A Guide to the Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat: Explore the Hidden Gems of Siem Reap

If you have visited the main temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, and you are looking for more adventures and discoveries in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you should definitely check out the Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat. This is a route that covers some of the less-visited but equally impressive temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Pre Rup, Banteay Srei, Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is the fifth and final temple on the Grand Circuit, located about 25 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. It is a Buddhist temple built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, dedicated to his father, Dharanindravarman II. The name Preah Khan means “sacred sword”, referring to a legend that the king defeated a powerful enemy with a divine weapon.

Preah Khan is made of laterite and sandstone, with a complex and sprawling design. It has four enclosures, each with a gopura and a face tower, and a cruciform hall in the center. The temple is adorned with bas-reliefs and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, such as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk and the Battle of Lanka. The temple is also known for its historical and cultural significance, as it was once a royal palace, a university, and a monastery.

The best time to visit Preah Khan is in the afternoon, when the sun sets behind the temple, creating a warm and golden glow on the temple. Preah Khan is also a fascinating and adventurous place, as it is partly restored and partly overgrown by the jungle, giving it a sense of mystery and discovery.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is the fourth temple on the Grand Circuit, located about 23 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. It is a Buddhist temple built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, dedicated to the god of healing, Avalokiteshvara. The name Neak Pean means “coiled serpent”, referring to the two naga (snake) statues that guard the temple.

Neak Pean is made of sandstone, with a unique and original design. It is a circular island in the middle of a large artificial pond, with four smaller ponds around it, each connected by a causeway. The island has a central tower, surrounded by four smaller towers, each with a spout that pours water into the ponds. The temple is symbolic of the four great rivers of the world, the Ganges, the Indus, the Nile, and the Yangtze, as well as the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air.

The best time to visit Neak Pean is in the rainy season, from May to October, when the ponds are full of water and the temple is reflected on the surface, creating a stunning and serene sight. Neak Pean is also a spiritual and healing place, as it is believed that the water has curative powers and can cleanse the sins and diseases of the pilgrims.

Ta Som

Ta Som is the third temple on the Grand Circuit, located about 18 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap. It is a Buddhist temple built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, dedicated to his father, Dharanindravarman II. The name Ta Som means “old Som”, referring to a sacred fig tree that grows on the temple.

Ta Som is made of laterite and sandstone, with a simple and elegant design. It has a single enclosure, with a cruciform terrace and four gopuras, each with a face tower. The temple is decorated with bas-reliefs and sculptures, depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, such as the life of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. The temple is also known for its natural features, such as the trees and vines that grow on the walls and roofs, creating a sense of harmony and mystery.

The best time to visit Ta Som is in the late morning, when the sun shines through the foliage and casts shadows on the temple, creating a dramatic and atmospheric effect. Ta Som is also a quiet and relaxing place, as it is less crowded and more secluded than the other temples.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is the first temple you will encounter on the Grand Circuit, located about 12 kilometers southwest of Siem Reap city center. It is a Hindu temple built by King Rajendravarman II in the 10th century, dedicated to the god Shiva. The name Pre Rup means “turn the body”, referring to a Cambodian funeral ritual where the ashes of the deceased are rotated in different directions.

Pre Rup is made of brick, laterite, and sandstone, giving it a reddish hue. It has a pyramid-shaped structure, with five towers on the top level, representing the five peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. The temple is surrounded by a moat and three enclosures, with elaborate carvings and sculptures on the walls and gates.

The best time to visit Pre Rup is in the late afternoon, when the sun sets behind the temple, creating a dramatic contrast between the darkening sky and the glowing temple. Pre Rup is also a popular spot for photographers, as it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the Tonle Sap Lake.

East Mebon

This temple is a large pyramid with five tiers and five towers. It was built by King Rajendravarman II in the 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple was originally located on an island in the middle of the East Baray, a huge reservoir that has now dried up. The temple is notable for its elephant statues and its fine brickwork. The best time to visit East Mebon is in the early morning, when the sun casts a warm glow on the temple.

Tips for Visiting the Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat

To make the most of your visit to the Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

• Get a temple pass: You will need a temple pass to enter any of the temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, including the Grand Circuit. You can buy a one-day pass for $37, a three-day pass for $62, or a seven-day pass for $72. You can buy the pass at the official ticket office, located about 4 kilometers north of Siem Reap, or online at Angkor Enterprise. You will need to show your passport and have your photo taken when you buy the pass. The pass is valid for consecutive days, and you will need to show it at every temple entrance.

• Choose a transportation option: You can choose from various transportation options to explore the Grand Circuit, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some of the options:

• Tuk-tuk: This is the most popular and convenient way to get around the Grand Circuit. You can hire a tuk-tuk driver from anywhere in Siem Reap and negotiate the price. The average cost is around $20-$25 for a full day, including waiting time. The ride takes about 30 minutes to reach the first temple, and about 10 minutes between each temple. You can enjoy the scenic views of the rural landscapes along the way.

• Bicycle: This is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get around the Grand Circuit. You can rent a bicycle from various shops in Siem Reap for around $2-$5 per day. The ride takes about an hour to reach the first temple, and about 20 minutes between each temple. You will need to pay a small fee to park your bike at the entrance of each temple. You will also need to be fit and prepared for the heat and the distance, as the Grand Circuit is about 37 kilometers long, excluding the ride from and to Siem Reap.

• Motorbike: This is the most flexible and adventurous way to get around the Grand Circuit. You can rent a motorbike from various shops in Siem Reap for around $10-$15 per day, plus the fuel cost. You will need to have a valid driver’s license, wear a helmet, and follow the traffic rules. The ride takes about 20 minutes to reach the first temple, and about 5 minutes between each temple. You can park your motorbike at the entrance of each temple.