The Small Circuit of Angkor
Angkor Wat · Bayon · Ta Prohm

The "small circuit" is the traditional term used by tuk-tuk drivers and guides in Siem Reap to refer to the tour of the main temples in the park. The term is misleading: there is nothing small about this route. It includes some of the most impressive monuments in the world, and a serious visit requires a full day — or even two if you really want to understand what you are seeing.

Sites of the Small Circuit

1. Angkor Wat — the Main Monument

A must-visit starting point, preferably at sunrise (arrive before 5:15 AM). A complete visit of the temple — galleries of bas-reliefs, inner courtyard, central tower — takes 3 to 5 hours. See our complete guide to Angkor Wat for details.

2. The South Gate of Angkor Thom

The royal city of Angkor Thom, surrounded by 8 km of walls, is accessed via the southern causeway. The access bridge is lined with 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right, pulling the serpent Vāsuki — a staging of the churning of the ocean of milk, replicating the frieze at Angkor Wat in life size. The gate itself is topped with four faces of the bodhisattva Lokeśvara.

3. The Bayon — at the Heart of Angkor Thom

The mountain temple of Jayavarman VII (late 12th-early 13th century) is famous for its 54 towers adorned with 216 giant faces. Made of gray granite, it offers a radically different atmosphere from Angkor Wat. The inner galleries feature bas-reliefs of exceptional historical value: scenes of Khmer daily life, naval battles on the Tonlé Sap, markets. See our complete guide to the Bayon.

4. Baphuon

A mountain temple from the 11th century, reconstructed by the EFEO after decades of anastylosis (methodical removal and reassembly of blocks). Its 200-meter-long access ramp on stilts is one of the most impressive in the park. On the west wall of level 3, a gigantic figure of a reclining Buddha, 70 meters long, was carved after the conversion to Buddhism — integrating the old Hindu bas-reliefs into its composition.

5. Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace & Terrace of the Leper King

Phimeanakas ("celestial palace"), a small sandstone temple on three levels, was the king's personal sanctuary within the royal palace. The Elephant Terrace (350 m long) and the Terrace of the Leper King (double gallery sculpted with mythological figures) border the royal square of Angkor Thom and were used as a platform during royal ceremonies.

6. Ta Prohm — the Jungle Temple

Built in 1186 by Jayavarman VII in memory of his mother, Ta Prohm is the temple where the jungle has reclaimed its territory in the most spectacular way. The kapok trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) and strangler figs (Ficus) have burst through the walls, enveloped the stones, forming organic sculptures that are impossible to imagine. See our complete guide to Ta Prohm.

7. Banteay Kdei & Srah Srang

Banteay Kdei ("the citadel of cells") is a 12th-century Buddhist monastery, less restored than its neighbors — giving it an authentic atmosphere appreciated by photographers. Opposite, the baray of Srah Srang ("bathing pond"), developed in the 10th century, offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in the park from its laterite bank.

Daily Schedule

Transport: tuk-tuk, bike, or organized tour?

The tuk-tuk is by far the best option for the small circuit. Expect to pay 15-20 USD for a dedicated driver for the whole day. Your driver will wait for you at each site, knows the opening hours, and can often recommend the best photo spots. Avoid haggling for a lower price — tuk-tuk drivers deserve a fair rate.

The bicycle is pleasant in the cool season (November-January) but strenuous in the hot season. A 17 km circuit, plus walking around each site, easily adds up to 30-35 km in a day.

An organized guided tour includes transport, an English or French-speaking guide, and sometimes lunch. The advantage is not having to manage logistics. The downside is following a group pace.