The Angkor Wat Sunrise Temple Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the magical moment when the sun rises over the iconic Khmer temple. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and unique architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the captivating Bayon Temple and the enchanting Ta Prohm, where nature has reclaimed the ancient ruins. This comprehensive tour provides a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and the chance to experience the celestial magic during the Equinox celebration.

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Key Points

The Angkor Wat Sunrise Temple Tour provides a comprehensive 7-hour experience, including hotel pickup, guided tours of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm temples.
The tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magical sunrise at Angkor Wat, with arrival at the temple’s entrance by 5:10 AM.
The guided tour of Angkor Wat covers the temple’s intricate bas-relief carvings, five-tower structure, and its historical and cultural significance.
Visitors will also explore Bayon Temple, known for its giant stone faces and unique architectural style, and Ta Prohm, where nature and architecture intertwine.
The tour is priced at $13 per person, with an English-speaking live guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Angkor Wat Sunrise Temple Tour offers a comprehensive experience, guiding visitors through the iconic Angkor Wat temple and two other remarkable ancient sites – Bayon and Ta Prohm.

Priced from $13 per person, the 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking live guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include the magical Angkor Wat sunrise, guided tours of the temples, and a breakfast break.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues.

Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and ample exploration time at each site.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an early morning pickup, around 4:20 AM, from the guest’s hotel in Siem Reap City. This allows for an unforgettable experience – witnessing the magical sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat.

After the sunrise, the tour continues with:

A guided tour of Angkor Wat, including a safety briefing, lasting approximately 3 hours.
A relaxing breakfast break at Srah Srang, a serene reservoir, for 1 hour.
Visits and guided tours of the magnificent Bayon Temple (1 hour) and the captivating Ta Prohm Temple (1.5 hours).

The tour concludes with a return to Siem Reap around 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Witnessing the ethereal sunrise at Angkor Wat is a quintessential highlight of the tour. As the first light filters through the ancient temple’s towers, the scene transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle.

| Time | What Happens |

| — | — |

| 5:10 AM | Arrive at Angkor Wat’s entrance |

| 5:15 AM | Find a prime spot to view the sunrise |

| 5:30 AM | The sky begins to lighten, casting a warm glow |

| 6:00 AM | The sun’s rays slowly peek over the horizon, illuminating the temple’s silhouette |

Witnessing this celestial display is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, setting the stage for the remarkable temples that follow.

Guided Tour of Angkor Wat

What happens during the guided tour of Angkor Wat? The tour guide takes visitors on an extensive exploration of the famous temple complex, sharing its rich history and architectural significance.

The tour guide takes visitors on an extensive exploration of the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, sharing its rich history and architectural significance.

Key highlights include:

Detailed explanations of the intricate bas-relief carvings adorning the temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu epics and daily life.
In-depth analysis of the temple’s unique design, including the iconic five-tower structure and the use of sandstone construction.
Insights into the temple’s religious purpose, as it was originally built as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist monastery.

The tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Angkor Wat’s cultural and historical importance, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Breakfast Break at Srah Srang

After visiting the magnificent Angkor Wat, the tour takes a break at Srah Srang, where participants can enjoy a refreshing breakfast.

Srah Srang is a former royal bathing pool, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters. During the break, travelers have an opportunity to recharge, savor local delicacies, and admire the tranquil setting.

The tour guides provide a selection of Cambodian breakfast items, allowing visitors to enjoy the country’s culinary traditions.

This one-hour respite offers a chance to rest, refuel, and prepare for the next temples on the itinerary.

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Visiting Bayon Temple

From Srah Srang, the tour proceeds to the awe-inspiring Bayon Temple. This 12th-century temple is renowned for its giant stone faces, which gaze upon visitors from all directions.

The guided tour highlights:

The temple’s unique architectural style, blending Hindu and Buddhist elements
The intricate carvings and bas-reliefs adorning the temple walls
The opportunity to wander through the temple’s maze-like corridors and discover hidden corners

With the expert guidance, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Bayon’s historical significance and the artistic mastery that went into its construction.

Exploring Ta Prohm Temple

Next, the tour explores the captivating Ta Prohm Temple. This 12th-century temple is renowned for its towering trees that have grown over and through the structures, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. Visitors will marvel at the interplay between nature and human-made architecture.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Architectural Style | Combination of Bayon and Khmer |

| Prominent Features | Iconic trees, moss-covered walls, crumbling structures |

| Highlights | Enormous roots engulfing walls, tranquil atmosphere |

| Tour Duration | Approximately 1.5 hours |

Ta Prohm’s ethereal ambiance and the awe-inspiring integration of nature make it a must-see highlight of the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Celestial Magic During Equinox Celebration

During the Equinox Celebration from March 20-23, 2025, visitors can experience celestial magic at Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples.

This unique event offers a rare opportunity to witness the sun’s alignment with the ancient monuments, creating captivating visual displays.

The experience includes:

Observing the sun’s exact alignment with Angkor Wat’s central tower and other structures during the equinox
Attending special celestial-themed rituals and cultural performances at the temples
Participating in guided meditations and spiritual workshops to deepen the connection with the sacred site

This exceptional event promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to engage with the profound astronomical and spiritual aspects of Angkor Wat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Guests can adjust the itinerary, group size, and pickup time to suit their needs. Additional fees may apply for private group arrangements.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

This tour may not be the most accessible for individuals with disabilities. It’s specifically noted as unsuitable for those with mobility impairments. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate some needs with prior arrangement.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Families?

Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility impairments, so there are no specific family discounts or packages available. However, the tour operator may be willing to discuss special arrangements for larger groups.

What Are the Rules and Restrictions for Photography at the Temples?

Photography is generally allowed, but visitors mustn’t use flash or tripods. Commercial photography requires a permit. Strict guidelines exist to preserve the temples, so it’s essential to follow all rules around photography during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Temples?

The tour can be extended to include additional temples, but this would increase the duration and cost. Travelers should inquire about customization options and pricing if they’d like to visit more sites beyond the standard itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Angkor Wat Sunrise Temple Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magical sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat, explore the magnificent temple complex, and discover the remarkable Bayon and Ta Prohm temples. With an experienced guide, visitors will uncover the intricate carvings, unique structure, and the enchanting interplay of nature and history, making this journey an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: