Angkor Wat & Bayon: 2-Day Private Sunrise & Sunset Temples Tour

Summary

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Bayon faces, Banteay Srei carvings, sunset over Siem Reap rice fields

You’ll step quietly into Angkor Wat before sunrise, trace centuries-old carvings at Banteay Srei, and watch sunset over Siem Reap’s rice fields with a cold drink in hand. With an expert local guide handling all logistics (and sharing small stories), you’ll get close to Cambodia’s history — and maybe find a moment or two that stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bumping along the road outside Siem Reap when our guide, Dara, handed us bottles of water and grinned — “You’ll need these.” The air was sticky and smelled faintly of woodsmoke from someone’s breakfast fire. First stop: Pre Rup temple. I remember the rough feel of the brick under my hand, still cool from the night. Dara pointed out faded carvings I’d have missed on my own. I tried to say “Pre Rup” properly; he laughed and said I sounded like his nephew. We kept moving — Banteay Srei next, all pink sandstone and impossibly tiny details. The sun was starting to bite by then but somehow it felt right for those carvings to glow in that light.

Neak Pean came after lunch (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf — not sure if that was part of the tour or just Dara being kind). It sits on its own island, quiet except for frogs somewhere nearby. Preah Khan felt different: tree roots everywhere, stone corridors half-swallowed by jungle. There were moments when we didn’t talk much — just walked slowly, listening to birds and our own footsteps echoing off old walls. By late afternoon we ended up in a patchwork of rice fields outside town with plastic chairs set up for us. Cold drink in hand, watching the sky turn gold over Siem Reap… I still think about that view sometimes.

The second day started before the world woke up. We crept into Angkor Wat from the east gate with torches (bring one — Dara wasn’t joking). The bas-reliefs seemed endless in the half-light; you could almost hear stories whispering from the stone if you listened long enough. Later we wandered through Ta Prohm where trees have taken over everything — roots like giant fingers gripping walls. At Ta Nei there was no one but us and a couple of stray dogs dozing in the shade.

I didn’t expect Bayon to hit me so hard — all those giant faces looking down with that odd smile. Dara said they’re meant to be serene but honestly it felt like they knew something we didn’t. We drifted past the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King without much ceremony; by then my feet were tired and my head full of images I’m still sorting out now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore temples and sunset in countryside

• Visit Pre Rup Hindu temple
• Explore Banteay Srei temple
• Visit Neak Pean island temple
• Explore Preah Khan temple ruins
• Relax with sunset drink in rice fields

Day 2 — Sunrise and major Angkor temples

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat temple
• Visit Ta Prohm jungle temple
• Drive to Ta Nei temple
• Explore Angkor Thom city site
• Visit Bayon temple with faces
• Pass Terrace of Elephants
• Pass Terrace of the Leper King

Top questions

How early does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start?

The tour begins before dawn so you can enter Angkor Wat while it’s still dark; exact pickup time depends on sunrise seasonally.

Is hotel pickup included for this 2-day private temples tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included both days for your convenience.

Are temple entry fees included?

No, there is an additional surcharge for a 2-3 day temples pass (USD62) payable on site.

What should I wear for visiting Angkor temples?

Dress respectfully with knees and shoulders covered for both men and women; scarves over shoulders aren’t allowed as cover.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No set lunch is included but your guide may suggest local spots or snacks along the way.

How physically demanding is this itinerary?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven ground and lots of walking.

Does this private tour include an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an experienced English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout both days.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your days include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and cool towels provided along the way, plus guidance from an experienced English-speaking local who’ll share stories as you explore each temple site together—and yes, there’s time to relax with a cold drink at sunset out among the rice fields before heading back each evening.