Experience the World from Above: A Scenic Flight Over Angkor and Tonle Sap

Travelers heading to Siem Reap looking to see Cambodia’s iconic sights from a fresh perspective will find this scenic flight tour to be a memorable addition to their itinerary. While we haven’t personally flown over these historic sites, reviews highlight it as an exceptional way to appreciate their scale and beauty beyond the ground. This experience combines the thrill of flying in a small aircraft with the chance to see ancient temples, floating villages, and lush lakes from above.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—offering several flight options tailored to your interests—and the intimacy of flying in a lightweight aircraft with a licensed pilot. The stunning aerial views of Angkor Wat are a must-see for any architecture or history enthusiast, and the chance to see Tonle Sap Lake and its floating communities from above adds a whole new dimension to your cultural understanding. A potential snag might be the weather, as flights could be postponed or canceled if conditions aren’t ideal. But for those craving a unique adventure, especially with a love of scenery and photography, this tour promises a memorable experience.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, are comfortable in small aircraft, and want a personalized touch to their sightseeing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a different way to explore Cambodia’s most famous sights, this scenic flight offers an exclusive, memorable perspective.

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Key Points

Unique aerial perspective of Angkor temples, Tonle Sap Lake, and floating villages
Multiple flight options ranging from 20 minutes to 1 hour, customizable to your interests
Small, private aircraft with a knowledgeable pilot ensures a personalized experience
Includes pick-up and transportation, making it easy to integrate into your day
Great for photography, thanks to unobstructed views from above
Weather-dependent, with possible cancellations or delays

Discovering Angkor from the Sky

The main appeal of this scenic flight is the chance to see the famous Angkor Wat complex from a perspective few travelers get to experience. You’ll fly in a light, two-seat ultra-light airplane, which offers an intimate and unobstructed view of the sprawling temple grounds. The pilot, licensed and experienced, guides the flight, ensuring safety while pointing out notable temples and landmarks.

Looking for more options in Siem Reap? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Option I: 20 minutes over Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Villages
This quick but rewarding flight takes you over the lake and floating villages, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s unique water-based communities. You’ll see Phnom Krom, a hilltop temple with panoramic views, and the floating villages, where houses, markets, and schools float on the lake’s surface. Reviewers have noted that these views are particularly striking, especially with the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.

Option II: 20-minute flight over Rolous Group
This option offers a more cultural perspective, flying over the Rolous Group of ancient temples—Bakong, Lolei, and Preah Ko. These sites are considered the earliest formalized Khmer temple complexes, and flying above them reveals their layout and scale in a way that ground tours can’t match.

Option III: 30 minutes over Temples and Angkor Wat
This more comprehensive route combines the temples of Rolous with the northern temples, including an aerial view of Angkor Wat. Travelers love how this route balances cultural significance with the breathtaking scale of the ruins, seeing them in a way that highlights their grandeur.

Option IV: 1-hour flight combining Temples and Tonle Sap Lake
The most extensive flight, this includes Phnom Krom, two floating villages, the Rolous Group, northern temples, and Angkor Wat—all in one seamless journey. It’s perfect for those who want a broad overview and an unforgettable bird’s-eye experience.

What to Expect During the Flight

Flights are scheduled with flexibility, allowing you to choose your preferred length and focus. The ultra-light aircraft is small but safe, with a licensed pilot at the controls. During the flight, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views, ideal for photography and simply taking in the vastness of Cambodia’s landscapes and ancient monuments.

Reviewers have praised the pilot’s professionalism and friendly demeanor, noting that clear safety instructions and a calm flying style made the experience smooth and enjoyable. The small aircraft means you’re close to the scenery, making it feel more like flying with a friend than being in a commercial plane.

Transportation and Practical Details

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics. Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making your journey to and from the airfield comfortable. You should plan for around 20 minutes to an hour of flight time, depending on your selected option.

The price, at $78, is quite reasonable considering the personalized nature of the experience and the stunning views included. It’s a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a different perspective on Cambodia’s famed landmarks—especially as the entire experience includes the convenience of transportation, which often isn’t included in similar aerial tours.

What the Reviews Say

Travelers have consistently given this experience a perfect rating of 5 out of 5. One reviewer mentioned, “We would highly recommend Green Era, José and the team of guides and drivers,” emphasizing the professionalism and personalized service. Another review appreciated the “astonishing” views and the attention to safety, especially noting the pilot’s knowledgeable guidance.

Reviewers also loved the chance to see floating villages from above, describing it as a “rare perspective” that makes you appreciate how communities adapt to their environment. Many found it a “great complement” to ground tours, offering a new appreciation for the scale and layout of Angkor and the surrounding landscape.

There's plenty more to explore in Siem Reap

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This scenic flight is perfect for adventure-seeking culture lovers who want to see Cambodia’s highlights from above. It’s ideal for photographers and history buffs eager to capture sweeping views. Also, travelers who appreciate tailored experiences and don’t mind small aircraft will find this a memorable addition.

However, if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer larger aircraft, this might not be your best choice. Weather can also be a factor—flights are subject to suitable conditions, and cancellations are possible if the weather turns adverse.

The Sum Up

Aerial sightseeing over Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, and floating villages offers a perspective that ground-based tours can’t replicate. With multiple flight options, personalized service, and stunning views, this experience stands out as a bucket-list-worthy activity in Siem Reap. The small aircraft and knowledgeable pilot ensure a safe, intimate, and visually spectacular journey.

This tour provides exceptional value for those wanting an unforgettable view of Cambodia’s iconic sights. It’s especially suited for travelers who love photography, cultural exploration, and unique experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing.

If you’re craving a fresh perspective on Cambodia’s scenery and history, this scenic flight is an excellent choice—just keep an eye on the weather and be ready for an adventure in the skies.

FAQ

How long does the scenic flight last?
Flights range from about 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your chosen option. You can customize your experience for a quick overview or a more comprehensive flight.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to fit into your day without extra planning.

What aircraft is used for the flight?
You’ll fly in a 2-person ultra-light aircraft, which is small, agile, and offers excellent visibility for sightseeing.

Can I choose the flight duration?
Absolutely. There are four options, from 20-minute flights over Tonle Sap Lake to a full hour covering multiple sites.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, travelers must be at least 12 years old. All passengers are expected to follow pilot instructions for safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dress comfortably, and consider a hat for sun protection during ground transport.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be postponed or canceled, with a full refund offered.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children 12+ can participate, but they should be accompanied by an adult and be comfortable in small aircraft.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $78, which includes transportation and the scenic flight. It’s a reasonable price for such a personalized and memorable experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for your trip plans.

In summary, this scenic flight from Siem Reap offers an exceptional way to see Cambodia’s most iconic sights from a completely new angle. With multiple options, professional pilots, and a convenient package, it is well worth considering for your Cambodia adventure.