Take an Angkor Thom tour with Impress Travel to discover the former capital of the Khmer Empire with Jayavarman VII as king. This leisurely visit to the cultural wonders of the Angkor Archaeological Park includes sacred temples, colossal stone faces, and millennia-old superstitions. An ideal option for culture vultures, every Angkor Thom tour caters to some different type of traveler, from cycling tours to virtual visits, yet still reveals profound Khmer history and spiritual artistry. Pair this activity with our Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package to get the ultimate Cambodia experience.
If you’re on an Angkor Thom tour, you’re not just strolling upon ancient ruins; you’re traveling through the former powerful capital of the Khmer Empire, constructed almost 900 years ago. Founded in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, a legendary Khmer ruler remembered for his military might, Buddhist faith, and architectural ambition, the grand city served both as the political and spiritual home of his empire.
The name “Angkor Thom” means “The Great City” in the Khmer language, and it was. Angkor Thom was on a scale that dwarfed the population of many of the towns in Europe at that time, covering 9 km. It served as a royal capital throughout much of the 15th century until being abandoned in 1434.
An organized Angkor Thom tour will lead you past elegant city walls, holy temples, and imposing ceremonial terraces inspired just as much by Hinduism as Buddhism. The city was modeled to resemble a microcosm of the universe: the Bayon temple, the central mountain, and the square moat, the cosmic ocean. It is that cosmic alignment that demonstrates just how spiritually advanced and organized this ancient Khmer city was.
Today, visitors can decide how to visit in person, on foot, by bicycle on an Angkor Thom cycling trip, under moonlight on an Angkor Thom night tour, or from a computer during an Angkor Thom virtual tour. For a more intense adventure into Khmer culture, combining this with the Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package will allow the traveller to explore the Siem Reap Traveller Experience, which is the total Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tour travel experience shaped by Impress Travel.
The classic Angkor Thom circuit visits six key sights, each of which provides a special insight into ancient Khmer life:
You can walk these sites, see them by taking an Angkor Thom cycling tour, visit them at night on an Angkor Thom night tour, or take an Angkor Thom virtual tour from your home. Most of our clientele may do this trip combined with our Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package, and quite should be the best Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tour with Impress Travel.
Bayon Temple (Source: smarthistory)
07:30 AM – Start your unforgettable Angkor Thom tour. Cycle shaded forest trails and approach the city through the grand South Gate of Angkor Thom, where you will be greeted by rows of gods and demons and the enigmatic faces of the Bayon.
08:15 AM – Arrive at Bayon temple with the iconic smiling stone faces. This is where art collides with godliness. Your guide will pull back the curtain on the design and stats behind the architecture and share fascinating anecdotes about King Jayavarman VII.
09:30 AM – Next visit to Baphuon Temple, a three-tiered temple mountain dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva as the embodiment of the all-powerful mountain, Mount Meru. Visit to Phimeanakas, the khleang in the innermost enclosure, and the former royal sanctuary Palladap Prang, surrounded by myths and legends.
11:00 AM – Canyon around the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King, stages for royal ceremonies and processions. The bas-reliefs here document the grandeur and cultivation of the classical Khmer empire.
12:30 PM – Take a lunch from a local Khmer restaurant to have a breather from awesome Cambodian cuisine.
02:00 PM – Onwards to Angkor Wat, a (UNESCO) treasure of the world, on your continued adventures. Stroll through its immense passageways, gaze upon marvellous bas-reliefs, and sense the spiritual pulse of Cambodia. And for more inspiration, see our complete Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package.
04:00 PM – Finish your day at Ta Prohm, an eerie, photogenic place crumbled under ancient trees. It’s this place that was used as a movie set for the film Tomb Raider.
Angkor Wat (Source: wikipedia)
7:30 AM – Hotel Pickup & Bike Setup
We will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the starting point of the trek. A safety briefing and a cushy mountain bike will be provided. Helmets and water are provided. When everyone is ready, we start cycling along peaceful forest trails to Angkor Thom.
8:00 AM – South Gate of Angkor Thom
You will soon reach the grand South Gate, the principal gate of Angkor Thom. Here you’ll see two awesome rows of stone statues: gods on the right, demons on the left, pulling a giant serpent snake, the Naga. Your guide tells you the symbolic tale behind this, a well-known Hindu myth.
8:30 AM – Bayon Temple
Pedal to the heart of the city and discover Bayon Temple, which was built with 54 towers and 216 smiling, stone faces. This is the heart of your Angkor Thom tour.
9:15 AM – Baphuon Temple & Terrace of the Elephants
Next, we visit Baphuon, an impressive pyramid-style temple. The steps of the temple lead to a gigantic reclining Buddha statue. Next, head to the Terrace of the Elephants, which was a former royal observatory platform for the viewing of military parades and public ceremonies.
10:15 AM – Cool Down & Ride Back
Here you’ll slowly cycle shaded, quiet paths skirting the inner wall of Angkor Thom and enjoy the final views over the old Khmer city.
Tour Ends at ~11:00 AM
Return to your hotel or proceed with your day with the Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package for a completely fulfilled Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tour.
Angkor Thom Cycling Tour (Source: tripadvisor)
Step 1 – Welcome & Tour Introduction
When you click into the Angkor Thom virtual tour, a local expert guide will pop up on your screen. This preamble is an indication of what will come of the journey, where Angkor Thom is presented as the capital of the great Khmer Empire. In the next section, we will clarify how this will be part of your later Angkor Thom tour planning.
