How to Plan Your Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour in Siem Reap

If you’re planning to visit Cambodia, the Angkor temples are a must-see. Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, is the largest religious monument in the world and is an architectural masterpiece dating back to the Khmer Empire. To maximize your experience here, we recommend booking a guided small-group tour that includes sunrise at Angkor Wat and other key attractions. In this post, we’ll walk you through the details of the tour and give you tips on how to make the most of your visit.

What to Expect on the Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour

This guided tour offers an educational and entertaining experience exploring the temples of Angkor. The tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Siem Reap, as you will need to arrive at Angkor Wat before sunrise to see the beautiful morning hues reflected on the temple. The professional tour guide will lead you through the temples of Angkor, including Angkor Thom city, Bayon temple, and Ta Prohm. A small group of no more than 15 people ensures you have plenty of access to the tour guide’s knowledge and opportunities for questions.

Highlights of the Tour: What You’ll See

The Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour showcases some of the best-known temples of Angkor, including:

• Angkor Wat: The largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century AD.
• Angkor Thom city: The early capital city of the Khmer Empire, constructed in the late 12th century.
• Bayon temple: Located in the center of Angkor Thom city, the Bayon is famous for its iconic smiling faces carved into the towers.
• Ta Prohm: Famously known for being left in the same state in which it was discovered by French explorers in the 19th century, Ta Prohm is truly one of the most enigmatic and photogenic temples in the Angkor complex.

What’s Included in the Tour

The following items are included in the tour:

• Professional, English-speaking tour guide
• Your hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap
• Transportation to each temple in an air-conditioned bus or van
• Entrance to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm (USD 37 per person)
• Bottled water

What’s Not Included in the Tour

The following items are not included in the tour:

• Additional food and drinks
• Tips for your tour guide (optional)

Who is the Tour Suitable For?

While this tour is perfect for the vast majority of travelers, it is important to note that it is not suitable for:

• Children under 5 years old, due to the early start and amount of walking involved
• Wheelchair users; the majority of the pathways around the temples aren’t wheelchair-friendly

How to Book the Tour

If you’re interested in booking the Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour, simply click on book the tour here. This tour is offered by a third-party provider, and bookings can be made directly through their website. Payment is taken upfront, and you will be notified of your official tour and pickup times following your booking confirmation.

Final Thoughts

The Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour is an excellent way to experience the magic and history of the Angkor temples in a safe and enjoyable way. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring plenty of water, and prepare to be amazed by the splendor of Angkor Wat at sunrise.

An Insider’s Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is a city in the northwestern region of Cambodia, well-known for being the gateway to the world-renowned Angkor Wat temple complex. The city is a popular tourist destination and has numerous attractions, restaurants, and cultural sites that make it worth visiting.

Local Attractions

Apart from the Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap has several tourist attractions that are worth exploring. One such attraction is the Royal Palace, which is located in the city center and is home to the Cambodian royal family. The palace is a beautiful complex that features stunning Khmer architecture and manicured gardens.

Another must-visit attraction is the Banteay Srei temple, which is a bit farther from Siem Reap but worth the trip. The temple is known for its exquisite carvings and red sandstone construction. The temple is believed to have been built in the late 10th century and makes for a great day trip from Siem Reap.

Local Dining Spots

Siem Reap is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional Khmer cuisine and international options. One of the most popular dining spots in Siem Reap is the night market, where visitors can try a variety of food at affordable prices. The market has everything from fried insects and noodles to fresh seafood and grilled meat.

Apart from the night market, there are several restaurants in Siem Reap that offer great food and ambiance. One such restaurant is the Embassy, which is located in an old colonial building and offers a mix of traditional Khmer cuisine and international options. Another popular restaurant is the Chanrey Tree, which is known for its romantic ambiance and excellent Khmer cuisine.

Local Cultural Experiences

Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage, and Siem Reap offers several opportunities to experience it first-hand. One such experience is a visit to a traditional Khmer village, where visitors can see how locals live and work. Visitors can also learn how to cook traditional Khmer dishes and take home a new recipe to try.

Another great cultural experience is a visit to the Phare Circus, where visitors can watch a modern circus that incorporates traditional Cambodian storytelling and music. The circus is a great way to learn about Khmer culture and enjoy some incredible performances.

Local History

Siem Reap has a rich history, and visitors can learn about it at several museums and historical sites scattered throughout the city. One such site is the Angkor National Museum, which features exhibits on ancient Khmer civilization and the temple complex.

Another must-visit museum is the Landmine Museum, which is located a short drive from Siem Reap. The museum tells the story of the dangers of landmines in Cambodia and the work being done to remove them.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to get off the beaten path in Siem Reap, there are several options. One such option is a visit to the Tonle Sap lake, which is located about a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and explore the floating villages, which offer a unique glimpse into life on the water.

Another option is a visit to the Kulen Mountain, which is known for its waterfalls and ancient temple ruins. The area is still relatively undeveloped, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers and those looking to get away from the crowds.

In conclusion, Siem Reap is a city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests. From the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex to the local cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Siem Reap is a city that truly has it all.