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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: 21 June, 2023
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.

Price from: £28
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
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.

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

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 4.91 / 5 [694 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: $14

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1392 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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 [4098 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Angkor Wat Sunrise Small Group Experience

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat Sunrise Small Group Experience
Visit Angkor Wat complexe, the Unesco World Heritage Site, which is one of the most important archaeological site in South-east Asia built by the great Khmer King Soriyavaraman II in the early on 12th century and dedicated to Vishnu God Hindu religion. Embark a small group tour to discover and explore the magnificent and enigmatic Angkor Wat temples. On this tour, make an early start and explore Angkor Wat before the crowds arrive. Afterward, take in the highlights of Angkor Wat complex including the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Banteay Kdei temple.

Price: $19

Min age: 4

Rating 4.95 / 5 [44 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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: $21

Min age: 8

Rating 4.93 / 5 [2481 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Angkor Temples Private Full-Day Tour from Siem Reap (Free Child)

Siem Reap

Angkor Temples Private Full-Day Tour from Siem Reap (Free Child)
This private day trip from Siem Reap highlights the main temples of the Angkor archaeological complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer Empire was the preeminent influence in Southeast Asia, the temples at Angkor were believed to represent the cosmic world. See Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, as well as the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom and the jungle temple of Ta Prohm.

Price: $54

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [40 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom Sunset Tour

Siem Reap

Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom Sunset Tour
• You will arrive Angkor ground at dawn to get best spot to sit down in sort peace and enjoy to most beautiful Angkor Wat structure view • The temple structure is more majestic than any other time • You enjoy to visit and learn its history more while the weather is cool. In day time is hotter you feel very uncomfortable to visit it because Angkor Wat ground is so big a lot of walking • Not as busy as in day time that most people think early in the morning is very busy • Best Way to avoid crowds and heat. • You will be able to sunrise and sunset and most interesting temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park in One Day. • You will watch the sun go down over the moat of Angkor Thom old city entrance, South gate.

Price: $56

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [41 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Angkor Wat Tour from Siem Reap

Siem Reap

Private Angkor Wat Tour from Siem Reap
Small private tour to visit Angkor complex with private and personal tour guide and driver for day trip. To visit main temple within the small circuit of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom City (Bayon, Elephant terrace, Baphoun, Leper king), and the Tree Temple of Ta Phrom.

Price: $68

Min age: 3

Rating 4.93 / 5 [78 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Angkor Temples from Sunrise by Tuk Tuk

Siem Reap

The Angkor Temples from Sunrise by Tuk Tuk
Both hidden behind curtains of green or reaching for the skies, passing the canopy of its jungle landscape, the protected ruins of Angkor unveil something majestic, unbeknownst to those who have not set foot within its parameters. These encounters can be yours to take up, soak in, and admire from various angles once you opt to head out before the sun rises and watch how stunning a day inside Angkor commences. Adding some authentic transportation flavour to the journey, getting around by tuk tuk entices even the most seasoned traveller.

Price: $104

Min age: 2

Rating 4.82 / 5 [41 ratings]

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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 [547 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: (Avoid Crowds & Heat) 2-Day Angkor Temples

Siem Reap

Private Tour: (Avoid Crowds & Heat) 2-Day Angkor Temples
A 2-day tour exploring the classic Angkor complex and other ruins such as Banteay Srei, Pre Rup and other temples on the “big loop.” (Please let your guide know on day 1 if you would like your tour to include sunrise or sunset on the following day. It is complimentary!)  Day 1: Explore the remote temples of Banteay Srei, Banteay Samrei, Pre Rup and the “Big Loop,” and discover the different styles of temples during the magnificent Angkorian Empire (6-10hrs). Day 2: A full day of touring the 12th century city of Angkor which covers the “must-see” ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Phrom and Baphoun, among others.  You will also have an opportunity to visit a small, unrestored temple in the middle of the jungle. This tour takes from between 6-10hrs depending on your pace. 

Price: $147

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [43 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit and Banteay Srei Tour

Siem Reap

2-Day Angkor Wat With Small, Big Circuit and Banteay Srei Tour
On first day, we will visit the world largest religious monument, Angkor Wat temple. After that, we will visit Ta Prohm or Tomb Raider temple. It is one with a lot of gigantic tree roots over the temple. After Lunch, we will Visit Ta Nei temple before we head to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, one of the most photograph spot in Angkor Park. We'll continue to Bayon, a 216-smilling face temple that is in the center of Angkor Thom. We will visit some other famous temples in Angkor Thom. We'll stop by to see Baphuon, the Terrace of Elephants and the Leper King. Finally, we will go to Phnom Bakhen mountain and climb up to the top to see a gorgeous sunset. On the second day, we will watch a beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat temple and visit the Big Circuit such as Preah Khan - Sword temple, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, and Pre Rup temple. In the afternoon, we will visit Banteay Srei or called Ladies Temple, built of a rare pink sandstone. It is known as the jewelry of Angkor.

Price: $148

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [247 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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