2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit & Banteay Srei Tour

Exploring Angkor in Two Days: A Practical, Authentic Review of the 2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit & Banteay Srei Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Cambodia’s legendary Angkor Archaeological Park, a guided tour like the 2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit & Banteay Srei offers a detailed, immersive experience that balances history, culture, and stunning sights. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of a well-organized, flexible, and enriching experience perfect for history buffs, photographers, or travelers craving a deeper connection with Angkor.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized private guide ensures you won’t be lost in the crowd, and you’ll get tailored insights. Second, the inclusion of both the iconic Angkor Wat and the less-visited Banteay Srei ensures you’ll see the best of Cambodia’s ancient temples with some authentic surprises. Third, the scenic driving through rice fields and village scenes adds a wonderful local flavor you won’t find on standard group trips. The only potential downside? It’s a full, sometimes intense schedule, so if you’re after a more relaxed pace, some might find it a little packed.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, well-rounded experience with knowledgeable guides, and aren’t afraid of a bit of walking and temple exploration over two days. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers or those eager for culture, photography, and historical insights.

Good To Know

• Private, customizable experience with a friendly licensed guide
• In-depth exploration of major temples, including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
• Visiting less-visited sites like Banteay Srei for unique photo opportunities
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning, towels, and cold drinks
• Flexible itinerary allowing you to tailor stops based on your interests
• Value for money at $123 per person, including hotel pick-up/drop-off

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Day 1: The Majesty of Angkor Wat and the Small Circuit

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Siem Reap, where the convenience of private air-conditioned transport instantly elevates the experience. The first major stop is Angkor Wat itself—arguably the most recognizable monument in Southeast Asia. With a guide like Bunh or Chhay (both highly praised for their expertise), you’ll learn not just about the temple’s scale but also its symbolism, construction, and the stories woven into its bas-reliefs.

Expect to spend a few hours wandering through the courtyards, towers, and galleries, with your guide pointing out hidden carvings and explaining their significance. As Sergio notes, Bunhak’s talent for finding the best spots for pictures makes this part of the trip especially memorable. The early morning light and fewer crowds add to the magic, making it ideal for photography.

Next, the tour moves into the small circuit temples, including Ta Promh, where the famous giant tree roots cling dramatically to the crumbling stonework. Scene from “Tomb Raider” was filmed here, so movie fans will recognize the atmosphere. Walking through these ancient structures, you’ll get a sense of the jungle reclaiming its space—a truly atmospheric contrast to Angkor Wat’s grandeur.

Lunch is at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of Cambodian cuisine. Many reviews mention that the food is both delicious and authentic, providing a much-needed energy boost after the morning’s exploration. Following lunch, you’ll visit Ta Nei, a quieter temple offering a peaceful retreat away from crowds, and then explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer empire.

Day 1 Highlights: The Bayon Temple

The smiling faces of Bayon’s towers are a highlight, with 49 towers adorned with hundreds of serene stone faces. Walking through the labyrinth of passageways, you’ll appreciate the intricate stonework and the way the faces seem to watch over you. Nearby, the Baphuon Temple, with its massive reclining Buddha, offers further cultural insights. The tour also includes stops at the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace, and Leper King Terrace, providing a comprehensive look at the ancient city planning.

As the day winds down, you’ll ascend Phnom Bakheng for sunset views. The hilltop offers panoramic vistas of Angkor’s sprawling ruins—a perfect way to end Day 1.

Day 2: Sunrise and the Big Circle Temples

Starting early, you’ll be rewarded with the famous sunrise at Angkor Wat—a magical, awe-inspiring moment. Many travelers cherish this experience, and the guides know the perfect spots for that iconic shot.

Post-breakfast, the tour takes you across the big circuit, a route that includes Prah Khan, Neak Poan, East Mebon, and Pre Rup. These temples are less crowded, giving you a more intimate viewing experience. The temples vary in style and purpose, from water reservoirs like Neak Poan to the hilltop Pre Rup, offering diverse perspectives on Khmer architecture.

Lunch is again at a local restaurant, with reviews mentioning the deliciousness of food and the friendly service. Afterward, the journey continues into rural Cambodia, where the group explores villages and rice paddies—an authentic insight into local life.

