How to Plan Your Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour

Siem Reap, a city in northwest Cambodia, provides a glimpse of Cambodia’s ancient history through its numerous temples, and the Angkor Wat remains the largest and most popular attraction. Visiting this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unforgettable experience, especially when witnessed during the sunrise. Here is how to plan your Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour.

Overview of the Tour

Begin your day early as pickup is scheduled to be around 4.30 AM. The tour operator provides an air-conditioned vehicle to take you to the main entrance of Angkor Wat. Upon reaching, experience the breathtaking sunrise over the Angkor Wat complex. Marvel at the stunning view provided by the skyline, including the temple’s detailed architecture and design.

Proceed to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the Bayon and Baphoun temples marvel tourists with their 54 towers glistening in the early morning sun, and 216 faces of Buddhisatva Avalokesvara. A knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide is provided, who will share details about the temples and the Khmer empire’s historical background.

After seeing the architectural beauty of ancient temples, choices are made available to either visit Prohm, a jungle temple, Bayon Angkor Thom, or Banteay Kdei temple. The tour’s full duration is around seven hours.

Inclusion and Exclusion of Services

Booking the tour through the provided link will include an air-conditioned vehicle, English-speaking professional guide, cold water and towel, hotel pickup/drop off service, and all entrance tickets. However, meals are not included in the tour.

Preparations and Demands

It’s recommended to wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes as the tour involves significant walking. Also, children below four years won’t be allowed to take part in the tour. Additionally, people with severe back problems or have difficulty walking might find the tour physically challenging.

Booking the Tour

Book the Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour through the operator’s website, and booking is possible until 1 hour before the tour starts. Prices may vary between shared-group or private tour, and the operator provides a flexible cancellation policy that allows full refunds up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Book the tour here: book the tour here.

Conclusion

Siem Reap presents a cultural and historical experience for tourists from worldwide locations. The Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour is an excellent way to witness the architectural and historical beauty of the Angkor Wat complex. With the tour’s preparations and demands, it’s best to ensure you’ll be up for the task before booking.

An Insider’s Guide to Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small-Group Sunrise Tour

Siem Reap is a northwestern Siem Reap province of Cambodia, known for its famous ancient temples, picturesque landscapes, local Khmer food, and vibrant markets. There’s no doubt that Siem Reap is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Cambodia, and planning your trip ahead of time is important to make the most of your stay. This insider’s guide to Siem Reap will help you explore the city’s attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Attractions

1. Angkor Wat: The most iconic and well-known attraction in Siem Reap is the Angkor Wat temple complex, dating back to the 12th-century Khmer Empire. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a small-group sunrise tour to experience the beauty of Angkor Wat at dawn.

2. Siem Reap Night Market: Head to the vibrant Siem Reap Night Market to try local Khmer food, street food, and to pick up some souvenirs. The night market is a great opportunity to interact with locals and try new things.

3. Tonlé Sap Lake: Located just outside Siem Reap, Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is home to floating villages and communities. Take a boat tour to visit these unique villages and learn about the local way of life.

4. Ta Prohm: Ta Prohm is a temple that has been left in a semi-abandoned state, allowing visitors to see nature and architecture intertwine. The temple, which was used in the movie “Tomb Raider,” is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in archaeology and photography.

Dining Spots

1. Cuisine Wat Damnak: This restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Cambodian cuisine, serving up dishes made with local ingredients and flavors.

2. Brother’s Restaurant: Brother’s Restaurant is known for its friendly family atmosphere and delicious Khmer food. From fish amok to beef loc lac, you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes on the menu.

3. Marum: Marum is a social enterprise restaurant that trains marginalized young adults in hospitality and cooking skills. The restaurant serves a mix of local Cambodian and international cuisine, and their menu is constantly evolving.

Cultural Experiences

1. Apsara Dance Performance: The Apsara dance performance is a traditional Khmer dance show that tells stories through dance and music. It’s a great way to learn about the country’s history and culture.

2. Artisans Angkor: Artisans Angkor is a social enterprise that employs over 1,000 artisans to produce traditional handicrafts, including silk products, ceramics, and wood carvings. Take a tour of the workshops and pick up some souvenirs.

Local History

1. War Museum Cambodia: The War Museum Cambodia offers a sobering look at Cambodia’s recent past, including the Khmer Rouge regime and the Vietnamese invasion. You can explore displays of tanks, artillery, and a helicopter.

2. Landmine Museum: The Landmine Museum is the brainchild of Aki Ra, a former child soldier who became a deminer. The museum is dedicated to raising awareness about landmines in Cambodia and raises funds to support landmine victims.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Banteay Srei: This temple is located further away from the main temple complex and is known for its intricate carvings and pink sandstone architecture.

2. Phnom Kulen National Park: Phnom Kulen is a mountain range located outside of Siem Reap that has a waterfall, ancient temples, and mangrove forests. It’s a great option for people who love hiking and nature.

3. Kompong Phluk: This is a small, remote village located on the banks of Tonlé Sap Lake and is known for its stilt houses and floating communities. Take a boat tour to visit the village and learn about the local way of life.

In conclusion, Siem Reap has so much to offer visitors, from incredible temples like Angkor Wat to local food and handicrafts. With this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to plan a memorable trip that includes all of the must-see attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Don’t forget to book your small-group sunrise tour at Angkor Wat for an unforgettable experience!