Banteay Srei & Grand Circuit Temple Tours

A Full-Day Journey Through the Hidden Treasures of Angkor

Departure: 8:00 AM | Duration: Approximately 6–8 hours | Private Tours

Your professional English-speaking guide and private driver will meet you at your hotel at 8:00 AM. After a comfortable drive through the countryside and Angkor Archaeological Park, begin your temple adventure.

1. Banteay Kdei Temple

Approx. 8:30–9:15 AM

Begin the day at Banteay Kdei, meaning “Citadel of Monks’ Cells.” Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this Buddhist temple is surrounded by galleries, courtyards and beautiful stone carvings.

Banteay Kdei has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, with ancient walls and trees growing around the ruins. As you walk through its corridors, your guide will explain the temple’s Buddhist symbolism, architectural design and connection with the temples constructed during Jayavarman VII’s reign. 

2. Banteay Srei – The Jewel of Khmer Art

Approx. 10:15–11:30 AM

Continue north-east to the spectacular Banteay Srei, one of Cambodia’s most celebrated temples. Built in the 10th century and dated to 967, it was dedicated to Shiva and is famous for its remarkably detailed decoration carved from pinkish sandstone.

Unlike the enormous monuments of Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei is relatively small, but its extraordinary craftsmanship makes it unforgettable. Almost every wall, lintel and pediment is covered with delicate carvings depicting Hindu mythology, divine figures, floral patterns and scenes from ancient legends.

The warm pink-red sandstone becomes especially beautiful in the morning light, making this one of the best places on the tour for photography.

On the tours location has some hygience restaurant – Cambodian Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temple area. This is a good opportunity to relax, enjoy authentic Cambodian cuisine and recharge before continuing the Grand Circuit.

After we are continueing to grand circuit what has the attractive spots such as: 

GRAND CIRCUIT

 3. Pre Rup Temple

Approx. 12:45–1:20 PM

After lunch, continue to Pre Rup, an impressive temple-mountain built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II in the 10th century.

Constructed mainly from brick and laterite, Pre Rup rises in several levels, creating a powerful pyramid-like silhouette. The temple is believed to have been associated with ancient funerary rituals, and its upper terraces provide wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.

The reddish brick towers and weathered stone create a dramatic atmosphere, particularly when illuminated by warm sunlight. 

4. East Mebon Temple

Approx. 1:30–2:05 PM

Just a short drive from Pre Rup is East Mebon, another masterpiece from the 10th-century Khmer period. The temple originally stood on an island in the middle of the enormous East Baray reservoir; today, the reservoir has largely disappeared, leaving the temple standing on dry land.

One of its most recognizable features is the group of beautifully carved stone elephants positioned around the temple’s corners. Your guide will explain how the temple was connected to the ancient hydraulic system and royal religious traditions of Angkor. 

5. Ta Som Temple

Approx. 2:20–2:55 PM

Enter the quieter jungle atmosphere of Ta Som, a small but charming Buddhist temple built during the reign of Jayavarman VII.

Ta Som is particularly famous for the enormous tree growing over the eastern gate. Roots and branches embrace the ancient stonework, creating one of the most atmospheric scenes in the Angkor area.

Compared with the larger temples, Ta Som offers a more intimate experience where visitors can slow down, explore the narrow galleries and appreciate the relationship between nature and architecture.

6. Neak Pean

Approx. 3:10–3:45 PM

Continue to Neak Pean, one of the most unusual temples in Angkor. The sanctuary is located on a small circular island in the middle of an ancient reservoir and is approached by a long wooden walkway.

Neak Pean was constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII and is associated with sacred water and healing traditions. The central sanctuary is surrounded by water, creating a fascinating combination of architecture, landscape and religious symbolism.

During the rainy season, the surrounding water can make the site particularly beautiful and peaceful.

7. Preah Khan Temple – The Grand Finale

Approx. 4:00–5:15 PM

Finish your temple adventure at magnificent Preah Khan, one of the most extensive and atmospheric temples of the Grand Circuit.

Built by King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan was an important Buddhist religious and educational complex. Its long corridors, courtyards, libraries, galleries and carved figures reveal the extraordinary scale of the Khmer Empire.

As you walk deeper into the temple, you will discover beautifully decorated doorways, apsaras, Buddhist imagery and areas where enormous trees and roots have become part of the ancient architecture.

Preah Khan is particularly rewarding at the end of the day because its long corridors and quieter courtyards allow visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. The temple is also widely regarded as one of the highlights of the Grand Circuit.

5:15 PM – Return to Siem Reap

After exploring Preah Khan, relax in your private vehicle and enjoy the drive back to Siem Reap. Arrival at your hotel is approximately 5:45–6:15 PM, depending on traffic and the amount of time spent at each temple.

Why Choose This Tour?

This itinerary brings together delicate Khmer art at Banteay Srei, peaceful jungle ruins at Ta Som and Banteay Kdei, ancient water symbolism at Neak Pean, royal temple architecture at Pre Rup and East Mebon, and the magnificent corridors of Preah Khan—a wonderful full-day introduction to the lesser-explored treasures of Angkor. The route is commonly treated as a full-day experience, so allowing flexibility at each temple makes the day more enjoyable.

✨ DISCOVER ANGKOR WITH ANGKORIAN TOURS

Travel beyond the temples and discover the history, architecture, culture, legends, and hidden beauty of the ancient Khmer Empire with our knowledgeable local team.

📞 BOOK YOUR ANGKOR ADVENTURE

🌐 Website: www.angkoriantours.com
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Angkorian Tours – Discover the Ancient Khmer Empire, Experience the Authentic Cambodia.