Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre

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Exploring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage can be a captivating experience. The Big Circle tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the stunning Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre temples, where exquisite pink sandstone carvings and intricate architectural details await. With a knowledgeable guide and air-conditioned transport, this private day tour promises a memorable journey through Cambodia’s past. From the awe-inspiring Preah Khan to the intriguing Neak Pean, each stop along the way promises to unveil the remarkable artistry and history that have made these sites renowned worldwide.

Good To Know

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Good To Know

  • The private day trip to the Big Circle route features visits to the renowned temples of Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre.
  • The 6-hour tour also includes stops at other significant Angkor sites such as Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, and East Mebon.
  • The itinerary provides ample time for exploring the intricate carvings, architectural highlights, and serene atmospheres of each temple.
  • The tour is priced from $165 for up to 6 participants and includes air-conditioned transport, a licensed driver, a guide, and entrance fees.
  • The tour offers free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options, making it a convenient and flexible choice for visitors.
You can check availability for your dates here:

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Contents

Tour Overview

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Tour Overview

This private day trip to the Big Circle route allows visitors to explore the renowned temples of Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre, along with several other notable Angkor-era sites.

Priced from $165 per group of up to 6 participants, the 6-hour tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a licensed driver and guide, and all entrance fees.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later options.

The tour covers highlights like Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, and East Mebon, showcasing the architectural and artistic wonders of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siem Reap.

Itinerary Highlights

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Itinerary Highlights

Commencing the journey, visitors will first explore Preah Khan, a notable temple for its two-storey construction and intricate carvings, allotting an hour for this stop.

Next, they’ll visit Neak Pean, an island temple best viewed in the wet season, accessible via a raised wooden causeway, spending 30 minutes there.

Afterward, they’ll explore Ta Som, a small temple dedicated to King Jayavarman VII’s father, again allotting 30 minutes.

The tour continues with East Mebon, a 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva, located on an artificial island, with 30 minutes allocated.

The day includes visits to Banteay Samre, a Hindu temple in Angkor Wat style, and the renowned Banteay Srey, known for its delicate carvings in pink sandstone.

Preah Khan

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Preah Khan

Visitors first explore Preah Khan, a notable temple for its two-storey construction and intricate carvings. Dedicated to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, Preah Khan was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII.

The temple’s complex layout features a central sanctuary surrounded by numerous subsidiary temples, libraries, and shrines. Visitors can admire the temple’s elegant towers, ornate lintels, and well-preserved bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

With an hour allocated, guests have ample time to wander the extensive grounds and lose themselves in the temple’s atmospheric ambiance before continuing the day’s adventure.

Neak Pean

After exploring the captivating Preah Khan, the tour moves on to Neak Pean. This island temple, best viewed in the wet season, is accessed via a raised wooden causeway.

Neak Pean offers a unique experience:

  1. It’s one of the few temples that sits on an artificial island, providing a tranquil setting.
  2. Visitors can admire the graceful architecture and intricate carvings that adorn the central sanctuary.
  3. The temple’s location in the midst of a pool adds to its serene ambiance, creating a peaceful retreat for visitors.

With its distinctive features and peaceful atmosphere, Neak Pean is a captivating stop on the Angkor circuit.

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Ta Som

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Ta Som

Continuing the journey, the tour makes its way to the modest yet fascinating temple of Ta Som.

This small 12th-century temple was dedicated to King Jayavarman VII’s father. Visitors can explore its intricate carvings and well-preserved structures, including a gateway guarded by a stone figure.

The temple’s intimate scale allows for a peaceful and reflective experience, away from the crowds at larger sites. Though smaller than some of the grander Angkor temples, Ta Som offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and architectural traditions.

With its serene atmosphere and hidden gems, this stop on the tour promises an engaging and memorable visit.

East Mebon

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - East Mebon

The 10th-century temple of East Mebon stands impressively on an artificial island, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Khmer Empire.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple features:

  1. Intricate carvings and decorations on its sandstone towers and walls.
  2. Statues of elephants at each of the temple’s corners, symbolic of the importance of these animals in Khmer culture.
  3. A serene atmosphere, with the temple’s isolation on the island providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling Angkor complex.

Visitors can explore the temple’s well-preserved structures and imagine the grandeur of its heyday, when it served as an important religious site within the Angkor kingdom.

Banteay Samre

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Banteay Samre

Banteay Samre, a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat architectural style, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the 12th-century Khmer Empire.

Constructed in the early 12th century, the temple is known for its well-preserved state and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the temple’s central tower, library, and enclosure walls, which feature detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics.

The temple’s layout and design reflect the Khmer’s advanced understanding of engineering and hydraulics, with a complex water management system and precise alignment with the cardinal directions.

Banteay Samre offers a glimpse into the artistic and technological achievements of the Angkor civilization.

Banteay Srey

Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre - Banteay Srey

Nestled amidst the lush Cambodian countryside, Banteay Srey stands as a remarkable testament to the artistic prowess of the Khmer Empire.

Often hailed as the "Citadel of the Women," this 10th-century temple is renowned for its exquisite carvings in pink sandstone. The intricate details on the temple walls, which include delicate floral motifs and mythological scenes, have captivated visitors for centuries.

Three key features of Banteay Srey:

  1. Exceptional craftsmanship: The temple’s ornate reliefs and sculptures are considered some of the finest examples of Khmer art.
  2. Unique pink sandstone: The temple’s distinctive pink hue is attributed to the high iron content in the local sandstone.
  3. Impressive state of preservation: Despite its age, Banteay Srey remains in remarkable condition, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Angkor region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Other Temples on This Tour?

This tour focuses on the Big Circle route, including Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre. While the itinerary highlights several temples, it doesn’t mention the option to visit additional temples beyond those listed. The tour appears to have a defined scope and duration.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. The tour provider offers flexibility, and customers can request to visit additional temples or spend more time at each site for an extra fee.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 6 participants. It’s a private tour, so there won’t be any shared guests. The price is fixed per group, regardless of the number of people in the group up to 6.

Can I Request a Customized Tour Itinerary?

Yes, travelers can request a customized tour itinerary. The tour operator offers a private day trip, allowing flexibility to tailor the sightseeing based on individual preferences within the provided 6-hour duration.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges During the Tour?

The tour price includes all necessary fees and charges, such as private transport, licensed guide, toll roads, and entrance tickets. There are no additional costs or hidden fees during the tour.

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Trip to Big Circle Included Banteay Srey and Banteay Samre



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Sum Up

The Big Circle tour offers a captivating exploration of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the exquisite pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srey and the intricate architectural details of Banteay Samre. With a licensed driver and knowledgeable guide, this private day tour provides an unforgettable experience as travelers explore the history and artistry of these remarkable Angkorian temples.

You can check availability for your dates here:
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