Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom Day Tour from Siem Reap with Guide

Summary

Siem Reap Temple Adventure: Angkor Wat, Bayon & Ta Prohm

If you want to see Cambodia’s most famous temples in one day—with real stories and hidden details only locals know—this tour’s for you. You’ll get hotel pickup, a friendly guide who actually answers your questions, and plenty of time to wander through Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. It’s a full day but worth every step.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick and a bit sticky as we stepped out of the van just after sunrise—7:30 sharp. Our guide, Dara, handed out cold bottles of water and grinned, “You’ll need these.” The drive from Siem Reap was short but lively; tuk-tuks zipped past us, and I caught the faint smell of incense drifting from roadside shrines. Pulling up to Angkor Wat’s moat, I was surprised by how quiet it was—just the soft shuffle of early visitors and the distant calls of birds. Dara pointed out carvings on the temple walls that I’d have missed on my own—tiny details showing battles and ancient dancers. He explained it took 38 years to build this place, which honestly blew my mind as I ran my hand over the cool stone.

After Angkor Wat, we headed north to Angkor Thom. The old city gates looked massive up close, with faces staring down from above. Inside, Bayon Temple was something else—over 200 stone faces everywhere you turned. Dara joked that they’re always watching, and it did feel a bit like that. We wandered through narrow corridors while he shared stories about the Khmer Empire. By midday, the sun was strong, so we grabbed lunch at a small spot nearby (not included, but the fried noodles were solid). Then it was off to Ta Prohm. This temple’s half-swallowed by jungle—roots twisting over walls, moss everywhere. It felt cooler here, with a breeze rustling the leaves. Dara let us explore at our own pace before heading back to town around 3:30. My shoes were dusty, but my camera was full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Angkor Wat Temples

• Visit Angkor Wat ruins
• Tour Angkor Thom and Bayon temple
• Explore Ta Prohm temple

Top questions

How much walking is there on this tour?

You’ll be on your feet for a good part of the day—expect to walk several kilometers across uneven ground and temple steps. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch isn’t included. There’s a break midday where you can buy food at a local restaurant near the temples. Lots of options for different tastes.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light scarf for sun protection. Water’s provided, but you might want extra. Dress respectfully for temple visits—shoulders and knees covered.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The temples involve some climbing and uneven paths. It’s doable for most people with moderate fitness but not recommended for those with mobility issues.

What’s included

You’ll get picked up from your hotel in Siem Reap in an air-conditioned car or van. A local English-speaking guide leads the way. Bottled water is included to keep you cool. Parking fees are covered too. Lunch isn’t included, but there’s time to eat at a local place near the temples.