Angkor Wat plus Helicopter ride with Khmer Lunch

Discovering Angkor Wat from a New Perspective: The Full-Day Helicopter and Temple Tour

Travelers seeking a blend of adventure and culture will find this Angkor Wat plus helicopter ride with Khmer lunch a compelling choice. It combines the thrill of soaring above the ancient temples with the richness of exploring them up close, all wrapped in a well-organized, private tour that offers great value for its price.

What sets this experience apart? First, the 20-minute helicopter flight offers an awe-inspiring view of sprawling Angkor’s temples, jungle, and rice paddies — a perspective few visitors get to enjoy. Second, the comprehensive guided explorations of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm ensure you get meaningful insights and memorable photographs. Lastly, the Khmer lunch adds a tasty local flavor to the day, rounding out an authentic experience.

However, one consideration is that this tour’s 6 to 7-hour duration and the helicopter component may not suit all travelers, especially those wary of flights or with limited mobility. Still, for those who love a mix of adventure and culture, this activity is perfect—especially if you’re keen to see the famed Angkor complex in a uniquely expansive way.

This tour is particularly well-suited for history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those wanting a little extra thrill on their Cambodia trip.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Angkor make this tour unique and memorable.
• Expert guides provide detailed insights and help you appreciate the significance of each temple.
• Convenient hotel transfers and transport allow a stress-free experience.
• All-inclusive pricing covers entrance fees, flight, and lunch, offering good value.
• Limited group size and private options enhance the experience’s intimacy and flexibility.
• Weather conditions can influence the helicopter ride; safety is prioritized.

Aerial View of Angkor: The Helicopter Experience

Starting your day with a 20-minute helicopter flight is undoubtedly the highlight. As you lift off from Siem Reap Military Airport, you’ll feel the initial thrill of flying, but it’s the views that truly captivate. From your window, you’ll see the sprawling ruins of Angkor Wat, its iconic silhouette surrounded by lush jungle and patchwork rice fields.

Travelers have described the experience as “incredible” and “a perfect introduction” to the scale of Angkor. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the temples looked from above, all laid out like a giant puzzle.” The shared helicopter ride also offers a good sense of space and camaraderie, though private options are available if you prefer a more exclusive experience.

This aerial perspective is invaluable for understanding the sheer size of Angkor, especially the enclosure walls measuring 1,000 by 800 meters and the surrounding moat, which is supposed to represent the oceans of the world. It’s a fantastic way to orient yourself before delving into the temples on foot.

Exploring Angkor Wat and the Temples

After the sky-high view, your guide will navigate you through the dense, mysterious ruins of Angkor Wat, built between 1113-1150 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the star of Cambodia’s archaeological treasures—its symmetrical layout, imposing central towers, and longest continuous bas relief make it an architectural marvel.

Expect a detailed narration of its significance, construction, and symbolism. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was “very proficient with archaeological understanding,” which enriched their visit. You’ll walk along the outer gallery walls, viewing intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology, and explore the central quincunx of towers, representing Mount Meru.

Next, the tour moves to Angkor Thom, a sprawling complex enclosed by 8-meter-high walls. Here, you’ll cross the South Gate, famously lined with gods and demons statues, and arrive at the Bayon Temple with its 200 smiling faces. This site is often described as “the most joyful and enigmatic of all temples,” and you’ll find it easy to snap photos of the countless serene faces.

The visit to Ta Prohm offers a slightly different vibe. This temple, built as a residence for King Jayavarman VII’s mother, has been left largely to the jungle, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene with trees growing out of stone structures. Expect to feel like an explorer or even an Indiana Jones character as you navigate the fallen pillars and giant roots.

Practical Details and Comfort

Transportation is smooth and air-conditioned, ensuring you stay comfortable even in the heat. Hotel pickup begins around 8 am, and the day’s schedule is tightly organized, with timings designed to give each site proper attention without feeling rushed.

The lunch served during the tour is a well-curated Khmer meal, providing a taste of local cuisine. This adds value, especially considering the full-day nature of the experience. Bottled water is supplied, and entrance fees to all the major sites are included in the package.

The tour’s duration—6 to 7 hours—strikes a balance between coverage and pacing, giving enough time to appreciate each monument’s details. The group size is typically private or small, which enhances the experience, allowing for more personalized attention and photos.

The Value of This Experience

At $899 per person, this tour might seem steep at first glance. But when you break down what’s included—helicopter flight, private transport, guided tours, entrance fees, and a Khmer lunch—it becomes clear it offers considerable value for a premium experience.

The helicopter ride alone is a highlight that most standard tours cannot offer, giving you a perspective few get in a lifetime. Coupled with the guided, in-depth exploration of iconic temples, the cost becomes justifiable for travelers seeking to combine adventure with cultural discovery.

What the Reviews Say

While the tour only has one formal review on the platform, it’s glowing. The guide, Mr. Sokvichet Chin, is praised for his archaeological know-how and photography skills, which suggests you’ll be in good hands. His ability to capture “amazing shots” at the locations indicates that the guide not only explains but also helps you see the sites through a more artistic lens.

The review also highlights that the tour was “without doubt the best run” they had experienced, emphasizing well-coordinated logistics and attentive guiding. This reassures future travelers about the professionalism and quality of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Angkor tour is more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a multi-sensory adventure that combines the thrill of flying with the wonder of ancient architecture. The aerial view provides a broad, breathtaking perspective, while the guided temple visits offer depth and context not to be missed.

The inclusion of a Khmer lunch and hotel transfers makes for a smooth, hassle-free day, perfect for travelers who want the most out of their Siem Reap visit without the stress of organizing logistics themselves.

If you’re eager to see Angkor in a distinctive way, enjoy stunning vistas, and get expert insights, this tour is a top-tier option. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a blend of adventure, culture, and comfort in their travel experiences.

FAQs

Is the helicopter ride shared or private?
The tour offers both options, but the included ride is a 20-minute shared flight, allowing a group experience with others.

What does the helicopter flight include?
It’s a 20-minute aerial tour over Angkor Wat and the surrounding landscape, providing panoramic views of the temples, jungles, and rice paddies.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour price covers all major entrance fees for Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm.

What should I wear during the tour?
Light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable shoes for walking through the temples. A hat and sunscreen are advisable for sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed to join, but they must be accompanied by an adult during the helicopter flight. The tour is designed for those with moderate physical fitness.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The helicopter ride is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the flight may be canceled, and a full refund will be provided for that part of the experience.

How early should I book?
Since the tour includes a helicopter flight, which requires scheduling and safety considerations, booking in advance is highly recommended.

Can I customize the tour?
As a private experience, it can be tailored based on your interests and preferences, so communicate your needs with the provider beforehand.

The Sum Up

This combined Angkor Wat and helicopter tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting to see Cambodia’s iconic temples from a fresh vantage point while enjoying expert-guided insights and local cuisine. While the price may seem high, the inclusion of the helicopter flight and all logistics makes it a well-rounded, memorable experience.

Ideal for those who cherish unique perspectives and memorable stories to tell, this tour transforms a standard temple visit into an extraordinary adventure. Whether you’re an avid photographer, history buff, or thrill-seeker, it promises a day full of awe and discovery.