How to Plan Your 1-Day Tour in Siem Reap: Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple

Siem Reap is a place of unparalleled grandeur and beauty. From the ancient temples to the lush greenery, everyone who visits Siem Reap falls in love with its charm. If you are planning to visit Siem Reap, then the Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple tour is the perfect way to see some of the most famous landmarks in the city. In this guide, we will talk you through the steps on how to plan your one-day tour in Siem Reap.

Step 1: Choose your Tour Company

There are many tour companies that operate in Siem Reap, but for the Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple tour, we recommend booking with Viator. They are a trusted and reliable company with many years of experience in the tourism industry. You can book the tour with them through their website at book the tour here.

Step 2: Choose your Pickup Point

Once you have booked the tour, you can choose your pickup point. You can either head directly to the meeting point or request pickup from your hotel lobby. The meeting point is located in Siem Reap Center, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Step 3: Start Time

The tour starts at 04:30 AM, so you need to make sure you are ready and at the meeting point on time.

Step 4: What’s Included

The Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple tour includes the following:

• All local applicable taxes
• English speaking guide
• Free cool & cool towels during touring
• Food & Drininks
• Travel insurance
• Temple pass 37 US$
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or the meeting point

Step 5: Transportation

Transportation on this tour is done by an air-conditioned minivan. The driver is experienced and will drive you safely from one location to another.

Step 6: What to Expect

You will start your tour early in the morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over Angkor Wat. After that, you will visit Bantay Srei Temple, which is known for its stunning pink sandstone carvings. Next, you will visit the Small Circle, which contains many beautiful temples such as Ta Prohm, Ta Keo, and Bayon. Throughout the tour, your guide will give you insights into the history and culture of these sites.

Step 7: Additional Info

Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when planning your Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple tour:

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats are available upon request
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Service animals are allowed
• Not wheelchair accessible

Step 8: Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your Sunrise Angkor Wat + Small Circle & Bantay Srei Temple tour, you can do so up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Conclusion

Planning your one-day tour in Siem Reap is easy when you follow these steps. Book with Viator, choose your pickup point, start time, and transportation, and get ready to witness the beauty of Angkor Wat, Bantay Srei, and the Small Circle on this unforgettable tour.

Everything you Need to Know About Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a city located in northwest Cambodia, famous for being the gateway to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. As the city that serves as a base for exploring the ancient temples, Siem Reap has become a popular destination for travelers all around the world. In this article, we will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap.

Q: When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

A: Siem Reap has a tropical climate, which means it’s warm and humid all year round, but there are two distinct seasons. The dry season from November to March is generally considered the best time to visit as there is plenty of sunshine, low rainfall, and cooler temperatures. The wet season from May to October brings higher temperatures, humidity, and daily rainfall, which can make exploring the temples more uncomfortable. However, the wet season also brings fewer crowds and less expensive prices for accommodation and tours.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Siem Reap?

A: Yes, all visitors must have a visa to enter Cambodia, including Siem Reap. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or at land border crossings, or you can apply for an e-Visa online before your trip. The e-Visa is valid for 30 days and costs $36. It’s recommended to apply for a visa before your trip to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.

Q: What is the best way to get around Siem Reap?

A: The most popular way to get around Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk or remorque (a kind of trailer pulled by a motorcycle). They are easily available and can be hired for a full day or by the hour. Negotiate the price beforehand and don’t forget to bring a map or a GPS-enabled device to navigate around the city. Another option is to rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the city and the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

Q: What are the must-visit temples in Siem Reap?

A: The main temple complex at Angkor Wat is the highlight of any visit to Siem Reap, but there are many other temples also worth a visit. Some of the most popular temples include Ta Prohm (famous for the giant trees that grow in and around the temple), Bayon (known for the 200 smiling faces that tower over visitors), and Banteay Srei (a smaller, intricately detailed temple made from pink sandstone).

Q: How should I dress when visiting the temples?

A: The temples are considered sacred places, so it’s important to dress appropriately. As a general rule, cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing revealing clothing. It’s recommended to wear light, breathable clothing as it can get very hot and humid, especially during the summer months.

Q: Is Siem Reap safe for tourists?

A: Siem Reap is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, but as with any city, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your valuables. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash and keep your belongings secure at all times. Follow basic safety rules such as not walking alone at night and taking a licensed taxi for transport after dark.

Q: What are some of the best things to do in Siem Reap beyond the temples?

A: There are plenty of things to do in Siem Reap beyond visiting the temples. You can take a cooking class and learn how to cook Khmer cuisine, explore the nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake or take a trip to the nearby Cambodian countryside where you can see traditional ways of life and visit local markets. Siem Reap is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Q: What are some of the local delicacies I must try in Siem Reap?

A: Cambodian cuisine is gaining popularity around the world, and Siem Reap is a great place to sample some of the local specialties. Amok, a fish curry cooked in banana leaves, is a must-try dish. Other popular dishes include lok lak (a stir-fry of beef with onions and peppers) and num pang (Cambodia’s version of a baguette sandwich). For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on trying Kampot pepper ice cream or fried bananas with honey.

Q: Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of when visiting Siem Reap?

A: Cambodian people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors, but it’s important to be aware of local customs and traditions. It’s considered impolite to touch someone’s head or feet, as they are considered the lowest parts of the body. Always remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home, and never point your feet towards a Buddha statue or a person.

In conclusion, Siem Reap is a beautiful and fascinating city, full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Plan your trip carefully, follow local customs and etiquette, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this enchanting city.