A stay of short duration will, however, give a good idea of the ensemble - on condition that one paces one's programme according to the small amount of time at one's disposal, and has no pretension to 'see everything'. For this reason, we propose several itinerary types to aid the task of the hurried tourist. A minimum of three days would seem to us essential to make contact with the principal monuments of the group.
Angkor may be visited in all seasons. However the most favourable period extends from November to March, during the first months of the dry season, when the temperature is particularly clement. In contrast, April and May are hot and humid, and then come the rains - through to September - which put one at risk of immobilisation for several hours - though without always lasting an entire day. They are extremely rare in the morning, and the sandy soil quickly dries. This is the time when the forest becomes alive and verdant, when the reservoirs and moats refill, when the stones become covered in creepers and lichens - and it is only important to no longer climb, except with extreme caution, amongst the boulders and on the sandstone blocks, which the moss renders slippery.
It is preferable, particularly in the hot season, to leave early in the morning and to return before eleven o'clock, and not to revisit in the afternoon until three or four o'clock - the light at the end of the day being generally more favourable. The majority of the monuments - and in particular Angkor Wat - lose much in being viewed against the light.
We would especially recommend the setting of the sun at Angkor Wat, where sometimes the spectacle will include the flight of the bats in the fading light, or from the top of Phnom Bakheng or Phnom Krom, or the terrace of the Srah Srang - or else from the beach of the baray, where the bathing is delightful. Finally, if you have the opportunity, do not miss, by the light of the full moon, the second level courtyard of Angkor Wat at the foot of the central tower, or the upper terrace of the Bayon.
afternoon
The Bayon, the Small Circuit, a traverse of Ta Prohm from the west to the east, the terrace of Srah Srang, Angkor Wat.
Distance - 30 kilometres.
4. FOR TWO DAYS
first day
morning
The Bayon, the terrace of the Leper King, Tep Pranam, Prah Palilay,
the Royal Palace, the Baphuon.
Distance - 20 kilometres.
afternoon
The small circuit via the Royal Palace, the Victory Gate, Ta Prohm (traverse from west to east), Banteay Kdei (ditto), the terrace of Srah Srang, and possibly Phnom Bakheng.
Distance - 27 and 32 kilometres.
second day
morning
The Grand Circuit, with a visit to Pre Rup, Banteay Samre, Neak Pean, Prah Khan (traversed from east to west)
Distance - 46 kilometres.
afternoon
Angkor Wat
Distance - 12 kilometres.
5. FOR THREE DAYS
first day
morning
The Bayon, the terrace of the Leper King, Tep Pranam, Prah Palilay, the Royal Palace, the Baphuon
Distance - 20 kilometres.
afternoon
The Kleang and Prah Pithu, the Victory Gate, Thommanon, Chau Say, Takeo, on returning Phnom Bakheng
Distance - 26 kilometres.
second day
morning
The Grand Circuit, with a visit to Pre Rup, Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Prah Khan (traversing from east to west)
Distance - 37 kilometres.
afternoon
Prasat Kravan, Ta Prohm (traversing from west to east), Banteay Kdei (traversing from west to east), the terrace of Srah Srang.
Distance - 26 kilometres.
third day
morning
Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei
Distance - 70 kilometres.
afternoon
Angkor Wat
Distance - 12 kilometres.
6. FOR FOUR DAYS
first day
morning
The Bayon, terrace of the Leper King, Tep Pranam, Prah Palilay,
the Royal Palace
Distance - 20 kilometres.
afternoon
Baphuon, the Kleang and Prah Pithu, the Victory Gate, Thommanon, Chau Say, on returning Phnom Bakheng
Distance - 24 kilometres.
second day
morning
Takeo, Ta Prohm (crossing from west to east), Banteay Kdei
(crossing from west to east), the terrace or Srah Srang, Prasat Kravan.
Distance - 28 kilometres.
afternoon
Angkor Wat
Distance - 12 kilometres.
third day
morning
The Grand Circuit, with a visit to Pre Rup, Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Prah Khan (passing through from east to west)
Distance - 37 kilometres.
afternoon
Siem Reap river and Phnom Krom
Distance - 25 kilometres.
fourth day
morning
Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei
Distance - 70 kilometres.
afternoon
The Roluos group (Bakong, Prah Ko), the western baray (swimming)
Distance - 54 kilometres.
7. FOR FIVE DAYS
first day
morning
The Bayon, the terrace of the Elephants and of the Leper King,
Tep Pranam, Prah Palilay, the Royal Palace.
Distance - 20 kilometres
afternoon
The Baphuon, the Kleang and Prah Pithu, the Victory Gate, Thommanon, Chau Say
Distance - 24 kilometres
second day
morning
Takeo, Ta Prohm (crossing from west to east), Banteay Kdei
(crossing from west to east), the terrace of Srah Srang, Prasat Kravan.
Distance - 28 kilometres.
afternoon
The Bayon (to study the bas-reliefs), Phnom Bakheng.
third day
morning
The Grand Circuit, with a visit to Pre Rup, Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Prah Khan, (passing from east to west)
Distance - 37 kilometres.
afternoon
Angkor Wat
Distance - 12 kilometres.
fourth day
morning
Banteay Samre, Banteay Srei
Distance - 70 kilometres.
afternoon
Siem Reap river, Phnom Krom
Distance - 25 kilometres.
fifth day
morning
The Roluos group (Bakong, Prah Ko, perhaps also Lolei)
Distance - 28 and 30 kilometres.
afternoon
Angkor Wat (to study the bas-reliefs), western baray (swimming)
Distance - 38 kilometres.
8. FOR SIX DAYS AND MORE
Ad libitum, including the secondary temples and,
perhaps, with an excursion to Beng Mealea (a day trip)
Distance - 100 kilometres.
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Anyone interested?