2 Day Angkor Wat Private Tour

Imagine waking up early enough to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, witnessing the ancient stones come alive as the first light hits its spires. Over the next two days, you’ll explore the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park, visiting legendary sites like Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and even venturing to less-visited treasures such as Banteay Srey and Beng Melea. All this, in the comfort of a private guide, with transportation, water, and towels included, making this a well-rounded way to see the highlights and some hidden gems of Cambodia’s most famous complex.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances the need to see the most iconic temples — like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm — with visits to more remote, less touristy sites such as Banteay Srey. This helps avoid the crowds and gives you a more intimate experience of Angkor’s diverse architecture. Plus, the inclusion of floating villages on Tonle Sap offers a glimpse into local life that many travelers miss.

One possible consideration is the early start on Day 1, with hotel pickup at 5 am, which might be tough if you’re not naturally an early riser. But if you’re eager to catch the sunrise and beat the crowds, this is a good trade-off.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, in-depth experience of Angkor with knowledgeable guides, without the hassle of planning each site independently. It’s perfect for those who appreciate cultural insights, stunning scenery, and a flexible, private approach.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Private Tour: Includes transportation, guides, water, and towels.
• Early Start: 5 am pickup on Day 1 for sunrise, then full day of temple visits.
• Diverse Sites: Iconic temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon, plus remote sites like Beng Melea.
• Local Experience: Finish with a visit to Tonle Sap and floating villages.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides enhance historical insights.
• Flexible and Private: Perfect for personalized experiences and avoiding crowds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Two-Day Exploration of Angkor

Day 1: The Sunrise and the Heart of Angkor

Starting before dawn, we’re picked up from our hotel at 5 am — an hour that may feel early but is well worth it for the magic of sunrise over Angkor Wat. Standing in the cool pre-dawn air, watching the first light crest the silhouette of this enormous temple is a highlight that many travelers cherish. The early start means fewer travelers, so the experience feels more intimate and special.

After the sunrise, we enter Angkor Wat itself, marveling at the intricate bas-reliefs and the impressive scale of this world’s largest religious structure. Our guide explains that the temple was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, and its architecture reflects cosmic symbolism, which makes every corner a visual story.

Following breakfast, we head to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Here, we’re greeted by the iconic Bayon Temple, famous for its massive stone faces—the “smiling stones” that seem to watch over the ancient city. Our guide sheds light on their possible symbolism and the temple’s role in Khmer religious life.

Next, we visit the Elephant Terrace and Leper Terrace, which served as platforms for viewing parades and for royal ceremonies. The tour then takes us to Ta Keo, a stunning 11th-century Hindu pyramid temple built with golden-yellow sandstone. This site offers a different perspective on Khmer architecture, emphasizing its grandeur.

The final stop of Day 1 is Ta Prohm, famously known as the “Tomb Raider” temple. Here, massive trees and roots have overgrown the ruins, creating a haunting yet beautiful landscape. It’s a favorite for many, blending nature and history into a surreal scene. Our guide points out the fascinating interplay of architecture and nature, making it clear why this site is so photogenic and evocative.

Day 2: Remote Temples and Floating Village Life

We start Day 2 with an 8 am pickup, heading first to Banteay Srey. Known as the “Citadel of Women”, this temple’s pink sandstone walls are striking against the green jungle backdrop. Its intricate carvings and delicate bas-reliefs stand out, giving a different feel from the larger, more monumental sites. It’s a quieter spot, allowing us to soak in its craftsmanship without the crowds.

Next, we venture about 77 km from Siem Reap to Beng Melea, a large Hindu temple built at the same time as Angkor Wat. This site is largely untouched by restoration, which makes it feel like stepping into a “lost” temple. Overgrown with trees and surrounded by thick jungle, Beng Melea offers a sense of exploration and discovery for those willing to venture into its ruins.

In the late afternoon, we shift gears and visit Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake. Our boat ride takes us to Kompong Phluk, a floating fishing village. Here, stilted houses stand above flooded forest, and local life unfolds amidst the water. Our guide describes the everyday routines of villagers, providing context to this vibrant part of Cambodian life.

What to Expect and Practical Details

Throughout the tour, transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, and guides are English-speaking, ensuring clear explanations along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the experience smooth. We also appreciated the cold drinking water and cool towels, especially after the hot temple walks.

The tour is private, so it’s flexible: you can tailor the stops slightly or spend more time at places that fascinate you. The price, $245 per group (up to 9 people), offers good value considering the comprehensive itinerary, guide expertise, and transportation.

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Considerations and Tips

The early start on Day 1 is vital if you want to see the sunrise and avoid crowds but might be tiring. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and your camera. Note that shorts and large bags are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

While the tour covers quite a bit, it doesn’t include entry fees — so budget extra for tickets. Meals are also not included, so plan to bring snacks or enjoy local options during breaks.

Authentic Experiences and Insights

Travelers have praised guides like Mr. Sok for their knowledge and ability to make history come alive. One reviewer noted that the “great guide” made the experience enjoyable and meaningful. The combination of stunning views, detailed explanations, and opportunities for authentic photo moments makes this tour stand out.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs, photographers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive and personalized look at Angkor’s temples and surrounding life. It’s perfect if you want to combine iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path locations in a relaxed, private setting.

If you’re after a well-organized, rich experience of Angkor that balances famous highlights with less-visited gems, this 2-day private tour hits the mark. It offers a thorough look at Cambodia’s historic temples, lush jungles, and floating villages, all with the comfort of private guides and transportation. The early start on Day 1 maximizes your time and experience, especially for sunrise views and temple exploration when the sites are quietest.

What makes this tour particularly valuable is the expert guidance and local insights that turn mere sightseeing into a cultural journey. The opportunity to see Beng Melea untouched and overgrown makes it stand out for those craving a sense of adventure and discovery. The floating village visit adds a real-world dimension, connecting you to local life on the water.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible itinerary with a knowledgeable guide, especially if you’re interested in architecture, history, and authentic experiences. Families, couples, or small groups will appreciate the private aspect, making it a memorable way to uncover Cambodia’s most famous archaeological treasures.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, it features an English-speaking guide who provides historical insights and personalizes the experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, guide services, cold water, and towels. Entry fees and meals are not included.

How long is each day’s tour?
Day 1’s activities start early, with a pickup at 5 am, and the day ends after visiting Ta Prohm. Day 2 begins at 8 am and includes visits to Banteay Srey, Beng Melea, and the floating villages, typically wrapping up late afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s best for those who can comfortably handle early mornings and walking around large temple complexes. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to worry about entry fees?
Yes, entry fees are not included in the tour price, so you should budget for tickets at each site.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), insect repellent, comfortable shoes, and a small bag for your essentials.

Can I customize this tour?
It’s a private tour, so your guide can adjust timing or focus areas based on your interests.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This 2-day Angkor Wat private tour offers a well-balanced, authentic Cambodian experience that’s ideal for travelers eager to explore both the famous and lesser-known treasures of Angkor with a knowledgeable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: