How to Plan Your Two-Day Sunrise Tour in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia is home to the remarkable ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to explore the temples of Angkor Wat and the surrounding Hindu and Buddhist temples, then the Two-Day Sunrise Tour is perfect for you. This tour is offered by Viator, a third-party company that has designed the perfect itinerary for visitors to Siem Reap. In this post, we will show you how to plan your perfect tour itinerary step-by-step and make the most out of your experience.

Day One – Angkor Wat Sunrise and Ta Prohm Temple Exploration

Day one begins early with a pick-up from your Siem Reap hotel at 5:00 am. You will be taken to Angkor Wat Temple and witness a beautiful sunrise over the temple. This is the best time to take pictures of Angkor Wat, as the sun rises behind the temple, casting beautiful shadows on the temple’s walls. After the sunrise, your guide will take you inside the temple and show you around while telling you about the history and culture of Angkor Wat.

Next, you will explore the Bayon Temple, which is famous for its 216 carved stone faces that adorn the temple’s towers. Walking through this temple, you will feel like you have traveled back in time to the Khmer Empire. The temple’s intricate carvings and reliefs will amaze you.

After visiting Bayon Temple, you will be taken to Ta Prohm Temple. This temple is famous for its overgrown trees that have reclaimed the temple, making it one of the most unique and beautiful temples at Angkor. Ta Prohm Temple is also known as the “Tomb Raider Temple” as it was featured in the movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.

In the late afternoon, you will be taken back to your hotel for some downtime before dinner. Later in the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Siem Reap.

Day Two – Beng Mealea and Floating Village of Kompong Khleang

On day two, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am. You will then begin your approximately 2-hour drive to Beng Mealea Temple. This temple is hidden in the jungle and is lesser known than the other temples, making it less crowded and more peaceful. It is the perfect place to take stunning photos as the temple is in a state of natural decay, and the jungle has completely taken over.

After visiting Beng Mealea, you will then travel to the floating village of Kompong Khleang. This lake-dwelling community is a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals who live in a stilt house due to the seasonal flooding of the lake. Here, you can take a boat ride to explore the village, see the floating school, and learn about life in the village from your tour guide.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Siem Reap, concluding your two-day tour.

Booking Your Two-Day Sunrise Tour in Siem Reap

The Two-Day Sunrise Tour in Siem Reap with Viator includes everything you need to have a fantastic time exploring the temples and the surrounding area. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel, where you can relax at the end of the day after a delicious dinner.

This tour includes air-conditioned transportation, all entrance tickets fees, water and cold towels, meals, and an English-speaking tour guide. The link to book the tour is https://www.viator.com/tours/Siem-Reap/Two-Day-Tour-Sunrise-Angkor-Wat-and-Beng-Mealea-and-Floating-village-Kompong-Kleang/d5480-68746P13?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383. You can book here and enjoy a hassle-free tour of Siem Reap with Viator.

Conclusion

If you ever get the chance to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia, then exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor and surrounding temples is a must-do. The Two-Day Sunrise Tour is the perfect choice for experiencing Siem Reap’s stunning historical and cultural heritage. Hopefully, this blog post has provided you with everything you need to plan your magical trip to Siem Reap, so book your tour today!

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Siem Reap

Siem Reap, located in northwestern Cambodia, is a popular tourist destination due to the ancient temples of Angkor and the preservation of Khmer culture. As the gateway to Angkor Wat and other stunning temples, Siem Reap attracts millions of visitors every year. However, planning a trip to Siem Reap can be overwhelming, especially if you have never been there before. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Siem Reap to help you plan your trip.

1. What is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season from November to March. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are not too high. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October. The rainy season, which runs from July to August, should be avoided if possible, as the temperatures can be uncomfortably high, and the humidity is intense.

2. What is Angkor Wat and How Many Days Do I Need to Visit?

Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Angkor Wat is the most famous temple, but there are numerous other temples in the area, such as Ta Prohm and Bayon, which are also worth exploring. The number of days you need to visit Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples depends on your interests, but most visitors take at least two to three days to see the highlights.

3. How Do I Get to Siem Reap?

Siem Reap has an international airport, Siem Reap International Airport, which is located about eight kilometers from the city center. There are numerous flights from cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City. You can also enter Siem Reap by land from neighboring countries, such as Thailand and Laos.

4. What Should I Wear When Visiting Angkor Wat?

When visiting Angkor Wat, it is important to dress appropriately. As a religious site, visitors are expected to dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting, breathable clothing is recommended as the temperatures can be high, and it can be quite humid. Don’t forget to bring comfortable footwear as there is a lot of walking involved.

5. Do I Need a Tour Guide for Angkor Wat?

While it is not necessary to have a tour guide to visit Angkor Wat, having one can enhance your experience significantly. A knowledgeable guide can provide historical and cultural context, point out interesting details, and help you avoid the crowds. Many visitors choose to hire a guide for at least one day of their visit.

6. What Other Activities Are There to Do in Siem Reap?

In addition to exploring the temples of Angkor Wat, there are several other activities to do in Siem Reap. You can visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center to learn about the country’s landmine crisis, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Khmer cuisine, or visit the Siem Reap Art Center Night Market to shop for souvenirs and enjoy local street food.

7. What Currency is Used in Siem Reap, and Can I Use Credit Cards?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian riel (KHR), but the US dollar is widely accepted. ATMs are readily available in Siem Reap, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a fascinating and diverse city with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient temples, learning about Khmer culture or trying local cuisine, Siem Reap has something to offer. With this guide, you have all the information you need to plan your visit with confidence. Remember to follow local customs and dress appropriately, and above all, have fun exploring this beautiful city!