One of the most recommended experiences to not miss in Cambodia is the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour. Let’s explore them one by one in this guide!
Angkor Wat, the jewel of Cambodia, is not only the largest religious monument in the world but also one of the most awe-inspiring. Witnessing the temple complex bathed in the soft hues of dawn is a transformative experience, making the sunrise tour a must-do for any traveler to Siem Reap.
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Getting There: Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
- By Tuk-Tuk: Most visitors opt for this authentic Cambodian mode of transportation. Book the previous day, and expect to pay between $15-20 for a round trip. The tuk-tuk will pick you up from your accommodation.
- By Bicycle: Renting a bike is an eco-friendly way to explore, but remember the temple complex is vast, so plan your energy accordingly.
- By Tour Bus: Several tour operators offer guided bus tours, which include commentary, breakfast, and transportation.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap for the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
Siem Reap, being the gateway to the Angkor temples, has a diverse range of accommodations suited for every type of traveler. If you’re planning on catching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, consider the following types and specific recommendations:
1. Luxury Resorts:
For travelers looking for comfort, spa treatments, and world-class amenities.
- Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor: A luxurious resort nestled in lush greenery, offering spacious suites and an oasis-like pool. It’s located by the river, providing a tranquil setting.
- Park Hyatt Siem Reap: Located in the heart of Siem Reap, this resort offers modern comforts, a beautiful pool, and easy access to both the temples and the city’s nightlife.
2. Boutique Hotels:
Unique, intimate hotels often with personalized services.
- Shinta Mani Shack: A chic boutique hotel with a mix of modern design and traditional Khmer influence. It boasts beautiful gardens and a relaxing pool area.
- Viroth’s Hotel: Located in the vibrant Wat Bo area, this hotel offers stylish rooms, a vertical garden, and a tranquil pool setting.
3. Budget Guesthouses & Hostels:
For backpackers and those on a budget.
- Onederz Hostel: Popular among young travelers, it offers clean dormitories, private rooms, and a rooftop pool. It’s also centrally located.
- Lub d Cambodia Siem Reap: A modern hostel with a range of room options, from shared dorms to private twin rooms. It has a large pool and is in proximity to the Night Market.
4. Bed & Breakfasts:
Homely accommodations with a personal touch.
- Golden Mango Inn: A family-run B&B with friendly service, offering a serene garden and pool area.
- The Rose Apple Boutique Bed & Breakfast: A small-scale B&B with a lovely pool, offering a calm escape from the city bustle.
5. Hotels near Angkor Wat:
For those who want to be as close as possible to the temple complex.
- Amansara: Once a guesthouse for King Sihanouk, it offers suites with a minimalist, monastic design. It’s very close to the entrance of Angkor Wat, making those early morning trips even easier.
- Heritage Suites Hotel: Located a bit away from the city’s hustle, this hotel provides a peaceful setting and is closer to the temple complex than most city hotels.
Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 (1291 reviews)
Activity provider: Journey Cambodia
About the Tour:
Duration: 8 hours
Language: English-guided tour
Inclusions:
- Tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Visit to Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, and Bayon temple
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water and cool towel
- 1-day temple pass (additional cost: US$ 37 per person)
- Breakfast (available for purchase at a local restaurant)
Description:
Embark on a mesmerizing day trip, diving deep into the enchanting history of the world’s largest temple complex, Angkor Wat. Experience the captivating allure of the sun rising over the iconic temple, casting its shadow and revealing the intricacies of the ancient structure.
Start your day with a convenient hotel pick-up in Siem Reap, transporting you directly to the majestic Angkor Wat. As day breaks, witness the temple and its spires come alive under the gentle hues of dawn. Dive deeper into the temple’s history with the tales and legends narrated by your knowledgeable guide. Explore the vast corridors, central chambers, and upper terraces, gaining insight into life during the Khmer Empire’s zenith.
The journey continues to Angkor Thom City and the mystical Bayon Temple. As the afternoon unfolds, immerse yourself in the ambiance of the jungle-clad Ta Prohm, often hailed as the most atmospheric of all Angkor temples.
Return to your accommodation in Siem Reap, reminiscing on the memories crafted throughout the day.
Pricing:
- Adults (Age 12-99): Click here for prices
- Children (Age 5-11): Click here for prices
- Infant (Age 4 and younger): Click here for prices
Important Information:
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes and clothes
Not allowed:
- Short skirts
Additional Notes:
- An extra charge of $37 for the Angkor Pass is payable on the tour day.
- You can purchase breakfast at local restaurants near the temples.
- When visiting the temples, covering your knees and shoulders is mandatory.
- Ensure reconfirmation with the local tour operator if there are any travel schedule changes.
