Be sure to check out the International Page for more ideas while you are planning the Best Things to Do in Angkor Wat in Cambodia!
*Last updated 10/14/2023
Angkor Wat – The Grand Circuit vs The Small Circuit
You will see maps refer to the Small Circuit (or inner loop) and the Grand Circuit (or outer loop). Also, the google map below shows the inner and outer loops.
Typically, if you have one day, do the Small Circuit, as it includes the main temples. However, if you have two days, you can visit the Grand Circuit on the second day. Below, I’ve included the main sights in each area that we visited during our visit.
We spent two days visiting the temples from Siem Reap. However, I love this kind of stuff and could easily have spent an extra day or two here.
The Small Circuit (Inner Loop)
Angkor Wat
Often people refer to the collective numerous temples around the city of Siem Reap as “Angkor Wat”. However, Angkor Wat is the largest temple of the area.
A very popular event is to hire a driver the day before to pick you up about an hour before sunrise to get to Angkor Wat for first sunlight. It makes for a tiring day, but it is definitely worth it (although my wife might disagree).
Angkor Thom & The Bayon Temple
The Bayon Temple is located within Angkor Thom. Also, many people will recognize The Bayon Temple from the carved faces that are ubiquitous in cartoons and movies.
Additionally, if you are looking to do an elephant ride, they have them available on the grounds of Angkor Thom.
Angkor Thom Monkeys
Who doesn’t like to see monkeys! They were located in this one area, which I believe was right outside the south gate of Angkor Thom. Our driver stopped so we were able to see them up close.
The Angkor Wat gates are also interesting. Additionally, cars are still able to pass through them. The Angkor Thom area is large and surrounds the Bayon Temple, with the gates on the outside of Angkor Thom.
Prasat Ta Keo (Ta Keo Temple)
Prasat Ta Keo is a hands on experience, literally. It perhaps feels most like you are climbing a pyramid. However, be aware the steps are steep. Additionally, my wife is afraid of heights and she made up, but it took a little coaxing.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is recognizable as the filming location for films like Tomb Raider. Additionally, when the Cambodian temples were re-discovered by European archaeologists, they began restoring them. However, they decided to leave one temple as it was found, which was Ta Prohm. It has an amazing beauty to see the ancient tree roots growing throughout the temple.
The Grand Circuit (outer Loop)
Preah Kahn
Prasat Preah Kahn is a temple that is under rehabilitation. It has some of the trees, similar to Ta Prohm. However, it has a lot of destruction and is undergoing repair. It was definitely a fun temple to explore the inner buildings as it feels like something from an Indiana Jones movie.
Neak Poan
Neak Poan is an area of temples surrounded by water. However, when we were there in 2010 it was drained, I’m assuming for repairs.
Ta Som
Ta Som is the other temple with the famous faces, similar to the Bayon temple.
Eastern Mebon
Eastern Mebon is located in East Baray, just south of Ta Som. Also, it features some animal carvings of elephants and what I think might be tigers?
Banteay Samre
Banteay Samre is the furtherst temple to the east that we visited. Additionally, it is recognizable by the pillars that line the windows of the temple.
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a pyramid-type temple, similar to Ta Keo. You can walk the steps up to see the temple close up, as well as some good views.
For Next Time
We did not make it to Prasat Kravan, Prasat Bat Chum or Bantay Kdei, but they are just south of Pre Rup and Ta Prohm. Additionally, we did not visit the Roluous group of temples, but they are located to the southeast of Angkor Wat.
The Banteay Srei Tour (north)
Banteay Srei temple
The Banteay Srei temple is a bit further north of the main sights. We went with the suggestions of our driver, who guided us for the two days we were there and he took us up on our second day as a detour off of the outer loop. It is a distinctive as it is overall redder in color than most Angkor area temples. Additionally, it is a remarkably preserved temple.
Other things in Siem Reap
The War Museum Cambodia
To the northwest of Siem Reap, not far from Angkor Wat is the War Museum Cambodia. During the Vietnam War (known as the American war in SE Asia), Cambodia was the most bombed location in the history of the world. It offers an interesting history of the conflict that still has a lasting impression on the region.
