Angkor Wat plus Helicopter ride with Khmer Lunch

Exploring Angkor Wat from Above and Beyond: A Detailed Review

If you’re planning a visit to Siem Reap, the Angkor Wat plus Helicopter ride with Khmer Lunch offers a chance to see one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in a truly unique way. For around $899 per person, this tour combines an exhilarating 20-minute helicopter flight with a full-day guided exploration of Angkor’s most celebrated temples. It’s designed for those who want to blend adventure with culture, and who appreciate both the grand scale of ancient architecture and the thrill of an aerial view.

Two things we love about this experience? First, the aerial perspective of Angkor’s sprawling ruins, jungle, and rice paddies, which offers a striking sense of scale and beauty that land-based visits can’t quite match. Second, the in-depth guided tours of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, led by knowledgeable guides like Mr. Sokvichet, who make history come alive with insights and photography tips.

One potential consideration is the weather—since the helicopter ride depends heavily on favorable conditions, poor weather could mean a cancellation or rescheduling, which might disappoint those eager for the flight. Also, at nearly $900, it’s a significant investment, so it’s best suited for travelers who value the combined thrill of flight and cultural discovery.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, adventure seekers, and those celebrating a special occasion who want an all-in-one experience to remember. If you’re looking for a comprehensive day that blends stunning aerial views with immersive temple exploration, this tour offers excellent value.

Key Points

• Unique aerial perspective of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples
• Expert-guided land tours of Angkor’s most iconic sites
• Includes Khmer lunch, hotel transfers, entrance fees, and a 20-minute helicopter ride
• Operates in small groups or private settings for a personalized experience
• Weather-dependent helicopter flight, so flexibility may be required
• Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and culture

Discovering Angkor: A Flight and Land Experience

When we think about Angkor, images of intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and the dense jungle come to mind. But seeing it from the sky takes that experience to a new level—suddenly, the scale and layout of this vast site become breathtakingly clear. This tour starts early, with a hotel pickup and a transfer to Siem Reap Military Airport, where the real adventure begins.

The Helicopter Ride: Soaring Over History

The 20-minute helicopter flight is undoubtedly the highlight for many. Imagine sitting comfortably in air-conditioned choppers as you glide over the sprawling ruins, lush jungles, and patchwork rice paddies. It’s a perspective few travelers get, and it truly puts into context the grandeur of Angkor.

This shared flight allows for a communal experience, where you can exchange wide-eyed looks with fellow travelers as you see the vast layout of the temples and the surrounding landscape. The views are fleeting but incredibly rewarding, giving you a sense of how interconnected and monumental this ancient city truly is.

A common quote from reviews is that the aerial view “gives an introduction to Angkor” that’s hard to match from the ground. Many travelers appreciate that this part of the tour isn’t just a photo opportunity—it’s an educational peek into the scale and design of the Khmer capital.

Exploring Angkor Wat: The Jewel of the Complex

After the helicopter flight, your guide will take you to Angkor Wat, built between 1113-1150 AD and dedicated to Vishnu. It’s the largest religious monument in the world and arguably the most famous. The temple’s symmetrical layout, intricate bas-reliefs, and the surrounding moat (which represents the oceans) create a compelling labyrinth for visitors.

We loved the way the guide explains Angkor Wat’s architectural symbolism, emphasizing how it reflects Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe. The long corridors decorated with detailed bas-reliefs tell stories that are fascinating to follow—if you’re into history or art, you’ll find this part very engaging.

The tour allocates around two hours here, which is enough to appreciate the monument’s grandeur and get some good photos. For many, the highlight is standing at the central tower, gazing out over the complex, imagining the ancient pilgrims who once worshiped here.

The Magnificent Angkor Thom and the Bayon

Next, you’ll venture into Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, enclosed within a massive wall. Entering through the South Gate, you’ll see the famous Asuras and Devas statues lining the bridge, a striking introduction to the site’s mythological symbolism.