Reserve your spot:
Experience the grandeur of Angkor Wat in its full glory. Secure your spot today and journey through history with each step.
Day/Multi-day: This is a day trip.
From Siem Reap: 2-Day Small Group Temples Sunrise Tour
Rating: ★★★★★ 4.9/5 (476 reviews)
Activity provider: Journey Cambodia
About the Tour:
Duration: 8 hours each day, spanning over 2 days
Language: English-guided tour
Inclusions:
- Tour guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water and cool towel
- Temples entry pass (2-3 day pass is $62 per person)
- Meals
Description:
This 2-day immersive tour takes you on a journey to Siem Reap’s finest temples, allowing you to experience both the grandeur of Angkor Wat at sunrise and the intricacy of lesser-known temples.
Day 1 – Banteay Srei Temples and Grand Circuit Temple
Embark on your two-day adventure with a morning pick-up from your hotel. First, explore the Hindu Temple of Pre Rup, known for its distinctive combination of laterite and sandstone. Journey onward to Banteay Srei, an intricately-carved temple that stands testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Cambodia.
The day’s journey leads you to the Neak Pean Buddhist temple, uniquely situated on an artificial island, and the awe-inspiring Preah Khan temple, a blend of nature and architecture, currently undergoing restoration by the World Monument Fund. Wrap up your day returning to Siem Reap, carrying memories of these architectural marvels.
Day 2 – Temples of Angkor with Sunrise
Start your day before dawn, setting out to capture the ethereal beauty of sunrise over Angkor Wat. Spend a good 2 hours within this ancient masterpiece, understanding its detailed carvings and stories with the guidance of your expert. Post the temple visit, enjoy a breakfast in the temple’s vicinity.
The day continues with a visit to the iconic Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, the fortified city of Angkor Thom, and the mystic terraces of the Leper King and Elephants. Conclude with the atmospheric Ta Prohm, once a monastery for thousands. By early afternoon, around 1:30 PM, you will be back at your hotel.
Important Information:
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Insect repellent
Not allowed:
- Shorts
- Luggage or large bags
- Feeding animals
Additional Notes:
- It’s mandatory to cover your knees and shoulders during temple visits.
- Kindly reconfirm with the local tour operator for any schedule changes or specifics about the departure times and locations.
Reserve your spot:
Embrace the grandeur of Siem Reap’s iconic temples over two enlightening days. Book today for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day/Multi-day: This is a multi-day trip.
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise Tour
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 (994 reviews)
Activity provider: Angkor Wat Travel Tour
About the Tour:
Duration: 8 hours
Language: English-guided tour
Inclusions:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking tour guide
- Cold water and cold towel
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Siem Reap city area
- All entrance tickets
- Food
Description:
Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the iconic Angkor Wat, a moment that will undoubtedly be etched in your memory. Embark on this journey before the rush, capturing breathtaking views and photos of this ancient wonder.
Your journey commences with an early hotel pickup at 4:30 AM. Begin your exploration at Angkor Wat’s main entrance, awaiting the beautiful sunrise. Following this, traverse to the Angkor Thom’s South Gate, experiencing the grandeur of the Bayon and Baphoun temples, adorned with countless faces of Buddhisatva Avalokesvara.
Post a re-energizing lunch, delve into the history of the Terrace of the Elephant and the Terrace of the Leper King, integral parts of the kingdom’s past. Dive into the captivating Ta Prohm Temple, a masterpiece of architecture and nature, with trees intertwining through its stones.
Conclude your expedition with a visit to Banteay Kdei temple, a late 12th-century marvel, before returning to the comforts of your Siem Reap hotel.
Important Information:
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Comfortable clothes
Not allowed:
- Unaccompanied minors
Additional Notes:
- Please ensure your timely presence in the hotel lobby, 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup.
- All children should be accompanied by an adult.
- The tour can accommodate a maximum of 10 travelers.
- Tour starts sharp at 4:30 AM.
Secure Your Place:
A date with history, culture, and nature all at once. Don’t miss out on this splendid sunrise experience at Angkor Wat.
Day/Multi-day: This is a day trip.
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise Guided Day Tour
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 (130 reviews)
Activity provider: Siem Reap Experiences
About the Tour:
Duration: 8 – 9 hours
Language: English-guided tour
Inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned Minibus
- English-speaking tour guide
- Exploration of 5 different temples
- Chilled bottled water
Description:
Delve into the majestic realm of Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Begin your enlightening journey with a picturesque sunrise over the world’s largest temple. This early start promises cooler temperatures and a more intimate experience, away from the throngs of tourists.
After acquiring your temple pass, either purchased online in advance or at the ticket office post-pickup, your exploration commences. Alongside Angkor Wat, marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Thom, the iconic jungle temple, and Bayon, famed for its enigmatic smiling faces. Further enrich your experience with visits to lesser-known yet equally captivating temples such as Banteay Kdei, the unrestored Buddhist temple, and Ta Keo, a mountain temple dating back to the 10th century.
Guided by an expert with over a decade of experience, this tour promises an unparalleled journey through time, weaving between the tales of ancient civilizations and the resonances of modern-day Cambodia.
Important Information:
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- A fully charged Smartphone
Not allowed:
- Shorts
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
- Alcohol and drugs
Additional Notes:
- Anticipate your pickup 30 minutes prior to the tour’s commencement.
- Purchase your temple pass through the official website: https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/
Reserve Your Spot:
A rendezvous with history awaits. Secure your place for this immersive experience in the heart of Cambodia.
Day/Multi-day: This is a day trip.
Angkor Wat: Full-Day Sunrise Private Tour with Guide
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5 (43 reviews)
Activity provider: Angkor Wat Travel Tour
About the Tour:
Duration: 8 hours
Language: English-guided private tour
Inclusions:
- Personal hotel pickup and drop-off
- Expert local tour guide
- Refreshing cold water and towel
- Entry ticket fee
- Meals (breakfast and lunch)
Description:
Embark on a personalized, private tour of the illustrious Angkor Wat. Witness a surreal sunrise over the iconic temple and navigate the serene complex before it’s bustling with tourists. An adept local guide will escort you, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of Cambodian culture, arts, and history.
Commence with a prompt hotel pickup, then experience the magic of dawn over Angkor Wat. Continue your journey with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, encompassing the iconic Bayon and Baphoun temples, renowned for their historical and architectural significance.
Post-lunch (included), revel in the grandeur of both the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Then, delve into the verdant embrace of Ta Prohm Temple, famed as the “jungle temple”, where nature and architecture meld in a mesmerizing dance.
Conclude your day with the mystical Banteay Kdei, a testament to King Jayavarman VII’s architectural prowess, before safely returning to your Siem Reap abode.
Important Information:
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
- Suitable attire for temple visit
Not allowed:
- Unaccompanied minors
Additional Notes:
- Be ready for pickup in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Look for the driver with a sign displaying your last name.
Book Your Private Experience:
Journey through time and heritage. Embark on an exclusive, private tour and unlock the secrets of the majestic Angkor Wat.
Type: This is a private day trip.
Tips on Your on Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist season (November to February), accommodations can fill up quickly.
- Check for Sunrise Tour Packages: Some hotels and guesthouses might offer tour packages which include transportation to Angkor Wat for the sunrise.
- Location: Staying near the city center (around Pub Street) will give you easier access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife. However, if your primary goal is the Angkor Wat sunrise, consider accommodations closer to the temple complex.
Siem Reap has a vast array of lodging options. Whether you’re after luxury, charm, budget-friendliness, or proximity to Angkor Wat, you’ll find a place that suits your needs and enhances your sunrise tour experience.
Before the Tour on Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
- Tickets: Ensure you purchase your entrance ticket a day in advance. There are often long queues in the early morning. Passes are available for one day, three days, or seven days. Keep this ticket safe; you’ll need to show it at various points.
- Dress Appropriately: Angkor Wat is a sacred site. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Pack: Bring a flashlight or a headlamp, a camera, some snacks, water, mosquito repellent, and a light jacket (it can be chilly in the morning).
Guided or Solo – Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
- Guided Tours: Offer in-depth insights about the history, architecture, and significance of the structures. They will also help navigate the huge temple complex.
- Solo Tours: Best for those who want to explore at their own pace. However, it’s recommended to read up on Angkor Wat or hire a guidebook to appreciate the monument fully.
Tips & Tricks on Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
- Crowds: It’s a popular tour, so be prepared for crowds. However, the shared experience of awe can be quite unifying.
- Best Time to Visit: The wet season (July-October) can be cloudy, but the lush surroundings are a bonus. The dry season (November-April) ensures a clear sky but expect more tourists.
- Alternative Sunrise Spots: If you wish to avoid crowds, lesser-known temples like Phnom Bakheng and Sra Srang also offer splendid sunrise views.
Final Thoughts on Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
Experiencing Angkor Wat at sunrise is like traveling back in time. As the day breaks and the first rays illuminate the temple’s intricate architecture, it’s impossible not to feel a profound connection to the past and the devotion that led to the creation of such a masterpiece. This memory isn’t just for your photo album; it’s for the soul. Make sure to give yourself a moment amidst the photography and exploration to just breathe, take it all in, and marvel at human dedication and artistry.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.