Behind-the-scenes Angkor temple tours

The magnificent Angkor temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, rivals the greatest historical sites on earth. Over 1,000 years old and spread across 150 square miles, Angkor served as the thriving capital of the ancient Khmer Empire. Today, it attracts over 2 million visitors annually who come to marvel at anchor temples like the iconic Angkor Wat.

But most tourists only scratch the surface of Angkor’s wonders. Very few gain access to restricted areas for a behind-the-scenes look at the complex’s hidden secrets and ancient mysteries.

As an experienced Siem Reap tour operator and lifelong Angkor scholar, I’ve had the rare privilege of going deeper through special permissions and relationships built on trust.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through planning the insider temple tour of a lifetime, revealing the layers of history and beauty that go beyond the ordinary. You’ll discover:

• What exactly do behind-the-scenes Angkor tours unlock, and why they’re worth the effort
• Where you can access off-limits temple regions as part of guided small group or private tour packages
• When is the ideal time to visit for in-depth adventures beyond the standard routes
• How to identify reputable tour organizers and specialized guides to lead your journey of discovery

Let’s uncover the most intriguing parts of Angkor that most visitors never get to witness!

The Magic of Venturing “Behind-the-Scenes”

Behind-the-scenes Angkor temple tours open up a gateway to areas within the sprawling complex that are normally restricted and hidden away beyond barriers or signs marked “Staff Only.”

By adventuring into these off-the-beaten-path places with expert local guides, you’ll get to:

• Examine intricate bas reliefs and carvings up-close that the public can’t access
• Enter ancient shrines and chambers still being restored and conserved
• Climb up steep stone steps to towering temple peaks
• Explore atmospheric tunnels and galleries
• Discover overgrown ruins being reclaimed by nature’s creep
• Witness master artisans practicing traditional methods of preservation
• Learn directly from our local experts who are actively at the ruins each day

In essence, you’ll see a vastly more raw and nuanced version of Angkor beyond the more commonly toured sites.

One fascinating example is being able to climb the central tower of the iconic Bayon temple within the walled city of Angkor Thom, which has been off-limits to visitors for over a decade. But on special tours I’ve led, we ascended into Bayon’s uppermost peak to take in the breathtaking vistas and gaze over dozens of the giant stone faces for which Bayon is known.

Moments like those stick with you forever!

Of course respecting these ancient sanctuaries is paramount so responsible guidence by those granted access is key. But the rewards of journeying into the lesser seen sides of the 12th – 15th century Khmer Empire capital – especially temples, shrines and sites still enduring repair – offers an unparalleled window into history.