If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap and want a balanced mix of history, scenery, and authentic experience, a small-group tour of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom could be just what you need. This tour, priced at just $18 per person, offers a detailed look at Cambodia’s most famous temples, combined with the magic of sunset views from Phnom Bakheng. While it’s a budget-friendly option, it’s also packed with value, thanks to knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get the chance to explore some of the largest and most impressive temple complexes with a guided narrative that enriches your visit. Second, the small-group format means more personalized attention and fewer crowds at key sites. Lastly, the sunset at Phnom Bakheng provides a breathtaking finish to a memorable day. The only consideration? Since the temples are large and popular, timing and crowd control are key, especially at Phnom Bakheng, which has a 300-person limit.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural history, appreciate expert guidance, and prefer a relaxed pace without sacrificing major sights. It’s ideal for those seeking an affordable yet authentic glimpse into Angkor’s marvels.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $18, it offers excellent value for a full-day guided experience.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides bring the temples to life with stories and context.
Small-Group Approach: Keeps the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention.
Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat, plus sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
Included Comforts: Transport with air conditioning, hotel transfers, water, towels, and breakfast.
Additional Costs: You’ll need to purchase an Angkor pass ($37) and pay for lunch separately.

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A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

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Convenience and Comfort from the Start

The tour begins with hotel pick-up, ensuring you don’t have to navigate Siem Reap’s busy streets on your own. The vehicle is a comfortable minivan or minibus with air conditioning — a welcome relief after walking around the sites in the heat or humidity. The inclusion of bottled water and towels is a thoughtful touch, especially for a full day of sightseeing.

Visiting Angkor Thom and Its Highlights

Your first stop is the impressive Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Within these ancient walls, your guide will lead you through the labyrinth of ruins, keeping an eye out for the famous Bayon Temple, with its countless smiling stone faces. This site is a must-see for anyone interested in the artistry and symbolism of Khmer architecture.

Next, you’ll explore Ta Prohm, often called the “Tomb Raider” temple after its appearance in the movie. We loved the way the guide described how nature is reclaiming the ruins — giant tree roots wrapping around crumbling stones create an otherworldly atmosphere. Reviewers mention how guides like Sokha know these sites well, sharing stories and taking memorable photos that travelers often cherish long after the trip ends.

Lunch Break: A Chance for Local Flavors

After a morning of exploring, the tour offers a break at a local restaurant within the Angkor complex, where you can sample Cambodian dishes. Vegetarian options are available if you let the team know in advance. This is a nice chance to rest, recharge, and experience local cuisine in a casual setting. It also gives you a brief pause before resuming temple visits.

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The Majestic Angkor Wat

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the world-renowned Angkor Wat. This sprawling temple complex is a photographer’s dream, especially with the soft afternoon light. Your guide will tell you about the temple’s history, architecture, and significance, making your visit more meaningful. Expect to spend some time walking through galleries and admiring the intricate carvings. For many, standing in front of Angkor Wat feels like stepping into a different era.

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Sunset from Phnom Bakheng

The tour culminates with a trip up to Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple offering sweeping views of the surrounding jungle and the Angkor complex. Watching the sunset here is often highlighted as the tour’s highlight — it’s a magical moment as the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink. Be aware that Phnom Bakheng has a 300-person limit at the peak, so arriving early is advisable if you want a good spot.

Why Keep the Group Small?

Limiting the tour to a small number of participants ensures you are not rushed and can enjoy each site at a comfortable pace. This also means more opportunities to ask questions and take photos without jostling with large crowds. Reviewers like Kohei appreciated the detailed explanations from guides like Sokha, who knew the sites inside out and even helped with taking photos.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Pricing and Value

At just $18, the tour offers remarkable value, especially considering the included hotel transfers, guide, water, towels, and breakfast. However, the Angkor pass is an additional $37 per person, which is a standard fee for one-day entry to the temples. While the cost might seem steep, it’s a small price for access to these UNESCO World Heritage sites and the guided insights you’ll gain.

Timing and Duration

The full-day experience is designed to start early and finish around sunset. Being punctual helps maximize your time at each site, particularly at Phnom Bakheng, where the sunset view is a fleeting but breathtaking highlight. The tour is flexible enough to fit into a typical day, leaving you with time afterward to explore Siem Reap independently.

Transportation and Group Size

Comfort is key, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures you remain cool, especially after long, hot walks. The small group model means you won’t be overwhelmed and can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also benefit from personalized attention and the chance to ask detailed questions.

Food and Additional Costs

While breakfast is included, you’ll need to budget for lunch and any soft drinks or souvenirs you might want. The tour provides a good framework, but you’ll want extra cash for meals or additional activities.

What Reviewers Say: Authentic Insights

One reviewer, Kohei, shared that the experience was “wonderful,” with a guide who knew the sites well and took photos for them. He appreciated the “cold water provided in the car,” highlighting the tour’s thoughtful touches. The guide’s detailed explanations helped bring the ruins to life, making the day more engaging and memorable.

Another insight from reviews is the value of the sunset from Phnom Bakheng. Travelers often mention that arriving early is key to securing a good spot, as the limited capacity means it gets crowded quickly. The view, however, is well worth the effort for many visitors.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a cost-effective, guided experience that covers the main temples without feeling rushed. Its small-group format suits those who prefer a more intimate and flexible approach, especially if you’re interested in learning detailed stories behind the ruins. It’s also great for first-timers wanting a rundown, with the bonus of a stunning sunset finale.

If you’re on a budget but still want to see the highlights of Angkor, this tour offers a good balance of price, quality, and authentic experience. However, if you’re looking for in-depth exploration over multiple days or specialized themes, you might want to consider more extensive or private options.

Final Thoughts

This small-group Angkor Wat sunset tour by Pitt Angkor Tour delivers a well-rounded experience that balances affordability with quality. You’ll gain a better understanding of Cambodia’s ancient marvels through expert guides, while enjoying the comfort of air-conditioned transport. The limited group size makes for a personalized, relaxed day, perfect for first-timers or those with a keen interest in history and culture.

The inclusion of breakfast, water, and towels adds value, while the iconic sunset from Phnom Bakheng provides a fitting end to your temple journey. Though the entry fee for the temples is separate, the overall experience justifies the price. For travelers who want a memorable, insightful, and beautifully paced day in Angkor, this tour is an excellent choice.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour in advance? Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Does the tour include transportation? Yes, the tour provides hotel pick-up and drop-off in air-conditioned vehicles.

Are meals included? No, lunch is not included, but a local restaurant break is part of the itinerary. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.

How much is the Angkor pass? The pass costs $37 per person for a one-day entry, which you need to purchase separately.

What is the maximum group size? The tour keeps the group small to ensure quality, though the exact number isn’t specified.

Is there enough time at each site? Yes, the itinerary is designed to allow sufficient time to explore each temple comfortably.

Can I see the sunset from other locations? Yes, Phnom Bakheng is popular for sunset, but arriving early is advised due to capacity limits.

In all, this tour is a fantastic way to see the highlights of Angkor in a relaxed, guided setting, with just enough structure to keep things efficient and fun. Whether you’re a history buff or a first-time visitor, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of Cambodia’s incredible past.