Private: Grand Circuit Full Day Tour Sunset at Bakeng Mountain

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap and want to maximize your time at Angkor without the hassle of coordinating transport and guides yourself, then the Private Grand Circuit Full Day Tour might be just the ticket. This carefully curated experience aims to hit the major highlights—plus some lesser-visited gems—culminating in a stunning sunset view from Bakeng Mountain.

What sets this tour apart? First, it offers personalized attention with a dedicated guide, making it easier to absorb the stories behind each temple. Second, the tuk-tuk ride provides a fun, breezy way to move between sites — especially on a hot day. Lastly, the inclusion of the sunset at Bakeng Mountain is a highlight, offering a memorable end to a full day of exploring.

A potential consideration is that entry tickets for temples are not included in the price, meaning you’ll need to budget for those separately. Also, given the 8-hour schedule and a fair amount of walking and climbing, this tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness and comfortable footwear.

If you love uncovering hidden corners, enjoy guided insights, and want to see Angkor’s major sites with less hassle, this tour could be a perfect fit. Now, let’s break down what makes this experience worthwhile—and where it might fall short.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering both popular and lesser-known temples.
• Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Siem Reap hotel.
• Expert English-speaking guide enhances understanding of Angkor’s history.
• Inclusions include a tuk-tuk ride and cool bottled water.
• Entry tickets are separate, so budget accordingly.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a full-day, personalized tour with sunset views.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour kicks off early at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup arranged for your convenience — no need to navigate Siem Reap’s busy streets or worry about transport. From there, your tuk-tuk whisks you through the ancient landscape, with an enthusiastic guide sharing tidbits about each site.

First Stop: Neak Pean

Neak Pean is one of the standout spots on this tour. This temple, perched at the center of the Jayatataka baray built by King Jayavarman VII, was once considered a place of healing. It’s a serene spot, with a moat surrounding an island featuring a small, square pond that offers a peaceful setting for reflection. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of Neak Pean, painting a vivid picture of its role in ancient pilgrimage rituals. Some guests mentioned that this site initially seemed modest, but it’s the history and atmosphere that make it memorable.

Second Stop: Preah Khan and Others

Following Neak Pean, the tour weaves through other significant temples like Preah Khan, Ta Som, and Ta Keo, as well as Pre Rup. These sites vary from grand and intricate to more atmospheric and less crowded, giving a well-rounded glimpse of Angkor’s architectural diversity. Particularly, Pre Rup’s stepped pyramid and the carvings are impressive, and the guide’s insights make the visit more meaningful.

The Bonus: Lesser-Visited Temples

Many travelers appreciate this tour’s focus on sites that are often skipped in larger groups, like Neak Pean and some of the smaller temples. These quieter spots let you breathe and soak in the ancient ambiance without the crowds.

The Final Stop: Phnom Bakheng

As the afternoon wanes, the tour heads to Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple built in the late 9th century. Here, you’ll have the chance to witness a spectacular sunset over Angkor Wat. From the hill, the view of the sprawling temple complex and the surrounding jungle makes for unforgettable photos. Reviewers mentioned that the climb to Phnom Bakheng is quite manageable, but comfortable shoes are recommended, especially as the heat can be intense during the day.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers consistently praise guides like Saroon for their friendliness and deep understanding of Angkor’s history. Saroon’s early arrival and engaging storytelling set the tone for a memorable day. The guide enhances the experience by explaining the significance of each temple, making the ruins come alive with stories of kings, gods, and pilgrimages.

Stunning Temple Views and Sunset: The sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng is a crowd favorite. The guide’s timing allows you to beat some of the crowds, giving you a fantastic vantage point as the sky turns fiery. Many reviewers highlighted that this was the perfect way to conclude the day.

Comfort and Convenience: The inclusion of hotel pickup and a tuk-tuk transport means you can relax and focus on the sights. The provision of cold bottled water keeps you hydrated under the heat, which many found to be a thoughtful touch.

Flexibility and Privacy: Since this is a private tour, it’s tailored to your interests and pace. Guests appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and explore at their own comfort level.

What to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers excellent value, a few considerations might influence your decision. The entry tickets are not included, so you’ll need to purchase a $37 one-day pass (or consider multi-day tickets if you’re planning to stay longer). This extra expense can add up but is standard across Angkor visits.

The 8-hour schedule involves some walking, climbing, and exposure to the sun, so comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are essential. Tour reviews noted that lightweight cotton clothes are best, especially outside the cooler months of November through January.

Finally, while the tour covers many sites, the focus on a sunset at Phnom Bakheng means some of Angkor’s most famous temples like Bayon or Angkor Thom are not on this route. If those are your must-see, consider supplementing this experience with other tours.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The entire day is designed to balance sightseeing with learning. The tuk-tuk provides a breezy ride between temples, letting you enjoy the scenery and avoid the fatigue of walking long distances. The guide’s historical anecdotes make the ruins more meaningful — for example, learning that Neak Pean was a site for healing pilgrims adds a layer of understanding that elevates the visit beyond just sightseeing.

The inclusion of lesser-visited spots like Neak Pean often surprises travelers, as it offers a quieter, more reflective experience. One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s early arrival and friendly attitude made the whole day more enjoyable, creating a relaxed atmosphere that encouraged questions and curiosity.

The sunset at Phnom Bakheng is the highlight for many. The guide smartly plans the timing so you’re not rushed, and the view, especially at dusk, is breathtaking. Many guests noted that they appreciated the combination of history, scenic vistas, and the chance to relax after a full day of exploring.

The tour’s private nature means you can customize slightly if needed — whether you want to spend more time at a favorite site or skip a less-interesting one. This flexibility adds to the experience’s overall value.

The Value of This Tour

At $110 per person, this full-day private tour offers great value considering the personalized attention, expert guidance, and comprehensive itinerary. The cost doesn’t include entrance fees, but those are a standard expense for any Angkor visit, and the experience’s quality justifies the extra spend.

Compared to larger group tours, this private experience ensures you avoid the crowds, and the guide’s insights make each site more meaningful. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want a relaxed pace, expert explanations, and stunning sunset views to cap off the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a broad range of Angkor temples in one day without the hassle of self-guided planning. The private format suits those seeking a more personalized, flexible experience, especially if you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple.

It’s perfect for those who value knowledgeable guides and authentic stories behind the ruins, rather than just ticking off checklist sites. If you enjoy scenic vistas and sunset views, the final stop at Bakeng Mountain makes this tour particularly memorable.

However, those with limited mobility or who prefer more relaxed sightseeing might find the day’s pace demanding. Likewise, if your main focus is exploring Angkor Thom or Angkor Wat’s iconic central temples, you may want to look at additional or alternative tours.

FAQs

Do I need to book my temple tickets separately?
Yes, the tour price does not include temple entry tickets. You will need to purchase your own pass, with prices starting at $37 for a single day.

Is hotel pickup available?
Absolutely. The tour includes hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Siem Reap hotel.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and concluding with the sunset at Bakeng Mountain.

What’s included in the price?
You get a private guide, tuk-tuk transportation, and cool bottled water. Entry tickets and tips are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. The visit involves some walking and climbing, especially at Phnom Bakheng.

Can I customize the schedule?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide beforehand for a more tailored experience.

What should I wear?
Light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire suitable for temple visits are recommended.

Is the sunset at Bakeng Mountain worth it?
Most guests find the sunset spectacular, offering incredible views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding jungle, making it a memorable finish to the day.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to see a varied selection of Angkor’s temples without the stress of planning, this Private Grand Circuit Full Day Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and convenience. The guided commentary enhances the experience, turning ruins into stories, and the sunset at Bakeng Mountain provides a fitting highlight.

It’s especially suited for those who enjoy personalized service, authentic insights, and scenic vistas. While the extra costs for temple tickets and some walking should be considered, the overall value and memorable moments make this tour a strong choice for an immersive day in Angkor.

If you’re looking for a full day of engaging, hassle-free sightseeing with a stunning sunset finale, this tour ticks all the boxes.