Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Climate
Avoid the sweltering temperatures of March to May. November to February is the best
time of year to travel, but this is no secret, so it coincides with peak season. And peak sea-
son really is mountainous in this day and age, where more than two million visitors a year
descend on Angkor. The summer months of July and August can be a surprisingly reward-
ing time, as the landscape is emerald green, the moats overflowing with water, and the
moss and lichen in bright contrast to the grey sandstone.
Itineraries
Back in the early days of tourism, the problem of what to see and in what order came
down to two basic temple itineraries: the Small (Petit) Circuit and the Big (Grand) Circuit.
It's difficult to imagine that anyone follows these to the letter any more, but in their time
they were an essential component of the Angkor experience and were often undertaken on
the back of an elephant.
Small Circuit
The 17km Small Circuit begins at Angkor Wat and heads north to Phnom Bakheng, Bak-
sei Chamkrong and Angkor Thom, including the city wall and gates, the Bayon, the Ba-
phuon, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Preah Palilay, the Terrace of the Leper King,
the Terrace of Elephants, the Kleangs and Prasat Suor Prat. It exits from Angkor Thom via
the Victory Gate in the eastern wall, and continues to Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon,
Spean Thmor and Ta Keo. It then heads northeast of the road to Ta Nei, turns south to Ta
Prohm, continues east to Banteay Kdei and Sra Srang, and finally returns to Angkor Wat
via Prasat Kravan.
Big Circuit
The 26km Big Circuit is an extension of the Small Circuit: instead of exiting the walled
city of Angkor Thom at the east gate, the Grand Circuit exits at the north gate and contin-
ues to Preah Khan and Preah Neak Poan, east to Ta Som, then south via the Eastern Me-
bon to Pre Rup. From there it heads west and then southwest on its return to Angkor Wat.
One Day
If you have only one day to visit Angkor, a good itinerary would be Angkor Wat for sun-
rise and then sticking around to explore the mighty temple while it's quieter. From there
continue to the tree roots of Ta Prohm before breaking for lunch. In the afternoon, explore
