Siem Reap: Private Taxi to Angkor Wat and Small Circuit

Exploring the Angkor Temple Complex with a private taxi is one of the most convenient ways to take in the incredible sights of Cambodia’s most famous ruins. For just $24 per person, you get a 6-hour tour that covers key temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baphuon, Ta Prohm, and Pre Rup. Rather than navigating crowds or dealing with group tours, this experience offers the comfort of having your own dedicated driver and the flexibility to set your own pace.

What we love about this tour is how it combines personalized attention with the ease of door-to-door service. Your driver, who speaks English, takes care of all the logistics, so you can focus on marveling at the architecture and soaking in the atmosphere. Plus, the chance to start early allows you to beat the crowds and the heat — a real blessing in Cambodia’s tropical climate.

One consideration is that entrance fees to the temples are not included, so you’ll need to budget separately for those. Also, this tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues or very young children, given the amount of walking involved. This experience is best for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic local interaction, rather than a rigid, scheduled group tour.

Key Points

Private, flexible experience: Tailor your visit and enjoy personalized service.
Comprehensive coverage: Visit Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baphuon, Ta Prohm, and Pre Rup.
Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with a friendly driver.
Ideal for early risers: Starting early helps avoid crowds and heat.
Cost-effective: At $24, this tour offers good value, excluding entrance fees.
Limited for mobility: Not suitable for those with mobility challenges or under 3 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Siem Reap with a Private Taxi

If you’re like us, the idea of exploring the Angkor Complex with a dedicated guide who’s also your driver is highly appealing. It means you can focus on the sights without worrying about navigating public transportation or haggling over tuk-tuk prices. Your guide, who speaks English, is there to make the experience smoother and more informative, which truly enhances the visit.

This tour’s main highlight is the flexibility. You can choose the order of temples, spend more time at your favorites, or skip something that doesn’t interest you. With a fixed price of $24, it’s a budget-friendly way to see some of Cambodia’s most iconic ruins.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Siem Reap

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Hotel Pickup and Start

Your driver will arrive at your hotel lobby about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. We appreciated this promptness, which sets the tone for a well-organized day. Once underway, the vehicle is comfortable and air-conditioned—a welcome relief after the early start.

First Stop: Angkor Wat

The tour usually begins with Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most famous temple. We loved the way the early morning light plays on its intricate carvings and towers. Being able to enter early helps avoid the later crowds, and your driver can give you tips on the best angles for photos or quiet corners for reflection.

More Great Tours Nearby

Bayon Temple

Next, you’ll visit Bayon, famous for its smiling stone faces and detailed bas-reliefs. The driver and guide can offer insights into the symbolism and history behind these enigmatic features. We found this site particularly captivating; the expressions carved into the stone seemed almost alive.

While you're exploring Siem Reap, here are other experiences we've looked into

Baphuon and Ta Prohm

A short drive takes you to Baphuon, a pyramid-shaped temple, and then to Ta Prohm—the temple famous for its roots and trees intertwining with the ruins. This site is often crowded, but visiting early helps you appreciate its mysterious atmosphere without the crowds. Many reviews mention how “Ta Prohm is a photographer’s dream” and how it feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie.

Pre Rup

Finally, your driver might take you to Pre Rup, a later Khmer temple that offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. It’s a great spot to end the tour, especially if you’re feeling tired, as it’s less crowded and offers a peaceful atmosphere.

Return to Hotel

After a full morning, your driver will return you to your hotel, ensuring you end the day relaxed and with a good understanding of what you’ve seen.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

The knowledgeable driver is one of the tour’s strongest points. Many travelers appreciated how friendly and informative their guides were, providing historical context and local tips along the way. One reviewer mentioned, “Our driver was very friendly and knew a lot about the temples, which made our experience much richer.”

The flexibility of this private experience means you can get more out of your visit. Want to linger at a particular site? Just let your driver know. Prefer to skip a less interesting site? No problem. This is especially valuable considering how crowded and over-scheduled some group tours can be.

In terms of value for money, $24 is a fair price for a half-day private tour that covers major highlights and includes hotel pickup/drop-off. Remember, entrance fees are extra, so consider budgeting around $37 for the temples, which is the standard combined fee for Angkor Wat and other main temples.

The timing is adjustable, but we recommend starting early—around 7 AM if possible—to beat the heat and crowds. This way, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and more peaceful photos.

Notable Considerations

While the convenience is excellent, keep in mind that this tour requires some walking, often on uneven surfaces and stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and bring essentials like hat, sunscreen, and water.

If traveling with very small children or persons with mobility issues, this tour might not be suitable, as some temples involve stairs and walking distances. Also, since meals and drinks are not included, plan to bring snacks or plan for a quick lunch afterward.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers who prioritize comfort and flexibility will find this private taxi tour a real winner. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid large crowds and prefer a more personalized experience. It’s also well-suited for travelers with limited time but who want a comprehensive taste of Angkor’s highlights.

If you’re a first-time visitor or a photographer eager to capture the temples in the best light, starting early with this tour makes a lot of sense. It’s also a good choice for those who appreciate local interaction and want to support small-scale, personal guiding.

Final Thoughts

For just $24, this private taxi tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the most famous sites of Angkor. The benefit of having a knowledgeable driver who speaks English means you won’t just see the temples — you’ll understand them better. Plus, the early start helps you enjoy the sites at their most peaceful.

While it doesn’t include entry fees or meals, the overall value is strong, especially considering the comfort and customizability. The experience feels genuine, not overly scripted, with many travelers praising their guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

This tour is best suited for those who want a stress-free, personalized day exploring Angkor without the hassle of group schedules. It’s ideal for first-timers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone who values comfort and flexibility while discovering Cambodia’s most iconic monuments.

FAQ

Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, but the exact start time varies depending on availability.

Q: Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
A: Yes, your driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel lobby.

Q: Are entrance fees included?
A: No, entrance fees to the temples are not included and must be purchased separately.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: It’s not suitable for children under 3 years or those with mobility issues due to walking and stairs at some temples.

Q: How many people are in the group?
A: This is a private group, so the experience is tailored to your party only.

Q: Can I customize the itinerary?
A: Yes, you can set your own pace and request to spend more or less time at specific sites.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera.

Q: How early should I start?
A: Starting early — around 7 AM — is recommended to avoid crowds and heat.

Q: Is this tour available all year round?
A: Availability depends on your dates; check with the provider for specific start times.

Q: How do I reserve the tour?
A: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This private taxi tour offers a good balance of comfort, flexibility, and value — making it a smart choice for exploring Angkor’s highlights with ease.

You can check availability for your dates here: