Category: Small Circle

The Small Circle, also known as the Petit Circuit or Little Circuit, is a popular tourist route that takes visitors to some of the most iconic temples in the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park in Cambodia. It is a shorter and more manageable circuit than the Grand Circle, making it a good option for those who are short on time or have limited mobility.

The Small Circle typically includes the following temples:

  • Angkor Wat: The largest and most famous temple in the Angkor complex, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
    Angkor Wat tower
  • Phnom Bakheng: Located on a hilltop just outside of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng offers stunning views of the temple and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular spot for watching the sunrise or sunset.
  • Bayon: The Bayon is a unique temple that is known for its giant stone faces. It was once the capital of the Angkor Empire and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the park.
  • Baphuon: Baphuon is a three-tiered pyramid temple that was once the tallest structure in Angkor Thom. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  • Phimeanakas: Phimeanakas is a small temple that was once the center of Angkor Thom. It is located within the Royal Palace Enclosure and is a popular spot for photographers.

The Small Circle can be completed in a half-day or a full day, depending on how much time you want to spend at each temple. There are many different ways to get around the circuit, including tuk-tuks, bicycles, and even on foot.

  • Ta Keo

    Ta Keo

    Overview Ta Keo means “Crystal Elder”. Ta Keo is a temple located in Cambodia, near the famous Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom. The temple is believed to have been built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Angkor Wat-style…

  • Banteay Kdei

    Banteay Kdei

    Banteay Kdei is a Buddhist temple located in Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. It was built in the late 12th or early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. And it is believed to have served as a monastery for Buddhist monks. Banteay Kdei is notable for its unique architectural style. This style…

  • Ta Prohm

    Ta Prohm

    Overview Ta Prohm is a temple located in Cambodia, near the town of Siem Reap. The temple was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Angkor Wat-style architecture. Ta Prohm is a large temple, with…

  • Prasat Kravan

    Prasat Kravan

    Overview Prasat Kravan is a small but significant temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. It is believed to have been built in the early 10th century, during the reign of the Khmer King Harshavarman I, and is known for its well-preserved brick sculptures and bas-reliefs. The temple is made up of five…

  • Srah Srang

    Srah Srang

    Srah Srang overview Srah Srang is a large rectangular reservoir in the ancient city of Angkor, Cambodia. The reservoir was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Angkor-style engineering. Srah Srang is a large body of water surrounded…

  • Terrace of the Leper King

    Terrace of the Leper King

    Overview of the terrace The Terrace of the Leper King is a terrace located in the Royal Palace of Angkor Thom, Cambodia, just next to the Elephant Terrace. It is part of the larger Angkor Wat temple complex, which was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The terrace…

  • Elephant Terrace

    Elephant Terrace

    Overview The Terrace of the Elephants (Elephant Terrace) is a large platform located in the Angkor Thom, near Bayon and Baphuon. It was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and was used as a viewing platform for royal ceremonies and processions. The Elephant Terrace is named for its…

  • Phimeanakas

    Phimeanakas

    About Phimeanakas Phimeanakas is a Hindu-Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Angkor, Cambodia. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II in the late 10th century. It is one of the oldest temples in the Angkor complex. Phimeanakas is famous for its distinctive architectural style. It incorporates…

  • Baphuon

    Baphuon

    Baphuon Overview Baphuon is a temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Cambodia. It means “hidden child”. It was built in the mid-11th century during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II and was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Baphuon is known for its massive size and grand architectural style. And it was once…

  • Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate (East Gate)

    Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate (East Gate)

    Victory Gate tours Victory Gate (East Gate) is not considered as a destination for tourists. If you like to see it, go by tuktuk, or just ask the driver to stop briefly during your Angkor Wat tour. East Gates of Angkor Thom Angkor Thom has two eastern gates, called the Gate of the Dead and…

  • South Gate and statue of Churning the Sea of Milk

    South Gate and statue of Churning the Sea of Milk

    The South Gate of Angkor Thom overview The South Gate of Angkor Thom is a monumental entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Thom, located in Cambodia. The gate was built in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Angkor-style…

  • Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, tours from Siem Reap

    Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, tours from Siem Reap

    Bayon overview Bayon temple is definitely one of the main events of visiting Angkor ruins, along with Angkor Wat. It is a large temple complex in Angkor Thom, Cambodia. And it is one of the most famous and recognizable temples in the Angkor Wat temple complex. Bayon was built in the late 12th or early…

  • Angkor Wat

    Angkor Wat

    Overview Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Southeast Asia. It was originally built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, but later became a Buddhist temple in the…