths and small roads without hills, with some small dirt trails unsuitable for beginning riders.
Full-Day Temples of Angkor Small Group Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Siem Reap ProvinceGet picked up from your Siem Reap hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head straight for the ruins. As you motor toward Angkor Wat, learn about its history as the world's largest religious monument, replete with Hindu-Buddhist architecture that took 30 years to complete. Follow your guide inside, glimpsing intricate stonework as you wander galleries that have been shockingly well-maintained.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Provincesee the gate of Angkor Thom with its rows of 54 figures. Marvel while touring the temple at Bayon amidst hundreds of ancient stone faces, and explore the Terrace of the Leper King, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants. Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Ta Prohm, Siem Reap, Siem Reap ProvinceEnjoy lunch at your own expense, and then pay a visit to Ta Prohm—a temple set in the midst of the jungle. Wander the maze-like ruins of this ornate worship site, marveling at the fig trees that threaten to overtake the edifice. Absorb a late afternoon breeze and enjoy the peaceful, rural atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.Duration: 3 hours
Tonle Sap Cruise Small-Group Tour
Travel by remork (tuk-tuk) through the outskirts of Siem Reap to the Tonle Sap Lake. Board your boat and cruise through Tonle Sap, observing life on the lake as you travel past floating fishing villages that have their own schools, shops, hospitals and even crocodile farms!The lake is home to rare and endangered water birds and is unique for its flow of water, which changes direction twice a year. With the change in seasons, the lake has the ability to expand and shrink dramatically. At the height of the wet season, the lake can be more than 7,400 square miles (12,000 square kilometers) and provides half of the fish supply for Cambodia. On the return journey to Siem Reap, take the back roads into town and get a glimpse of daily rural activities, such as rice planting and harvesting, duck farming, and making the popular but smelly fish paste. Stop at a local Buddhist temple, chat with the villagers and try the local snacks.