Angkor Thom virtual tour (Source: vietmytravel)
Step 2 – Interactive Map Exploration
Now you’re on your own. A 3D map of Angkor Thom; navigable in its entirety. You can scroll around to most temple sites like Bayon, Phimeanakas, or the Terrace of the Elephants. Every mouse click takes you to a new landmark in your party, guided by professional narration, historical images, and cultural commentary.
Phimeanakas (Source: wikipedia)
Step 3 – Bayon Temple Deep Dive
Your virtual guide brings you inside at Bayon Temple, including the smiling stone faces, symbolic towers, and amazing bas-reliefs. You find out about King Jayavarman VII and how he combined Buddhism with Khmer art to mold a sacred place like no one like him.
Bayon Temple Deep Dive (Source: mysiemreaptours)
Step 4 – Baphuon & Royal Grounds
Next, you virtually stroll through Baphuon Temple and the ground of the Royal Palace, learning about ancient processions and spiritual practices. Aerial views and digital reconstructions help you imagine the appearance of these monuments in their prime.
Baphuon Temple (Source: wikipedia)
Step 5 – Elephant Terrace & Cultural Insights
Head to the Terrace of the Elephants, where Khmer kings once stood to watch military parades and ceremonies. This section explains royal rituals, Khmer architecture, and the relationship between political power and sacred planning, three critical components that a real-world Angkor Thom tour would touch on.
Terrace of the Elephants (Source: helloangkor)
Step 6 – Travel Planning Support
And in the last section, your guide offers tips about how to translate this virtual tour to the real thing. We’ll offer suggestions for the best visiting hours as well as suggestions on how to combine with the Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package and which Angkor Thom tours will suit your tastes when it comes to travel, such as cycling tours, night tours, or cultural excursions.
Cycling In Angkor Wat Temple (Source: angkorcyclingtour)
Step 7: Tour Wrap-Up
You will walk away from the Angkor Thom virtual tour with a clear picture of what your on-the-ground experience will be like and how you should prepare to travel to Cambodia. It’s a great way to initiate your journey, armed with knowledge, clarity, and even excitement.
When you book a tour with Impress Travel local Cambodia Tour Operator, this ancient temple city is not merely a few temples. Angkor Thom tours with Impress Travel! It’s about connecting with the living soul of Khmer heritage. We have been running Angkor Thom tours for more than 15 years, and prepare each trip with care, whether you are going by bike on our Angkor Thom cycling tour, under the moonlight on our Angkor Thom night tour, or right from home with our Angkor Thom virtual tour. Every itinerary is designed for you, the way that you like to travel, and any group size; whether your party size is single, a family, or a school group.
Guided by local guides who are experts in Khmer history and culture, our tours make sure that every step through Angkor is a wonder. We’re here for responsible travel, immersive storytelling, and authentic encounters. Ready for something truly unforgettable? Personalize your Angkor Thom trip with us today, or upgrade your Cambodia travel plans by pairing it with our Angkor Wat Temple Tour Package.
Contact Impress Travel
The best time to do the Angkor Thom tour is from November to March because the Siem Reap weather is nice and cool, dry, and suited to walking or cycling. It is also an ideal time next for all such experiences like the Angkor Thom cycling tour, as well as a quiet Angkor Thom night tour under the clear moon. It is also a perfect time just next for such experiences like the Angkor Thom cycling tour or a quiet Angkor Thom night tour under the moonlight.
To visit Angkor Thom and other temples in the vicinity, you must buy an Angkor Pass. This pass covers the entire Angkor Archaeological Park, such as Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, among others.
Ticket options:
Fret no more about how to schedule your potential Angkor Thom! Let Impress Travel do it for you! As a reliable Cambodia travel agency with more than 15 years of experience, we can provide you:
If Angkor Wat is the architectural wonder of Angkor Thom, the latter is an archaeological and spiritual wonder in itself, the soulful heritage of the Khmer Empire. From the towering Bayon to the mythical Elephant Terrace, each footstep leads to the ancestors’ wisdom and divine legends. Whether visiting at sunrise and Angkor Thom tour, a guide Angkor Thom virtual tour, or a cultural trip between the terraces of the Leper King, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tour will make your heart soar and your mind expand.
Yes, you absolutely can! Angkor Thom is one of the most popular stops on any Angkor Thom tour and is accessible to anyone holding a valid Angkor pass. It is a must-see guided tour that visits the ancient Khmer capital, with some of the most distinctive elements of Khmer art, Bayon Temple, the South Gate, and the Terrace of the Elephants.
There’s no standalone fee for Angkor Thom. Entrance is PART of the Angkor Archaeological Park pass (Angkor Pass).
Here are the current prices:
Yes. There is no separate ticket just for Angkor Thom, but it’s within Angkor Archaeological Park. You will need to get an Angkor Pass, which also grants admission to Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and other temples. The pass is available for sale at the Angkor Enterprise ticket booth situated in Siem Reap.
Although you hear about them together frequently in bubbled-up Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat tours, they are very different:
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Uncover the Hidden Gems of Cambodia – Your Way
There’s no one-size-fits-all journey when it comes to exploring Cambodia. Tell us what your dream trip looks like —
✨ How many days will you spend?
✨ How many travelers in your group?
✨ Preferred hotel style: standard, boutique, deluxe, or luxury?
✨ Which destinations are calling your name — Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot, Battambang, or off-the-beaten-path regions?
🛬 Share your international flight details so we can design the smoothest entry and exit for your itinerary.
🎯 Whether you’re into ancient culture, vibrant cities, pristine nature, gourmet cuisine, or meaningful adventures — we’re here to craft a journey tailored just for you.
Let’s make your Cambodia experience unforgettable.
📧 cambodiatours@impresstravel.com
📞 Chat with our Cambodia travel specialists: (+84) 912 379 189
