Embark on an Angkor Wat Temple day trip outside of Siem Reap where many treasures, insights, and stories are waiting. Let a local host show you around and experience this cultural attraction from a local perspective. Give yourself the gift of a Angkor Wat Temple day trip with a local - it’s a must-do! I will take you to visit three main temples which makes your temples day tour an unforgettable experience.
Your Hotel
A private tour guide and driver will go to pick up you at the lobby of hotel where you are staying at 8:00am. Then, depart for temples.
We visit Angkor Wat, first a Hindu, then subsequently a Buddhist, temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura,( present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaivism tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. After that, you will go to visit Angkor Thom with the wall rising eight meters high, the laterite wall measures 3x3km and guards many treasures inside, protected by a moat still flooded today. You will enter the ancient city through its South Gate. In the very centre lies the temple of Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Your guide will point out the best angles for photography here and give explanation of the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries.
We will go to visit Angkor Thom with the wall rising eight meters high, the laterite wall measures 3x3km and guards many treasures inside, protected by a moat still flooded today. You will enter the ancient city through its South Gate. In the very centre lies the temple of Bayon – silent witnesses of time, the 216 enigmatic faces gaze over the horizon and one can only wonder what they have seen throughout the ages. Your guide will point out the best angles for photography here and give explanation of the many intricate carvings on the walls of the galleries. You will then continue to Baphuon with its long causeway and an impressive giant Reclining Buddha, a jigsaw puzzle only put back together in 2011 following a 37 year-long disruption caused by the war. Phimeanakas is hiding in the shaded jungle and offers a decent over-the-tree-tops view to those who conquer the steep steps to the top. Continuing along the Esplanade of the Royal Palace more commonly known as the Terrace of the Elephants.
Our next stop, Ta Prohm, gained its 21st Century fame from the movie Tomb Raider featuring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. Today, with Lara long gone, this temple is on the itinerary of most visitors and rightfully so. Many corners of Ta Prohm showcase an intricate relationship between the roots of Spung tree (Tetrameles Nudiflora) and ancient stones covered in moss. Truly a photographer's paradise, don't miss the opportunity to capture your own explorer's moments.
We drop off at hotel where you are staying.
Your Hotel
• Private Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Private Tour Guide
• Private Driver
• Private tour
• Travel Insurance
• Toll Roads
• Car Parking
• Cold Waters & Wipes
• Gasoline
• Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
- Temple Ticket
- Meal and drinks
Whole year
What to bring:
• Some cash
• Hand sanitizing gel
• Sun scream
• Mosquito repellent
• Hat
• Sunglass
• Power Bank & charger
• Daily Medicine
• Camera or Phone
• Dress covering your shoulder and knees
• Shoes or flip-flops are fine
What to do & not to dot:
The 7 points in the Official Code of Conduct for Angkor Park
1. Appropriate clothing
Short shorts and sleeveless shirts are forbidden in holy places. This applies of course to the entire archaeological park of Angkor. Incidentally, and whilst I am on this subject, I mentioned this a while ago in an article and it is now one of the most read blog posts. Many travelers are well informed in advance how best to dress for Angkor Park :-) Since August 2016, visitors are unable to buy an Angkor pass, if they are not appropriately dressed at the time of purchase. This can be quite annoying as you will need to come back when dressed correctly.
2. Touch the Monuments
It is in the nature of man to want to touch everything we see. And actually nature has it covered very well. This way in which we can “grasp” things literally. Only there is a significant problem. If in places like Angkor Park there are many hands touching the old stones, they will become greasy and no longer look beautiful. Even though you may want to you should simply look with your eyes and not touch so that they remain intact.
3. Talking loudly
Talking loudly is frowned upon in Cambodia and even more so in Angkor Park. You should refrain from loud shouting, screaming and shrill laughter.
4. Prohibited areas
There are many signs to indicate which areas should not be entered. There is a good reason for this. Most of these safety signs, serve to indicate which areas one cannot assess as a visitor, or which rocks visitors should not climb on. It makes little sense to expose yourself to such hazards.
5. Smoking is prohibited
Since 2012 a total smoking ban throughout Angkor Park has been in place, including outside the temple.
6. Children selling souvenirs
It can be difficult but basically you should not buy anything from children. Often they are kept away from school in order to sell items. Although this may not be true in all families, but there is not usually time to check if this child also attends school. If you want to do something good, then find out about the best local charitable organizations.
7. Photographing Monks
Monks in their orange robes are always a popular sight. Ask them first, do not simply just take a photo. It is very important that women should not touch the monks. Touching of monks clothing is also considered taboo.
Penalties for criminal acts
A special note in the Code of Conduct provides information related to offences such as looting and destruction of any kind, the revealing of an individual’s genitals (including breasts) and complete nudity – all of these offences are considered crimes and are severely punished.
Chansip is an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. He made our trip to Siem Reap so much better. Covered all that I asked, safe van and driver, cold water and towels provided to battle the Cambodian humidity. Very highly recommend. So pleased with our experience, thank you Chan! The Canadian and Americans!
Thank you so much Lisa and my amazing group, it was a great pleasure being your guide in Siem Reap, I really enjoyed my time with you! Thanks again and I wish you all the best of luck.
Chansip worked with me to determine the best schedule to accommodate my travel needs. He was quick to reply to my inquiries. Chansip met me promptly and then proceeded to each of the agreed locations. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. I really enjoyed the whole trip. Thank you!
Dear Rob, I am so excited to hear you were satisfied with my professionalism. Wish you all the best. Chansip
We had a very memorable day with Chansip. Our group had many different ages; from 5 to 57. Chansip ensured we all learned about the Cambodian history and enjoyed ourselves while we did it. He structured the day to make the most of our time and keep us out of the midday heat. The van was always positioned thoughtfully after we emerged from temple ruins to minimise our circling back and we all loved the cool towels and water to hydrate and cool down. Chansip is very knowledgeable and answered all of our queries thoroughly. We had a great day and so thankful we booked with Chansip for our time visiting the Angkor temples
Dear Emily and lovely family, I am so excited to hear you and lovely family enjoyed my service. It was my great pleasure to be your tour guide during your trip in Siem Reap. I wish you and your family all the best. Best regards, Chansip
Since we were planning to visit Cambodia before this pandemic, we were so happy to find an online tour at Angkor Wat on Triplelights. Our tour guide, Chansip is very kind, pleasant, patient, and knowledgeable. He explained various aspects about Angkor Wat and showed us beautiful sceneries there including many detailed carvings. It was just like a real tour. I really recommend exploring Angkor Wat with Chansip.
Hi Tomoko. You're very kind and it was enjoyable for me too, to be able to show you parts of the beautiful place of Angkor Wat temple. It was kind of great luck for me to have showed you all history of Cambodia. Please let me know should you have any question. Hope to you see again in the future. Best regards, Chansip