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Travel bucket list idea:

Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, Northwestern Region, Cambodia

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Bucket List Experience
View of temple turrets appearing out of the rainforest
Last updated: 16 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

The stupendous temple city of Angkor Wat is just one of many ancient Khmer ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Archaeological Park, yet it’s the best known, most captivating, and the one most Siem Reap visitors, young and old, come to see.

Whether you tour independently or with a guide, by remork (tuk-tuk) or bicycle, exploring Angkor Wat can be an Indiana Jones-style adventure through the jungle that will leave you sweaty and exhausted, but satisfied.

Logistics

Price from: £28
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

While tours are readily available, independent-minded visitors will prefer to visit the ruins on their own. To do so, secure a remork (tuk-tuk) driver for the day to transport you to and from the site. Maps and passes are available at the checkpoint office near the park entrance.

If you want a guide, the top hotels usually provide a driver and vetted guide as part of the package – a better option than seeking out a guide independently.

To claim the best spots for sunrise viewing, ensure you rise by 4.30am to join the 5am procession of remorks, which buzz along the dark road to Angkor Wat. Or savour golden sunsets over Angkor Wat from the back of an elephant after a bumpy 15-minute ride up the steep hill through thick vegetation to the temple of Phnom Bakheng.

If visiting Angkor Wat all day, break for lunch during the hottest part of the day at Angkor Café or Chez Sophea, opposite the ruins.

When to do it

The archaeological park is open all year round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Visit for sunrise, with everyone else: it’s worth it for the photos. Then stay on; tour groups leave for breakfast, so the site’s yours. The cooler, drier months (November-March) are best.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Guide from Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Small-Group Explore Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour with Guide from Siem Reap
Discover UNESCO World Heritage and Cambodia’s most famous touristic attraction. Embark with this private small group tours (maximum 13 persons) which will allow you to share not only your sightseeing experience but also sharing travel cost when visiting Angkor Wat Temples. Admire the stunning sunrise from the main entrance of the Angkor Wat and let our English-speaking guide leads you to discover interesting facts and figures about the ancient temples. Our expert guides are extremely knowledgeable about the attractions in Cambodia, as well as hidden gems and local stories that’ll give you a better in-depth understanding of Cambodia. They are also experienced in avoiding crowds, heat and taking great photographs.

Price: $19

Min age: 4

Rating 4.97 / 5 [5370 ratings]

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Sunrise Small-Group Tour of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Sunrise Small-Group Tour of Angkor Wat from Siem Reap
Early start and spend the most beautiful morning at Angkor Wat with amazing sunrise view. Avoid the crowd as possible this 8 hours visit the most beautiful temples in Angkor complex including Angkor Wat, Southgate of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple - see beautifully crafted central towers covered in more than 200 enormous faces and exploring the maze-like interior of Ta Prohm Temple. Join this top-rate small group tour with air-con mini bus, explore the major temples in the cooler time of the day. Now there are 3 options you can select: 1 - Sunrise Small-Group Tour of Angkor Wat by minibus 2 - Private Angkor Wat Sunrise 3 - Angkor Wat Sunrise Biking tour

Price: $19

Min age: 8

Rating 4.93 / 5 [2654 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Angkor Wat Sunrise tour with Small - Group and Guide tours

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat Sunrise tour with Small - Group and Guide tours
The temples at Angkor are famous in their own rights, even if the status of Angkor Wat as the world's greatest temple means that it's the first in most people's minds. This tour takes in many of the greatest temples in the world, with a knowledgeable, passionate Khmer guide who will enrich your time among our cultural treasures. With the convenience of collection from your hotel by our air-conditioned minivan and chilled water provided, this tour will create memories that last forever.

Price: $16

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1762 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full-Day Temples of Angkor Small Group Tour

Siem Reap

Full-Day Temples of Angkor Small Group Tour
The temples of Angkor are truly one of the world's greatest archeological wonders, and this full-day, guided, small group tour is the perfect way to experience the magic of this ancient civilization. Wander the halls of Angkor Wat and see the faces of stone at Bayon, while also visiting Angkor Thom and the tree-laden temple, Ta Prohm. Transport is included from Siem Reap hotels, as is a professional historian guide who can help bring the temples to life.

Price: $13

Min age: 5

Rating 4.92 / 5 [790 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ultimate Private Guided Tours, Sunrise Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei

Siem Reap

Ultimate Private Guided Tours, Sunrise Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei
Explore the famous sunrise over Angkor Wat & best highlight of Angkor temples in private tour with AC SUV/Minivan & personal guide from early dawn to beat the crowds and heat. Starts 5 am going to buy a day temple pass $ 37 per pax ( your own account ) then off to visit sunrise at Angkor Wat, the magnificent religious site built around early 12 century dedicate to Vishnu, the Hindu Lord. Keep exploring till finish around 8:30 am then let have picnic breakfast nearby temple ( bring breakfast boxes from your hotel ). After continue to explore unseen Ta Prohm the famous overgrown jungle temple in Hollywood movie Tomb Raider and off to visit further outskirt Banteay Srei temple with intricate carvings made from Pink Sandstone. Let have lunch at local restaurant nearby. Afternoon visit 13 century Bayon Temple , the 196 Buddha faces temple located in the center and visit South Gate of Angkor Thom on the way back. Transfer to hotel around 3:30 pm ( your chilled-out/pool time/free & easy )

Price: $130

Min age: 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [650 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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