For the first-time visitor Angkor can be a little confusing in how to best approach getting in all the key sights in a limited time, so, what is the best way to see Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples?
The best route that covers all the major temples of Angkor, with the least fuss, is what’s known as the Small Circuit and the Grand Circuit. You can complete both in two days, or much longer if you want to experience more detail and the seemingly endless hidden wonders. If time is limited, the Small Circuit can be completed in one day and covers the two most important sites, Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom (inc. Bayon) plus smaller sites of choice.
Small and Grand Circuit Map
1 to 14 = Small Circuit (green line) and 15 to 21 = Grand Circuit (red line)
- Angkor Wat
- Phnom Bakheng
- Angkor Thom South Gate
- Angkor Thom
- Baphuon
- Phimeanakas
- Terrace of the Leper King
- Terrace of the Elephants
- Victory Gate
- Ta Keo
- Ta Prohm
- Banteay Kdei
- Srah Srang
- Prasat Kravan
- Pre Rup
- East Mebon
- Ta Som
- Neak Pean
- Prasat Prei
- Preah Khan
- North Gate
- West Mebon
The Small Circuit
The Small Circuit (or Petit Circuit, Little Circuit, small tour) is a tour route for easily navigating the key temples in the central area of Angkor Archeological Park including Angkor Wat. This tour is perfect for one-day Angkor Pass holders as it covers the must-see temples of Angkor. It’s also a starting point for multi-day Angkor Pass holders who can, on a later day, continue with the Grand Circuit. The grand circuit goes on to explore temples just outside the central area.
It includes the most famous temples and sights with the key highlights being
Angkor Wat
The star attraction of all the ancient Khmer temples. Get out early and you can catch the sunrise over the temple towers here. You can easily spend between 1-3 hours here exploring the key features and may even want to make a return trip. Read More
Phnom Bakheng
The original temple mountain of the area, pre-dating Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It’s a 20 min or so easy climb up to be rewarded with amazing views and one of the great temple-pyramids. It’s also a superb spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. Read More: Read More
South Gate of Angkor Thom
The surreal gates to Angkor Thom with their giant smiling faces, bridge, and moat are a must-do stop. You can take boat rides on the moat and also climb up top too. Read More: Read More
Angkor Thom
This expansive area is packed with highlights that you can’t miss including the Bayon Temple, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Baphoun Temple, Phimeanakas Temple, Royal Palace, Preah Pithu, and many more. You can spend some time here exploring, and also find places to sit and relax, eat and drink. Read More: Read More
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda are two small temple sites located directly opposite each other. You don’t need to spend long here but it is well worth checking the interesting pediments and style. It’s also a very relaxed spot and never too busy.
Spean Thmor
An ancient bridge that was built during the very late Angkor period from reused stones. It’s a scenic little spot to stop and also admire the waterwheel at Takeo temple nursery.
Ta Keo
Another of the great pyramid-style temples and one of the first temples built entirely from sandstone. Across from here and hidden down a small trail, you’ll also find Leak Neang, a ‘hospital chapel’.
Banteay Kdei
A rival to Ta Prohm, featuring ornate walls and a labyrinth of a layout inside its four walls. Read More
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is a large reservoir with a stone landing offering beautiful views. You can also watch the sunrise and sunset here. Recently they just opened the reconstructed central shrine. Read More
Prasat Kravan
A 10th-century site that features unique bas-reliefs on its inner walls. You won’t spend long here but it’s well worth stopping. Read More
All up, timewise, you can do the small circuit quite quickly in half a day, or alternatively, quite easily take the whole day exploring more detail and even many of the smaller temple sites. It really depends on your level of interest, energy, and of course the weather.
Summary
- Small Circuit Route Length: 30km from Siem Reap and return.
- Small Circuit On-Road Time in Car/Tuk Tuk: approx 1hr 20min
- Small Circuit Sight-Seeing Time: Min. 3 hrs up to max hours between 5 am and 7 pm (most temple sites are open from 7.30-5.30 excepting the sunrise and sunset spots, Angkor Wat opening at 5.00 am and Phnom Bakheng opening at 5.00 am and closing at 7.00pm)
The Grand Circuit
The Grand Circuit is a tour route of Angkor Archeological Park that extends the Small Circuit route and covers the lesser temples outside the central cluster.
As per the Small Circuit, the route heads from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat, and then Angkor Thom (giving you a chance to revisit those), and instead of heading out Angkor Thom via Victory Gate, this route heads straight up and out through the North Gate to continue onwards and take in the sights of
North Gate of Angkor Thom
Similar to the South Gate of Angkor Thom with a more rustic and less restored look
Preah Khan
This is perhaps one of my favorite temples, and a highlight of the grand circuit featuring incredibly ornate stoneworks, beautiful bridges, gates, and a labyrinth to explore Read More
Banteay Prei
Only partially restored the site presents a very natural atmosphere and it’s usually very quiet here. Nearby is the small Prei Temple. Read More
East Mebon
Once surrounded by water, the site features some interesting lintels and beautiful elephant statues. Read More
Summary
- Grand Circuit Route Length: 40km from Siem Reap and Return.
- Grand Circuit Time in Car/Tuk Tuk: approx 1hr 40min
- Grand Circuit Sight-Seeing Time: Min. 3 hrs up to max hours between 7.30 and 5.30. You may like to start with sunrise at Angkor Wat which opens at 5.00 AM.
See More
After the Small and Grand Circuit there is still much more to explore including Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, Chau Srei Vibol, Phnom Bok, Phnom Krom, and the wonders of Phnom Kulen.
See our list of the Top 100 sites or the full map of Siem Reap province for even more.