Pre-Angkorian Half Day Roluos Group Temple Tour

Twelve kilometres southeast of Siem Reap lie the remains of Hariharalaya, the former capital of King Indravarman I and the starting point of Khmer classical architecture. The Roluos Group comprises three 9th century temples: Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko, built using durable brick and carved plaster in a style that would later evolve into the grand sandstone monuments of Angkor. Their shared architecture and decoration mark the beginning of the Classic Period of Khmer art, predating Angkor Wat by more than two centuries. A Buddhist monastery now sits nearby, its monks living alongside this piece of early Khmer history. On the return drive, pass rice fields and small villages that give a sense of everyday life in the Siem Reap countryside. A half day that fits naturally alongside any other Angkor excursion, tracing the roots of the empire before its most famous temples were built.

1. 1

   Roluos Temples

   1.5 hours

   The remains of the Roluos Group, 12 kilometres southeast of Siem Reap date back to the 9th century AD and are all that remains of the former capital of King Indravarman I. The group comprises of three distinctively-different temple complexes – named Bakong. Lolei and Preah Ko – and were the first to be constructed. Using durable material, such as bricks and carved plaster, the outlines of what once was expected to be adorned with precious material and wood, are now confirmed as the earliest definition of the Khmer civilisation. The three temples belonging to this important group have similarities of architecture, decoration materials and construction methods which combine to reveal the beginning of the Classic Period of Khmer Art. Nowadays, the area is home to a Buddhist monastery with its saffron-clad residents taking great pride in living nearby such an integral part of Khmer history.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 hour

   On the way back to Siem Reap, time to stop and watch over almost endless fields of green with small little villages dotted along the horizon mark the end of an unforgettable day. Before you know it, your Siem Reap overnight address is in sight where your private guide and driver for the day thank you and your travel companions for joining them on a journey through their home country.

• 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 Siem Reap. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as Tonle Sap, Koh Ker, Banteay Srei and Siem Reap 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.
• We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

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