Angkor Wat Small Tour: My Tuk Tuk Adventure Review

Alright, so let me tell you all about my trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia! That place is truly something else, and getting around by tuk tuk? Absolutely, it made the whole experience so much better. I recently took the “small tour,” you see, which is kinda the standard way most people see the main temples. Seriously, I was a little unsure what to expect, yet I have got to say, the whole day just totally blew me away.

Why Choose a Tuk Tuk for the Small Tour?

Firstly, think about this: getting a tuk tuk felt much more authentic in a way than, say, hopping into a car. That open-air feel as you are zipping through the Cambodian countryside? Is something that truly gets you connected with the place, you know? More than that, they are really easy to flag down, and a lot of the drivers are incredibly friendly. Too, they are kinda the perfect speed. Not too fast that you miss things, and yet speedy enough to cover all the spots on the small tour comfortably. One other reason it’s almost the best choice is this, for short hops between temples when the heat is crazy you will be very grateful that the breeze can get to you!

The Classic Angkor Wat Small Tour Route

Right, so the small tour, or short circuit as they sometimes call it, pretty much hits all the must-see temples near Angkor Wat. Seriously, we’re chatting Angkor Wat itself of course (sunrise is an absolute must-do, by the way), then Angkor Thom, featuring the Bayon temple with its awesome smiling faces. It is almost certainly impressive, you will have no doubt! Let us not fail to remember the the Baphuon temple (did you know that is is a huge pyramid-like building?) that one you are going to want to see and also the Terrace of the Leper King is cool too. Plus, if you have got the time (and energy!) you may also pop over to Phnom Bakheng for sunset –though be warned, is that it gets packed!

A Sunrise to Remember at Angkor Wat

Speaking of sunrises, you should just get up for the Angkor Wat one. I get it. It sounds painful, specifically on holiday. And yet? Just do it! In some respects, arriving there in the pitch dark, then waiting as the sky starts to slowly lighten… And yet the first light hits those towers of Angkor Wat, reflecting in the water? Absolutely unforgettable. Very nearly everyone else there is dead silent, everyone’s in a shared moment that is truly kinda magical. Too, one suggestion: get there early to grab a good spot near the reflecting pool, it’s seriously where all the very best photos come from.

Bayon Temple: Smiles That Stare Right Through You

After drinking in Angkor Wat, off we went to Angkor Thom, more precisely the Bayon temple. Listen, you might think you’ve seen photos. Honestly, they don’t really do it justice, do they? All of those huge stone faces smiling down at you from every possible angle? Is a pretty bizarre, yet definitely spectacular thing to take in. Spend a while walking around and you might try to find all the very different faces, they each are different, too, it feels like they have all got stories to tell. I got so lost in those smiles! I will always remember thinking they were pretty darn awesome!

Ta Prohm: The Tomb Raider Temple

Listen up you Tomb Raider people: you truly need to visit Ta Prohm. Is sometimes known as the “Tomb Raider temple” due to the movie which was recorded there. Basically this place? It’s almost like the jungle is kinda taking back over! Giant trees are sprouting out of the stones, their roots are snaking everywhere… Actually, it gives the whole place a super spooky, otherworldly feel. Word of caution though, this one gets incredibly busy, so perhaps it is advisable to visit either really early, or maybe later in the afternoon to dodge a lot of the big tour groups. Very many people go at the busiest times because that’s when the tours run but that also means, too, that a lot of people will be in your pictures, you know?

Finding a Great Tuk Tuk Driver

In that case, how do you find yourself a super-duper tuk tuk driver? Absolutely you can usually find loads waiting around outside your hotel, or in all of the very touristy areas. I actually got lucky enough to receive a suggestion from a friend. So having a friendly, safe, reliable driver kinda makes a huge difference, you see. Too, if their English is alright then all the better; a good driver cannot just drive you from temple to temple, they can tell you quite a bit concerning the place. I thought it was also seriously great when my driver had a cooler box together with cold water bottles! You would want to remain hydrated, so very definitely ask your driver.

What to Bring With You on Your Tour

Seriously, so here is kinda what I found very useful to bring along on my tour:

• Sunscreen: Believe me, that Cambodian sun? Truly fierce!
• Hat: Just protect your head. Too many hours in the full glare and you will seriously thank me for reminding you!
• Water: Listen to me: drinking is very essential! You need that water. That Cambodian heat truly doesn’t kid around!
• Comfy shoes: Those temples have some very, very uneven stones, so comfy footwear will serve you very well.
• Small backpack: For all the water and your camera equipment!
• A long scarf: Is required in some of the places, if you want to go in them! Make certain to do that if you wish to access the higher areas.
• Insect repellent: Seriously if you do not want any itchy red souvenirs you should absolutely get some insect repellent and use a generous amount.

Is the Small Tour Right for You?

As I was saying, if you have just got one day to see the primary temples? In that case, that Small Tour is almost the one for you. Seriously, it covers all the high spots, and that means that you get a great taste of what Angkor has to offer. Too, if you are kinda short on time, or just really do not want to be templed-out? Listen, that is completely understandable as temple overload is real! One day out exploring is usually a good choice to prevent the aforementioned temple overload. Seriously just keep in mind is that it will be hot, so very definitely pace yourself and keep drinking.

So, too, think about extending it for 3 days with other spots (I did) which you can read up about.

A Note on Respectful Temple Visiting

Now I have to state that when visiting religious places. You should absolutely make certain you are being respectful. That can truly be a good idea! Remember that is this places that people come to, too, to pray so you should make certain to bear this in mind and be respectful of others doing so.

So you should think about clothing and all the very necessary steps to show respect for that culture.

Seriously, cover your shoulders and knees, and refrain from pointing your feet at Buddha images. Listen to me: if everyone makes a small effort to be considerate. Listen, it makes a huge difference for both those visiting the temples and for all of those that will also arrive later. After all, if we each and every do our part, you should contribute towards respecting and safeguarding the site. Just give other guests the best time and chance that you are able to!