The Angkor Temples from Sunrise by Tuk Tuk
The Angkor Temples
from Sunrise by Tuk Tuk
To add a special touch to master the magnificence of Angkor in one full day, your means
of transportation will be a local Tuk Tuk that will be waiting for you just before sunrise
with Angkor Wat in the background makes it all worthwhile waking up early.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Both hidden behind curtains of green or reaching for the skies, passing the canopy of its jungle landscape, the protected ruins of Angkor unveil something majestic, unbeknownst to those who have not set foot within its parameters.
These encounters can be yours to take up, soak in, and admire from various angles once you opt to head out before the sun rises and watch how stunning a day inside Angkor commences. Adding some authentic transportation flavour to the journey, getting around by tuk tuk entices even the most seasoned traveller.
TRAIL ITINERARY
05:00 - 18:00
Your guide and tuk tuk driver welcome you in the early morning and head to the main gate of the Angkor temples to see the sunrise behind Angkor Wat. Arguably the largest religious building in the world, with a volume of stone equalling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt, it is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag.
You return to your hotel for breakfast, and we move back into the Angkor temples to admire some of the other inspirational temple ruins that define this proud member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Via the South Gate, we visit Angkor Thom. The Great City of Angkor Thom is one of the central points within the whole Angkor Complex, which was probably more opulent than most European cities in the late 12th century.
We continue to the Bayon and the Preah Khan Temple before lunch. The Bayon is a 12th-century masterpiece that lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom City and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the main features are the towers, each with 3 or 4 gently smiling faces, over 200 in total. Continue to Preah Khan, “The Sacred Sword”, an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex.
Your three-wheeled motorized vehicle takes us to the Ta Nei Temple and the Tao Keo temple near the Eastern Baray. Both are lesser-known, yet as interesting as all the other temple ruins. Finally, the Ta Prohm was built by Jayavarman VII as a shrine to his mother and is another must-see. While clearing back the forest, it was decided to leave them in place to serve as a reminder of how the original discovers found it and other temples.
Your tuk tuk waits at the Eastern Gate and brings you back in comfort back to your overnight address where you will arrive at around 6 pm.
