Angkor Wat Sunrise Shared Tour with Guide and Bus

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Angkor Wat as the sun rises over this iconic temple complex, all without breaking the bank. This shared tour offers a fantastic way to see some of Cambodia’s most famous sights, while meeting fellow travelers, with a knowledgeable guide to enrich your visit. It’s perfect for budget-conscious explorers, solo travelers, or anyone eager for an authentic, well-organized adventure.

What we love about this tour: First, the early morning start ensures you catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat—an unforgettable moment. Second, the professional guide makes all the difference, sharing insights and stories behind each temple. Third, the affordable price—just $17—makes it accessible for many, providing great value. The only thing to consider is the early wake-up call, which might be tough for some travelers, especially if you’re not naturally a morning person. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy cultural sights, social group settings, and want a straightforward way to explore Angkor’s highlights.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $17 per person, this tour offers solid value for a full morning of temple touring.
• Shared Experience: Joining a group allows for social interactions and makes the cost more budget-friendly.
• Expert Guide: An English-speaking guide enhances the experience with insightful commentary.
• Early Start: Departure around 4:00-4:30 AM means waking up early but guarantees sunrise views.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits include Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple, covering the must-see highlights.
• Transportation: Air-conditioned bus and hotel pickup/drop-off ensure comfort and convenience.

Why Consider This Tour?

Seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise is often listed as a top bucket-list moment, and this tour makes it accessible, especially for solo travelers or those on a budget. For just $17, you get transportation, a guide, and the chance to witness the magical silhouette of Angkor Wat bathed in dawn light. It’s a straightforward option that keeps things simple but meaningful, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of Cambodia’s most famous site.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: Angkor Wat at Sunrise

This is the star of the show. The tour starts early, around 4:00-4:30 AM, with pickup at your hotel. Expect to be on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with other travelers. The journey to Angkor Wat takes approximately an hour, depending on your hotel location. The atmosphere before dawn is almost spiritual—cool air, quiet anticipation, and the faint glow of the impending sunrise.

Once at Angkor Wat, the guide will direct your attention to the best spots to view the sunrise. While admission isn’t included in the tour fee ($37 for a 1-day pass), the experience of watching the dawn light flood over the temple’s silhouette is priceless. Several reviewers have praised their guides, like “Our guide, who was very knowledgeable, made the sunrise even more special,” highlighting the importance of a good guide for this part of the trip.

Stop 2: Ta Prohm Temple

After sunrise, the group heads to Ta Prohm, famous for its gigantic trees entwined around the ruins. Built by King Jayavarman VII, it’s known for its photogenic, almost cinematic appearance—think Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider. It’s a lively site, with fewer early-morning visitors, which makes it ideal for exploring without crowds.

Reviewers loved the guide’s storytelling here: “Ta Prohm was the most wonderful temple, with its amazing trees growing over the ruins,” and appreciated the ease of moving through the site with a guide who explained its history and significance. Expect to spend about two hours here, walking among the moss-covered stones and snapping pictures of nature reclaiming the past.

Stop 3: Bayon Temple

The final stop is Bayon, located in the heart of the ancient city. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, this temple is famed for its smiling stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs. It reflects the transition from Hinduism to Buddhism, and the detailed carvings reveal stories of the Khmer Empire’s heyday.

The guide will point out the symbolic meaning behind the faces and the detailed artwork, which often prompts interesting questions from travelers. Expect around two hours here to soak in the sights, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere of this massive, atmospheric temple.

Transportation and Comfort

Your journey is facilitated by an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring you stay comfortable on the early ride. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel simplify logistics, removing the hassle of navigating public transport early in the morning. The tour is designed for most travelers, with easy access and a small group size that makes the experience intimate rather than overwhelming.

Inclusions and Extras

For the modest price of $17, the tour includes bottled water and the services of an English-speaking guide, both key for staying comfortable and informed. Be aware that lunch and entrance tickets are not included, so budget around $37 for a one-day pass if you want to explore all the temples at your own pace later.

A couple of reviews mentioned the guides’ warmth and warmth: “Our guide gave us a very warm welcome and made the tour even more memorable,” which underscores the value of having a friendly, knowledgeable person leading the way.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the guide’s expertise and the amazing views. One traveler shared, “My girlfriend and I recently visited Angkor Wat for sunrise, and it was absolutely beautiful. Our guide made it even more memorable,” emphasizing how guided tours enhance the experience.

Another reviewer appreciated the affordability: “This is a great way for solo travelers to save money while still seeing the main highlights,” highlighting the tour’s appeal for budget travelers or those traveling alone.

Considerations Before Booking

While the early start and shared group format are positives, travelers should be prepared for an early morning and a relatively quick pace. If you prefer a more private or leisurely exploration, higher-priced private tours might suit you better. Also, since the entrance fee isn’t included, it’s wise to budget for that separately.

The Sum Up

This Angkor Wat Sunrise Shared Tour offers an excellent entry point into Cambodia’s most iconic sights. With a friendly guide, comfortable transportation, and a manageable price tag, it’s an appealing option for travelers wanting to tick off the sunrise at Angkor Wat without a hefty cost. The inclusion of key temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon ensures you’ll get a well-rounded glimpse of Angkor’s grandeur.

It’s particularly suited for solo travelers, first-timers, or those on a budget who value guided insights and efficient logistics. The early start might be tough, but the breathtaking views and the cultural richness make it worth waking up for.

FAQs

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins around 4:00-4:30 am with hotel pickup, so be prepared for an early wake-up call.

Is the sunrise viewing at Angkor Wat included?
The tour includes the visit to Angkor Wat at dawn, but specific admission tickets ($37) are not included and must be purchased separately.

What temples are visited on this tour?
You’ll visit Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon Temple, covering the main highlights of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned bus takes you from your hotel and back, making the journey comfortable and convenient.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bottled water is provided, but bring a camera, sun protection, and a hat for the day’s explorations.

How long is the entire tour?
Approximately 6 hours, from early morning pickup to late morning/early afternoon drop-off.

Can I join if I’m not an early riser?
While early mornings aren’t for everyone, most travelers find the sunrise experience worth the effort.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a shared group experience, but it is designed exclusively for your booked group.

What’s the best way to book?
Booking online through Viator or directly via the tour provider ensures a smooth process and confirmation.

Overall, the Angkor Wat Sunrise Shared Tour with Guide and Bus offers a well-balanced mix of value, convenience, and memorable sights, making it a fantastic way to start your Angkor adventure.