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Banteay Srei: The Pink Gem

The highlight of the afternoon is Banteay Srei, often called the “Ladies’ Temple,” renowned for its pink sandstone and detailed carvings. This temple’s craftsmanship is exquisite, and it feels more intimate than the larger complexes. Reviewers love the contrast of its delicate stonework against the lush greenery surrounding it.

The tour also includes a visit to Banteay Samre and Banteay Kdei, further enriching your understanding of Khmer architecture.

Practical Details and What You Can Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The private air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the long days of temple exploring. Reviewers repeatedly mention the refreshing towels and cold water provided at stops, which makes the heat and walking more bearable. The flexibility of a private guide means you can adjust the pace or spend extra time at sites that catch your interest.

Duration and Flexibility

The 2-day structure strikes a good balance—you see the major highlights without feeling rushed. The starting times vary based on availability, so early mornings are typical for the sunrise, and the tour concludes in the late afternoon or evening. The hotel pickup and drop-off are included, saving you the hassle of organizing transport.

Cost and Value

At $123 per person, this tour offers exceptional value considering the private guide, transportation, and comprehensive itinerary. Entrance fees are not included, but the tour guide can assist with purchasing a temple pass if needed.

Guides and Reviews

The guides are a standout feature in reviews. Guests like Sergio praised Bunh for exceptional organization and picture-perfect tips, while Carolina highlighted Chhay’s engaging explanations. Timo’s review emphasizes the guides’ deep knowledge and ability to avoid crowds, making the visit more enjoyable.

Inclusivity and Extras

The tour provides face towels and bottled water, which are small touches that improve comfort. Since food and temple passes are not included, travelers should budget for those separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want a structured, insightful overview of Angkor’s main temples. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate personalized attention and want to avoid the hassle of planning each sight on their own. Photography enthusiasts will value the expert guidance on capturing the best shots, especially during sunrise and sunset.

It’s also perfect for those interested in Cambodian culture and history—the guides are knowledgeable and eager to share stories that bring the ruins to life. However, if you prefer a very relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children, this packed two-day plan might feel a bit intense.

The Sum Up

This 2-day private tour of Angkor offers a comprehensive, well-organized experience that balances major highlights with authentic touches like village visits and less-crowded temples. The presence of knowledgeable guides ensures you’re not just sightseeing, but also learning and appreciating the cultural richness behind each structure. The comfortable transport and thoughtful amenities make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

For travelers craving a deep dive into Cambodia’s archaeological marvels, combined with flexibility and personalized attention, this tour offers excellent value. The inclusion of iconic sites, hidden gems, and expert guides makes it an option that’s worth considering for your Angkor adventure.

If you want a detailed, hassle-free experience that covers the essentials and offers authentic moments, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for those keen on history, photography, and culture, and willing to spend two full days exploring some of Southeast Asia’s most impressive ruins.

FAQs

What does the tour include?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transportation, a guided visit to major temples, cool drinks, and face towels. It does not include the temple pass or food, but the guide can help with passes and offers suggestions for meals.

How long is each day?
Day 1 involves exploring Angkor Wat and surrounding temples, ending with a sunset view from Phnom Bakheng. Day 2 starts early with sunrise at Angkor Wat and continues with visits to the big circuit temples and Banteay Srei. The exact start times depend on availability, but both days are full, well-paced experiences.

Is this tour suitable for photography?
Absolutely. Reviewers say guides help find the best spots for pictures, especially during sunrise and sunset. The temples’ intricate carvings and scenic settings offer excellent photo opportunities.

How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk quite a bit, especially within temple complexes. The guide can assist with the best routes, and the transportation minimizes walking distances between sites.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the stops based on your interests. This flexibility is a major plus for travelers with specific sights or themes in mind.

Do I need to buy a temple pass separately?
Yes, the pass isn’t included in the price. You can purchase a 2-3 day pass for $62 USD, or the guide can assist in buying one.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Early mornings for sunrise and cooler parts of the day are ideal. The first day’s sunset at Phnom Bakheng is a beautiful way to conclude the day, while the early start for sunrise is a memorable highlight.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While the itinerary is packed, it’s suitable for most age groups comfortable with walking and temple exploration. Young children may find the full schedule a bit tiring.

How does this tour compare to other options?
It offers excellent value with private, flexible experiences compared to group tours. Guests praise guides Bunh and Chhay for their knowledge and thoughtful service, making it a preferred choice for those wanting a deep, authentic look at Angkor.

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