Angkor Archaeological Park

April 12, 2017 jmaurizi 0 Comments

In 2015 I decided to explore a few locations that see few visitors. My first stop was Ta Nei Temple which is just after you pass Ta Keo from the Victory Gate. I also took a ride out to Kbal Spean which was a short jungle trek to a unique set of carving in the slick rock bed of a stream. But most of my time was spent reconnecting with some of my favorite temples and mastering the art of avoiding the crowds of visitors at Angkor. I hope to get back again next year because I find this place so peaceful and relaxing.

People mistakenly search for information about Angkor Archeological Park using “Angkor Wat.” Angkor Wat is the largest temple within the complex however, it is part of the Archeological Park, not the Archeological Park a part of Angkor Wat. This is easy to see when you arrive, pay your entry fee and see the map that is given to you. I point this out because as I did research for my first trip, it was definitely confusing and it really shouldn’t be.

What to do, What to see

The park unofficially is broken up into two “circuits.” There is the small circuit and the Grand circuit. Both circuits start at the Main Entrance where you purchase your ticket. For the small circuit, follow the road north from the entrance. The first stop is Angkor Wat. Continuing north, the next area is Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom has a number of temples and sights to see. From Bayon Temple, turn right and head east to the Victory Gate. The next main sites along the small circuit in order are Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei. At Banteay Kdei, turn right just before Sras Srang. This will take you back to the entrance.

For the Grand circuit, follow the road again past Angkor Wat and into Angkor Thom. Instead of turning right at Bayon Temple, continue straight to the North Gate. Past the north gate in order of sites is Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup. After Pre Rup there is Sras Srang. Pass this and turn left. This will go back to the entrance.