Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour is often topping the list—and for good reason. With a stellar 5.0 rating from 19 reviews, it’s clear this experience strikes a chord with travelers. The tour promises a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, fascinating temples, and authentic Khmer culture—all wrapped up in a well-organized six to seven-hour package.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, you’ll get the chance to see Angkor Wat at dawn, which is arguably one of the most memorable moments in Southeast Asia. Second, the presence of a professional guide ensures you’ll understand the history and significance behind each monument—something that elevates the visit from a mere photo opportunity to a meaningful experience. Lastly, the value for money is noteworthy, considering the comprehensive itinerary and included amenities like bottled water and cold towels.

Of course, there’s a small caveat: entry tickets to the temples are not included in the price, meaning you’ll need to budget an additional USD37 for a one-day pass. For some, the early start—begging at 5:00am—might also be a challenge, especially if you’re not naturally an early riser. Nevertheless, this tour is best suited for travelers eager to witness the temples without the crowds and who appreciate guided context to deepen their understanding.

Key Points

• Early start for optimal views: Catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, avoiding the crowds.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides enrich the experience.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From Angkor Wat to Ta Prohm, covering major highlights.
• Valuable extras: Bottled water, cold towels, and transportation included.
• Additional costs: Entry tickets are separate and need to be purchased on arrival.
• Private tour format: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

The Itinerary Unpacked: What to Expect

Starting at Dawn: Angkor Wat’s Sunrise

We begin bright and early, with pickup scheduled at no later than 5:00am. This early start is a big plus for anyone wanting to beat the crowds and capture Angkor Wat in its most ethereal light. Your guide, likely a fluent English speaker who’s well-versed in Khmer history, will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you off to the temple complex.

Once at Angkor Wat, you’ll have about an hour to marvel at the sunrise—an experience that genuinely lives up to its reputation. Reviewers mention that this is the best time for photos, as the early morning light lends a magical glow to the temple. The quiet ambiance is a stark contrast to the bustling crowds that gather later in the day, making this a must-do for shutterbugs.

Exploring Angkor Thom and the South Gate

Next, the tour moves to Angkor Thom, the grand capital city of the Angkor era. A quick stop at the South Gate serves as a scenic introduction—imposing stone faces and intricate carvings set the tone for what’s to come. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you a taste of the grandeur before heading inside.

The Marvel of Bayon Temple

One of the tour’s highlights is Bayon Temple, famous for its enigmatic smiling faces carved into stone. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that you might recognize from photos, but seeing it in person is a whole different story. You’ll spend around 3 hours here, exploring the multiple towers and deciphering the stories told through its carvings. Judging by reviews, many visitors find this temple especially captivating, with its unique features making it a highlight of the trip.

The Jungle’s Secret: Ta Prohm

The last major stop is Ta Prohm, affectionately known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” because of its role in the movie. The intertwining roots and crumbling stones create a scene straight out of an adventure film. Expect to spend about 2 hours here, wandering through the atmospheric ruins, taking photographs of the tangled roots and ancient stones. Reviewers mention that Ta Prohm’s aesthetics make it a favorite spot for photography, and many appreciate how the tour allows ample time to soak in the sights.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package offers hotel pickup and drop-off (if requested), a professional guide, bottled water, and cold towels—small touches that make a big difference in comfort. Transportation is provided in a vehicle of your choice, ensuring smooth travel between sites.

However, admission tickets to Angkor Park are extra, costing USD37 for a 1-day pass, and are not included in the $48.50 price. Soft drinks, alcohol, and gratuities are also not covered, so travelers should budget accordingly.

The Experience: Authentic, Well-Organized, and Worthwhile

The reviews reinforce the overall quality of this tour. One guest, erika_m, exclaimed, “Tour was exceptional,” highlighting the “delicious food/coffee stop” and the value of doing the sunrise. She also specifically recommends requesting guide Nuth Borey, praising his English skills and knowledge, which significantly enhances the experience.

Travelers appreciate the small group size—in this case, a private tour—which allows for personalized attention and flexibility. The early start might seem daunting but offers a peaceful, crowd-free environment and the chance to photograph the temples without many others in the shot.

The transport is generally smooth, and the inclusion of bottled water and cold towels helps keep everyone comfortable during the hot morning hours. Given the 6 to 7-hour duration, expect a physically active morning filled with walking and exploring, but the pace is manageable for most.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re an early riser eager for iconic photos and peaceful temple visits, this tour is hard to beat. It’s also ideal if you want a guided experience that adds context to the stunning sights—especially with a knowledgeable guide who can share insights into Khmer culture and history. The private format makes it perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized adventure.

Keep in mind the extra cost for entrance tickets and the early start—if you’re not a fan of mornings or prefer to explore independently, other options might suit you better. But for those wanting a structured, expertly guided tour with the best possible views of Angkor Wat, this experience offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to buy my own entrance ticket?
Yes. The tour price does not include the USD37 admission fee for Angkor Park, which you will need to purchase separately upon arrival.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins no later than 5:00am, ensuring you catch the sunrise and beat the crowds at Angkor Wat.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private experience, so only your group will participate, allowing for a tailored and flexible visit.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if requested), a professional guide, bottled water, cold towels, and transportation by your chosen vehicle.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering major temples and sights with ample time at each location.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Are there any dietary provisions?
The tour doesn’t specify food inclusions, but there is a mention of a food/coffee stop—reviewers found it delicious and worth trying.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking, along with sun protection like hats and sunscreen—early mornings can still be quite sunny and warm.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and given the moderate physical activity involved, it’s generally suitable for older children and teenagers.

Overall Verdict: Is the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour Worth It?

For travelers craving a well-organized, enriching experience that combines iconic sights with fewer crowds, this tour hits the mark. The early start pays off with stunning photos and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find later in the day. The knowledgeable guide ensures you understand what you’re seeing, transforming a sightseeing trip into a cultural journey.

While the extra cost for the entrance ticket is something to plan for, the overall value more than justifies the price—especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup, bottled water, and personalized attention. If you’re serious about seeing Angkor Wat in all its glory and want a memorable, beautifully paced experience, this tour offers a fantastic way to do it.

This experience is best suited for early risers, culture lovers, and those who want to maximize their time at Angkor with expert guidance. It also offers great value for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, hassle-free adventure.

To sum it up, the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour combines iconic scenery, expert guiding, and thoughtful touches to create a memorable day. It’s a smart choice for travelers eager to see the temples in their most peaceful moment, with plenty of room for photography and reflection. While you’ll need to handle the extra entrance fee, the overall experience delivers a genuine sense of awe at one of Southeast Asia’s most celebrated sites.