Embark on an intense private tour of Angkor Wat, exploring the Small Circle and discovering five hidden gems. Avoid the crowds, hike through Angkor Thom, and enjoy a delicious lunch break at Srah Srang reservoir.
Embark on an intense private tour of Angkor Wat, exploring the Small Circle and discovering five hidden gems. Avoid the crowds, hike through Angkor Thom, and enjoy a delicious lunch break at Srah Srang reservoir.
- Angkor Wat - The tour begins with a drive to the less crowded East Gate of Angkor Wat, where visitors can enjoy the temple in the beautiful morning light. The tour will also include a visit to the famous West Gate at the end, allowing for a second, shorter exploration of the world’s largest temple.
- Prasat Kravan - The next stop is Prasat…
- Angkor Wat - The tour begins with a drive to the less crowded East Gate of Angkor Wat, where visitors can enjoy the temple in the beautiful morning light. The tour will also include a visit to the famous West Gate at the end, allowing for a second, shorter exploration of the world’s largest temple.
- Prasat Kravan - The next stop is Prasat Kravan, a small temple with five aligned towers. It is notable for its large brick carvings, unlike other Angkor carvings made of sandstone.
- Prasat Bat Chum - Bat Chum features three Prasat towers on a shared platform and is significant for its inscriptions, indicating early Buddhist influence in Angkor. It is a unique site, not often visited by tourists.
- Srah Srang - The terrace with animal sculptures at Srah Srang is picturesque. Unlike Barays, Srahs are artificially deepened basins. Srah Srang, a smaller but intricate basin, was likely used for ceremonies. It was initiated by a Buddhist prime minister in the 10th century and rebuilt by a Buddhist king in the late 12th century.
- Banteay Kdei - Banteay Kdei, the smaller sister of the famous Ta Prohm, is a large complex with a labyrinthine layout. Visitors need not worry about getting lost.
After visiting Banteay Kdei, a lunch break is scheduled at the nearby Srah Srang reservoir, offering several excellent restaurant choices.
Alternatively, returning to town for lunch is possible, but this detour would incur additional driver costs and extend the tour to over 9 to 10 hours.
- Ta Prohm Temple - Ta Prohm, the renowned jungle temple of Cambodia, is enveloped by massive strangler figs. It is a vast temple complex, inviting thorough exploration.
- Ta Nei Temple - Hidden in the jungle and accessible only by gravel roads, Ta Nei is often missed by tourists. Its ruins offer an “Indiana Jones” experience and feature exquisite relief art.
- Ta Keo - Ta Keo, a former state temple, is an artificial mountain with a stepped pyramid. The stairs to the top platform, where five Prasats are located, are notably steep.
- Spean Thma - A photo stop at Spean Thma, a stone bridge from the late Angkor period, is recommended. It was constructed using carved stones from earlier temples, and the riverbed has since shifted east.
- Chau Say Tevoda - Chau Say Tevoda is a charming medium-sized temple with an impressive eastern processional route and numerous pediment carvings depicting mythological themes.
- Thommanon - Thommanon, the sister temple of Chau Say Tevoda, dates back to the Angkor Wat period. Its towers share the same style as those at Angkor Wat.
- Mangalartha - Mangalartha, a small temple on a steep, tiered platform from the 13th century, is the last stone temple built in Angkor. It is rarely visited, making it one of the five “Extras” on this itinerary.
- The Victory Gate - The Victory Gate, the second eastern gate of Angkor Thom, is one of the best-preserved city gates. Climbing the wall offers a stunning view of the southern giant face of the gate, beautifully framed by trees.
The 3.5 km hike begins at Victory Gate, continuing along the less-visited East Gate and Prasat Chrung in the southeastern corner of Angkor Thom. The driver will meet you at Angkor Thom South Gate. The path is easy to follow as it runs along the city walls of Angkor Thom.
- Angkor Thom - Walking along the medieval city walls of Angkor Thom, visitors will encounter the secluded East Gate, a highlight of Angkor Thom without the crowds. This unique experience is a rewarding addition to the extended “intense” version of the Small Tour itinerary.
- Prasat Chrung - The four Prasat Chrung temples are corner temples of Angkor Thom, located on the city walls. During the 3.5 km hike, the southeastern Prasat Chrung, the best-preserved of the four, will be visited. It is inaccessible by vehicles and thus rarely visited, making it a special highlight of the tour.
- Angkor Thom South Gate - Take time to appreciate the iconic South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its face tower and railings of giant statues depicting demons and gods, a must-see in Angkor.
In line with our animal welfare policy, elephant rides are not offered at Angkor Thom.
- Angkor Wat - Late afternoon is ideal for photographing the towers of Angkor Wat reflected in the temple ponds and moats. Visitors will have another half-hour at this renowned temple, already explored in the morning.
Before entering the West Gate of Angkor Wat, there is an opportunity for a stationary balloon ride, offering a bird’s-eye view of Angkor Wat. Late afternoon is also perfect for photography here.
- Wat Thmey (Killing Fields) - Wat Thmey features a small memorial stupa for Khmer Rouge victims and photo boards with images of those who perished. The grounds also include a large prayer hall.
- Siem Reap - Drop-off will be at your hotel or any preferred location in the vibrant town center of Siem Reap, known for its lively markets.

- Private transportation
- English-speaking driver
- Licensed English-speaking Angkor guide
- Private transportation
- English-speaking driver
- Licensed English-speaking Angkor guide
- Angkor Ticket (valid for all temples; 1 day: 37.-US$ per person)
- Lunch
- Angkor Ticket (valid for all temples; 1 day: 37.-US$ per person)
- Lunch
This intense version of the traditional ‘Small Tour’ (which includes Angkor Wat and the jungle temple) begins rather early (at 6.30am) for particular reasons:
- Angkor Wat will be visited twice during the tour, first in the early morning hours to avoid crowds, and finally, when it’s bathed in pleasant sunlight.
- The tour includes five additional…
This intense version of the traditional ‘Small Tour’ (which includes Angkor Wat and the jungle temple) begins rather early (at 6.30am) for particular reasons:
-
Angkor Wat will be visited twice during the tour, first in the early morning hours to avoid crowds, and finally, when it’s bathed in pleasant sunlight.
-
The tour includes five additional ‘hidden gems’, one of which is a quintessential ‘forgotten temple in the jungle’.
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There will be a 3.5-kilometre trek in Angkor Thom leading you to quiet, less explored sites.
Both the driver and the guide of this private tour are proficient in English. While the guide accompanies you to each temple, the driver will wait in its parking area.
Lunch break is set at the Srah Srang reservoir, which hosts several excellent restaurants. However, if you prefer another location, the driver can take you there for an additional kilometre fee.
Please note, to access each temple, you will need a one or multiple-day Angkor Ticket, which isn’t covered in the tour’s cost.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.