There are several ways to see Angkor Wat. Some people start small and work their way up to the colossal grand-daddy of them all, the megalithic structures of enigmatic Angkor Wat.

Others start big and work their way down through the smaller and no less beautiful and mysterious smaller temples in the giant park. We opted to visit the ancient sandstone structures of Angkor Wat early on the morning of our first day. We hit a major temple site at daybreak and sunset and tried to cover the smaller temples and grounds throughout the rest of the day. Here’s how we did it.

ON THE FIRST DAY

1. Angkor Wat

An interesting perspective. The many doorways of Angkor Wat. These long corridors house bas-relief galleries running the length of the main building.

2. Phnom Bakheng

3. Ta Prohm Kel is an ancient hospital chapel on the South Side of Phnom Bakheng. It’s a beautiful crumbling tower of bricks.

ON THE SECOND DAY

1. 5am sunrise at Angkor Wat.

2. Ta Prohm

3. Ta Keo

4. Thommanon

5. Banteay Kdei

6. Srah Srang Lake

7. Pre Rup

8. Prasat Preah Khan

9. Ta Som

10. The East Mebon

ON THE THIRD DAY

1. The South Gate.

2. Bayon

3. Baphuon

4. Terrace of Elephants

5. Terrace of Leper Kings

6. Prasat Suor Prat

6. The Khleangs

7. Angkor Thom

8. Preah Khan