Visiting the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Now, with the Angkor Wat Big Circuit self-guided audio tour, adventurers can embark on a enriching exploration of these ancient marvels at their own pace. Accessible through the SmartGuide app, this tour offers insightful commentary in English, delving into the captivating history and architectural wonders of iconic sites like the majestic Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon Temple, and the serene Preah Khan. With flexible scheduling, offline access, and the ability to pause the audio as needed, this tour enhances the overall experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site. What secrets might this self-guided tour reveal about Cambodia’s glorious past?
Good To Know
- The self-guided audio tour of Angkor Thom and Preah Khan is available in English through the SmartGuide app, offering a flexible and informative experience.
- The tour covers over 1300 destinations worldwide, with pricing starting at €7.36 per person and a 30-day validity period after activation.
- Key highlights of the tour include the Bayon temple, Suor Prat towers, Khleangs, and other notable sites like Neak Pean, Pre Rup, and Phnom Bakheng.
- The app provides a GPS-enabled audio experience that can be used offline, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and pause the audio as needed.
- Optimal visiting hours are recommended between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, with the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy the lighting being before 9 am and during golden hour before sunset.
Tour Overview
The self-guided audio tour of Angkor Wat, along with over 1300 other destinations worldwide, is available through the SmartGuide app.
Priced from €7.36 per person, the tour provides commentary in English. The tour is valid for 30 days from first activation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The self-guided nature allows travelers to explore at their own pace and pause the audio as desired.
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Highlights of Angkor Thom
Exploring Angkor Thom, the ancient Khmer capital, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history.
The Bayon, the central temple, is renowned for its giant smiling faces carved into the stone. Nearby, the Suor Prat towers were likely used during royal celebrations.
The Khleangs, mysterious buildings, may have served as royal reception halls. Preah Khan, a serene temple, features intricate carvings.
Other notable sites include Neak Pean, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Phnom Bakheng, Ta Som, and Prasat Prei.
This self-guided audio tour allows travelers to discover these historical wonders at their own pace, with GPS-enabled audio guiding them through the expansive complex.
Exploring Preah Khan
Nestled within the ancient Khmer empire, Preah Khan stands as a serene temple, its intricate carvings whispering tales of a bygone era.
This once-vibrant religious complex, dedicated to the Buddha, showcases the architectural prowess of the Khmer people. Visitors can marvel at the intricately carved halls, passageways, and courtyards, each element a testament to the skill of the ancient craftsmen.
As you explore Preah Khan, you’ll be transported back in time, immersed in the tranquil atmosphere that pervades the site. The self-guided audio tour provides a rich and informative experience, guiding you through the temple’s highlights and unveiling the captivating history that lies within its walls.
Additional Noteworthy Sites
Beyond the serene splendor of Preah Khan, the Angkor Wat self-guided audio tour encompasses an array of additional noteworthy sites that allow visitors to enjoy the rich tapestry of Khmer history and architecture. These include Neak Pean, a unique island temple; Pre Rup, known for its stunning sunset views; East Mebon, with its impressive five-tiered pyramid; Phnom Bakheng, offering panoramic vistas of the Angkor complex; Ta Som, featuring intricate carvings and a famous tree-enveloped gateway; and Prasat Prei, a smaller but no less captivating temple. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur and complexity of the Angkor civilization.
Site | Highlights |
---|---|
Neak Pean | Unique island temple |
Pre Rup | Stunning sunset views |
East Mebon | Impressive five-tiered pyramid |
Phnom Bakheng | Panoramic vistas of Angkor |
App and Audio Features
The self-guided audio tour of Angkor Wat leverages the SmartGuide app, which provides a GPS-enabled audio experience that can be enjoyed even offline.
Once the tour link from the confirmation email is opened, it unlocks all English tours in Cambodia for a month. Travelers can explore at their own pace, pausing the audio as desired.
To access the tour, users must install the SmartGuide app on their Android or iOS devices. Headphones are required to fully immerse in the audio experience.
This convenient, self-guided tour allows visitors to discover the wonders of Angkor Wat on their own schedule.
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Logistics and Admission
Some attractions at Angkor Wat may require optional entry fees not included in the tour reservation.
It’s important to verify the opening hours of Angkor Wat, as the recommended tour time is between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Transportation isn’t provided, but visitors can choose from options like tuk-tuk or bike to explore the 30 km journey.
To enjoy the full experience:
- Check the opening hours of the sites and aim to visit between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Headphones are required for the audio experience.
- Ensure the SmartGuide app is installed before the tour.
Pre-Tour Preparation
To make the most of the Angkor Wat self-guided audio tour, travelers should first ensure they’ve downloaded the SmartGuide app on their Android or iOS device.
This app provides the GPS-enabled audio tour, allowing visitors to explore the complex at their own pace.
Before setting out, travelers should also open the confirmation email link, which unlocks all the English tours in Cambodia for a month.
Lastly, it’s essential to bring headphones to fully take in the audio experience.
With these simple preparatory steps, travelers can embark on their Angkor Wat adventure with confidence, ready to discover the wonders of this iconic site.
Optimal Visiting Hours
Visiting Angkor Wat during the optimal hours is crucial for an enriching experience. The site’s recommended tour time is between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, as it allows you to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
To make the most of your visit:
-
Arrive early, ideally before 9 am, to explore the temples when they’re less crowded and the light is softer.
-
Avoid the hottest hours, typically between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its peak and the crowds are at their highest.
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Time your visit to the Bayon Temple, with its impressive giant smiling faces, for the golden hour before sunset for the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join the Tour With a Group of People?
The audio tour is self-guided, so you can join with a group of people. However, each person will need to download the SmartGuide app and access the tour link to experience the audio at their own pace.
What Is the Tour Duration on Average?
The tour duration is flexible, as it allows visitors to explore at their own pace. Most travelers complete the full tour in 3-5 hours, but the audio guide can be paused and resumed as desired.
Are Audio Guides Available in Any Other Languages Besides English?
The tour offers audio guides only in English. It does not provide audio tours in any other languages. Visitors who don’t speak English may need to consider alternatives like hiring a local guide or using a translation app during the tour.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?
Customers can’t customize the tour itinerary to visit specific sites. The tour provides a predetermined route covering the major highlights of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. However, users can explore the sites at their own pace using the GPS-enabled audio guide.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for students or seniors. However, the cost is already quite reasonable, starting at just €7.36 per person. Travelers can explore the key sites at their own pace with the self-guided audio tour.
Sum Up
The Angkor Wat Big Circuit self-guided audio tour provides an engaging and flexible way for visitors to explore Cambodia’s ancient wonders at their own pace. With insightful commentary, offline access, and convenient features, this tour enhances the overall experience of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers can explore the history and architecture of iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, making the most of their visit to this remarkable destination.
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