Ancient Full Day Pre-Angkor Temples Tour from Phnom Penh

Journey beyond Angkor to discover Cambodia's pre-Angkorian roots. Explore Ta Prohm at Tonle Bati, cross by boat to remote Phnom Da, and climb Phnom Chisor for sweeping countryside views on a full day trip from Phnom Penh. Head south from Phnom Penh into the Cambodian countryside, where temples far older than Angkor still stand among the rice fields. The journey begins at Tonle Bati, beside a lake favoured by local picnickers, where the 12th century Ta Prohm temple reveals well preserved Apsara carvings. After lunch at a local restaurant in Takeo, board a boat for Phnom Da, a weathered 6th century temple perched on a small hill and built from laterite stone. Continue to Phnom Chisor, where 10th to 11th century Angkorian ruins crown a hilltop reached by foot. Each site traces a different chapter of the empire that would later build Angkor, from Ta Prohm's carved sandstone to Phnom Chisor's Hindu sanctuary built under King Suryavarman I. Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon.

1. 1

   Tonle Bati

   1 hour

   Depart Phnom Pen early in the morning and follow the main roads in southern direction. The first stop is made at Tonle Bati, a small lake and home to the 12th Century temple of Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm was built by Jayavarman VII the same king who built Bayon in Angkor Thom City. Although small in size it is a beautiful temple with some well-preserved Apsara bas reliefs and other carvings. The temple is surrounded by trees and native flowers and is close to Tonle Bati, which is a favourite weekend picnic place for Cambodians, especially from Phnom Penh.

2. 2

   Takeo

   1.5 hours

   During this morning venture, continue to Takeo where you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

3. 3

   Phnom Da

   1.5 hours

   After a break, you will take the boat to Phnom Da hill, a dilapidated temple constructed on a small mountain. It was built in the 6th century by the King Rut Trak Varman. A French historian, Mi Bri No said that the temple is made of laterite stone and is considered one of the most historical places in Cambodia. Lunch is included en route at a local restaurant.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   2 hours

   On the way back to Phnom Penh, take a visit to Phnom Chisor (Chisor Mountain) home to some nicely preserved 10th - 11th-century Angkorian era ruins. This Hinduism temple was constructed under King Suryavarman I during a period when the Khmer Empire was nearing its apex. The 503 steps to the temple on top of the hill make for a vigorous climb, but the quality of the ruins and the unmissable view of the countryside make it the effort worthwhile. Return to Phnom Penh in the late afternoon and expect to be back in the hotel around 6 pm.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
• Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Phnom Penh. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Koh Dach, Tonle Bati, and Oudong, any of the river and cruise ferry terminals and Phnom Penh International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
• To avoid any issues pertaining obtaining an arrival visa at the airport, please ensure that your passport contains at least two empty pages. Failure to do so may result in not gaining entrance into the Kingdom of Cambodia
• To respect local customs and respecting the religious sites and temples on this tour, it is customary for guests to take off their shoes before allowed entrance. Your guide will inform you in advance for which of these sites this is applicable

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.