How to Plan Your Private Sunrise Tour to Angkor Wat & Other Highlights with Professional Guide in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s fastest-growing tourist destinations due to its main attraction, the Angkor Wat temple complex. Every year, millions of tourists flock to this ancient city to experience its rich cultural heritage, and most of them plan their tours very early in the day to avoid the crowds.

If you’re planning on visiting Siem Reap, a private sunrise tour to Angkor Wat and other highlights with a professional guide is the best way to make the most of your time there. In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of planning your private tour and ensure that you have a memorable experience.

Step 1: Research Your Tour

The first step in planning your tour is to research which tour company you want to use. You’ll want to look for a trusted and reputable company with excellent reviews to ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth.

We recommend booking your tour with Viator, which provides a full-day private tour that includes hotel pickup, private AC car, tour guide, and bottled water for only $117 per person. However, you’ll also need to pay separately for your temple tickets ($37 for adults, kids under 12 are free of charge).

Step 2: Book Your Tour

Once you’ve found a tour company that you’re interested in using, it’s time to book your tour. Viator makes the process simple, all you have to do is click on the book the tour here link, select your tour date, and enter your payment details. After that, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Tour

Before your tour, it’s important to prepare yourself for a long day of walking and exploring. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, bringing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You should also bring a small backpack to carry your personal belongings and any snacks you might need.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour

On the day of your tour, your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll head to the Angkor Archaeological Park. Your guide will take you to the best spots to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat without having to fight the crowds.

After the sunrise, you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring some of the most popular temples in the Angkor complex, such as Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Angkor Thom. Your guide will share the fascinating stories and secrets of these temples, and you’ll learn about the history of the Khmer Empire.

Your private tour allows you to skip the crowds and follow a personalized itinerary with your guide, which means you can spend as much or as little time as you like at each temple. You’ll also have the opportunity to take breaks whenever you need them and stay hydrated with the bottled water provided.

Step 5: Wrap Up Your Tour

At the end of your tour, your guide will drop you off back at your hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and reflect on the incredible experience you just had. You can also leave a review for the tour company to share your thoughts with other travelers.

In conclusion, planning your private sunrise tour to Angkor Wat and other highlights with a professional guide in Siem Reap is easy and worth every penny. You’ll have the opportunity to skip the crowds, learn about the Khmer Empire, and experience some of the most beautiful temples in the world. With this guide, you’ll be able to plan your tour with confidence and make the most of your time in Siem Reap.

Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Siem Reap in Cambodia has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world in recent years. The city is famous for its stunning temples, unique culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. If you are wondering whether Siem Reap is the right travel destination for you, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the city. Keep reading to find out more.

1. What is Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is a popular tourist city in northwestern Cambodia that is known for its many ancient temples dating back to the Khmer Empire. It is the capital city of the Siem Reap province and is located near the Tonle Sap Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

2. When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is from November to March. This is the dry season when the temperature is comfortable, and there is little to no rainfall. The rainy season in Siem Reap is from May to October, which means that many sites, such as the Tonle Sap Lake, may be flooded. However, the benefit of visiting during the rainy season is that the temples and surrounding landscapes will be lush and green.

3. What are the top things to do in Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is famous for its incredible temples, the most well-known of which is Angkor Wat. Beyond the temples, there are many other activities to do in the city, including:

• Exploring the local markets at Psar Chaa or Angkor Night Market
• Taking a boat ride down Tonle Sap Lake and exploring the Floating Villages
• Visiting the War Museum Cambodia and learning about the country’s difficult past
• Trying delicious Cambodian cuisine at local restaurants
• Visiting cultural spots like the Cambodian Cultural Village or Phare Circus.

4. How much does it cost to visit Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is an affordable destination for visitors, depending on your budget. For budget travelers, it’s possible to find accommodation and food for less than $20 per day. Visitors on a mid-range budget can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day, which includes comfortable accommodations, meals, activities, and transportation. For those willing to splurge, luxury hotels and tour packages are available that can cost upwards of $200 per day.

5. What are the best ways to get around in Siem Reap?

Tuk-tuks are the most popular form of transportation in Siem Reap. They are affordable, and it’s easy to find them everywhere. Another option is to rent bicycles, which is a great way to explore the temples and surrounding countryside. However, it’s important to note that renting bicycles during the hot season can be a challenge due to the high temperatures. For those traveling in larger groups, taxis or private transportation can also be arranged.

6. What are the local customs and traditions in Siem Reap?

Cambodian culture is rich in history and traditions. Visitors should be mindful of local customs and practices while visiting Siem Reap. Some of the cultural practices to keep in mind include:

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites
• Remove shoes before entering any religious buildings
• Avoid touching people on the head as it is considered the most sacred part of the body
• Bargain at local markets but do so respectfully
• Respect the local customs, and take time to learn about them.

7. What about the local cuisine in Siem Reap? What to eat?

Cambodian cuisine is a mix of different Southeast Asian flavors, including Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Amok – a fish curry that is steamed in a banana leaf
• Khmer Red Curry – a spicy curry made with chicken or beef
• Bananas in Coconut Milk – a popular dessert made with bananas cooked in coconut milk and sugar
• Lok Lak – a delicious stir-fry meat dish served with rice and fresh vegetables
• Banh Chheo – a crispy pancake filled with bean sprouts, onions, and meat

8. Is it safe to travel to Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is generally safe for visitors. However, visitors should exercise caution and keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowded areas or busy marketplaces, to avoid any incidents of pickpocketing. Using a hotel safe is highly recommended to secure any valuables.

9. What should I pack for my trip to Siem Reap?

It is best to pack light, breathable clothing, especially during the dry season when the temperature can be very hot. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the temples on foot. Mosquito repellent is also a must as mosquitoes can be a problem, especially during the rainy season. It’s important to note that dress standards are conservative, so it’s recommended to pack clothing that covers the knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites.

10. How do I show respect for the local culture?

It’s always important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting a new place, and Siem Reap is no exception. Some ways to show respect include:

• Dressing appropriately – this can mean covering the knees and shoulders
• Taking shoes off when entering religious sites
• Asking for permission before taking photos of people
• Respecting local customs when bargaining at markets

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a beautiful and affordable destination that has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore ancient temples or indulge in local cuisine or simply enjoy the culture, Siem Reap has it all. We hope this travel guide has answered some of your questions and inspired you to visit this stunning city.