Inside, Bayon Temple stands out with its 200 smiling faces carved into towering stone towers. It’s an atmospheric place, especially as the sun hits the stone, and it’s easy to get lost in the sense of history and spirituality that emanates from here. The guide’s insights help you understand the significance of the smiling faces—highlighting their connection to both divine and earthly power.

Jungle-Encased Ta Prohm: Nature Reclaims Its Own

No visit to Angkor is complete without a stop at Ta Prohm, famed for its trees growing out of ruins. Built as a monastery and residence, the site has been left partially in its natural state to showcase the power of nature reclaiming man-made structures, a choice that has added to its mystique.

Walking through Ta Prohm, you’ll see giant trees twisting through crumbling stone, reminiscent of scenes from Tomb Raider. It’s a more relaxed, atmospheric stop—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the wild beauty. The review mentions it as “like seeing Indiana Jones come to life,” which is a pretty apt description.

Wrapping Up the Day

After a full day exploring these majestic sites, the tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel in Siem Reap. The logistical planning here means you don’t have to worry about transportation—your air-conditioned vehicle is waiting, making for a comfortable finish to a busy day.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At $899, this tour isn’t cheap, but it packs a lot into one day. The combination of a helicopter flight, guided land tours, and Khmer lunch provides a comprehensive, luxurious experience. The airfare overhead offers a perspective that’s not just about seeing but truly understanding the size and layout of Angkor.

Many reviewers mention the expert guide (like Mr. Sokvichet), whose knowledge and storytelling elevate the experience. The inclusion of entrance fees, hotel transfers, and lunch means fewer logistical worries, which adds to the overall value—especially when compared to piecemeal options.

The small group or private format allows for a more personalized approach, giving you space to ask questions and take photos. The tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and climbing are involved, but it’s not overly strenuous.

Practical Considerations

Weather is a key factor—if the skies turn unfavorable, the helicopter ride might be canceled, but the rest of the tour still proceeds. The tour’s flexibility, with the possibility of refunds if flights are canceled, helps manage this risk. Also, given the early start (hotel pickup at 8 am), it’s best suited for those who enjoy sightseeing early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to see Angkor’s highlights in a single day but with a special twist—the aerial view adds a memorable dimension. It’s especially suited for those celebrating a milestone, or travelers who consider a helicopter ride a must-do. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed guided visits, and those looking for a comfortable, all-inclusive day will find this very appealing.

The Sum Up

This Angkor Wat tour offers an unusual and exciting way to experience Cambodia’s most iconic site. The helicopter flight provides a perspective that’s both awe-inspiring and informative, complementing the land-based explorations of Angkor’s most famous temples. The guide’s expertise, combined with the seamless logistics and included Khmer lunch, make it a well-rounded, value-packed option.

For travelers who crave a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s particularly well-suited for those with a sense of curiosity about architecture and history, who also appreciate a sense of occasion and unique viewpoints.

If you’re after a deep but accessible encounter with Angkor, with a dash of adventure, this experience is worth considering. Just remember to pack patience for possible weather changes and a camera ready for both land and sky views.

FAQ

Is the helicopter ride shared or private?
The helicopter ride is a shared experience, which helps keep the price more accessible and fosters a communal atmosphere.

How long is the helicopter flight?
The flight lasts about 20 minutes, providing ample time for panoramic views without feeling rushed.

What temples are included in the guided tour?
You’ll visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (including Bayon), and Ta Prohm, covering the most famous sites and their unique features.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the Angkor Wat 1-day entrance ticket is included in the price. No hidden fees for visiting the main temples.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, bottled water, and your camera. The tour provides bottled water and air-conditioned transport.

Is there an age limit or restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult during the flight. The flight depends on weather conditions, so flexibility might be needed.

What if the weather cancels the helicopter ride?
In case of adverse weather, the helicopter flight will be rescheduled or refunded, but the land tour will proceed as planned.

How physical is the tour?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended; expect some walking, climbing stairs, and exploring uneven terrain.

In essence, this tour is a carefully curated blend of thrill and heritage, perfect for those wanting a memorable, all-in-one Angkor experience.