Angkor Sunrise or Sunset Tour (includes breakfast or lunch)

Experience the Magic of Angkor at Sunrise or Sunset for Just $13

Imagine waking early, feeling the cool air on your face, and making your way across Siem Reap in a comfortable vehicle before dawn. For around $13, this tour takes you into the heart of Angkor Archaeological Park, where you’ll witness the famous Angkor Wat sunrise, explore the intricate Bayon Temple, and wander the atmospheric Ta Prohm—the temple made legendary by the Tomb Raider film. The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, with options for breakfast or lunch included, making it a practical way to see and learn about Cambodia’s most iconic sites.

What we love most about this experience is the early start that guarantees you beat the crowds and catch the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat—an unforgettable moment. Plus, the inclusion of a local meal offers a taste of authentic Cambodian cuisine, which makes the whole experience more immersive and satisfying. On the flip side, the early hours and long day might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not a morning person.

This tour is perfect if you’re eager to see the main highlights of Angkor with a knowledgeable guide, and you’re okay with the early wake-up call. It also suits travelers who appreciate detailed commentary, as many reviews mention guides sharing insightful stories. If you want a balanced mix of culture, iconic views, and good value, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Early Start: Begins at 4:20 am for the sunrise experience, ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing stunning photos.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits include Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm—covering the most famous temples with options for lesser-known treasures.
• Included Meals: Enjoy a breakfast or lunch at local spots, providing genuine Cambodian flavors and a break from temple touring.
• Guided Experience: Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who share stories and historical context, making the sites more meaningful.
• Value for Money: At $13, with hotel transfers, meals, water, and towels included, it offers excellent value, especially given the depth of experience.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance — perfect for flexible travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Angkor Sunrise Tour

Starting the Day: Early Morning Pickup and Transport

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup at 4:20 am in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This early start is a big plus, as it ensures you arrive at Angkor Wat just before dawn. Many reviewers, like Oliwia, appreciated the knowledgeable guides such as Lok, who added personal insights into Cambodian life and history. The transport is reliable, and the small group sizes—often around 10 people—help keep things manageable and personable.

Witnessing the Angkor Wat Sunrise

As the first light breaks over the horizon, you’ll stand in awe at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The soft glow of dawn turns the intricate stone carvings into a spectacular scene. Despite some overcast mornings (as one reviewer noted), many still find the experience breathtaking. The quiet before the crowds arrive adds a serene quality that’s hard to match. The tour guides often encourage photos, and many guests, like Laura, found that having a guide to help with picture-taking makes a big difference.

Breakfast in Front of Srah Srang

Post-sunrise, the tour includes a picnic breakfast in front of Srah Srang, the Royal Bath. This spot offers peaceful waters and fewer visitors, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy some local dishes such as rice porridge, salted duck eggs, or fried rice with chicken. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated this authentic meal, which breaks up the busy temple visits nicely.

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Exploring the Main Temples: Bayon and Ta Prohm

After breakfast, the journey continues to the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers adorned with serene stone faces. Guides often share stories behind the faces and symbolism, making the visit more engaging. Many reviewers, like Tahsin, praised guides such as King Kong for being funny and informative, which made the experience more enjoyable.

Next, the tour visits Ta Prohm, the temple embraced by massive tree roots, giving it a cinematic feel. This is the “Tomb Raider” temple, and many guests found it as atmospheric in person as in the movies. The tangled roots and crumbling stonework create a surreal landscape that photographs beautifully.

Additional Lesser-Known Treasures

While the main sites are the focus, some tours venture beyond to lesser-visited ruins, which can be a real highlight if you enjoy discovering quiet corners of Angkor. Your guide might point out details and hidden sculptures not seen in guidebooks, adding a layer of discovery to your day.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up around 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, comfortably timed to avoid late afternoon fatigue. Many reviews highlight how well-paced the itinerary is, giving enough time at each site without feeling rushed. The return includes cold towels and bottled water—simple touches that help refresh you after a hot day of exploring.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Beyond the obvious attractions, the guides’ knowledge and friendliness are a recurring theme among positive reviews. Guests like Oliwia, who called their guide Lok “very informative and kind,” appreciated the insights that made the temples come alive. Others valued the photography tips and personal stories that helped put Cambodian history into context.

The value for money is also impressive, considering everything included—hotel transfers, meals, water, towels, and a professional guide. For just $13, you get a comprehensive, guided experience that covers the highlights efficiently.

Considerations Before Booking

The main thing to keep in mind is the early start, which requires waking before dawn. While many find the experience worth it, it might be tiring for those who prefer sleeping in. Also, since the tour focuses on the major sites, if you’re looking for a deep or leisurely exploration of lesser-known temples, you might need to look elsewhere.

The tour duration is around 8 hours, so be prepared for a full day of walking and sightseeing. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and some cash for extras are essential.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a compact, cost-effective introduction to Angkor’s main temples with a guide to help interpret what you see. It suits those who value early morning serenity and want to avoid the crowds. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Siem Reap.

If you’re comfortable with a long, active day and enjoy authentic local meals, this tour will leave you with meaningful memories and plenty of stunning photos. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore more obscure sites, you might want to consider a different, more leisurely option.

FAQs

Does the price include entrance tickets to Angkor?
No, the tour does not include the temple pass or entry fee, which costs about $37 USD. You will need to purchase this separately before or during your day at Angkor.

What is the start time for the tour?
The pickup begins at 4:20 am for the sunrise experience. This early start is essential to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Can I choose between breakfast or lunch?
Yes, the tour offers a choice of breakfast or lunch at local restaurants, giving you a chance to taste authentic Khmer dishes or a more Western breakfast option.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 or guests with walking disabilities due to uneven surfaces and the long walking hours involved.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and cash for any personal expenses or extras. Also, a hat and sunglasses are advisable.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from early pickup to return around early afternoon.

Is the tour customizable or flexible regarding timing?
Reservations are flexible—you can book now and pay later, and cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance.

In Brief
This Angkor Sunrise or Sunset Tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, insightful guides, and authentic Cambodian cuisine—all at a very accessible price. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors wanting a meaningful, well-organized introduction to Angkor’s treasures. The early start and full day of exploration are worthwhile for those eager to beat the crowds and capture the temples’ timeless beauty in photos. Just be prepared for a long day and bring along your sense of adventure—and a good pair of walking shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here: