Angkor Wat & Bayon: Sunrise Bike Tour with Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Cycle Angkor at sunrise, hidden jungle paths & ancient faces

You’ll see Angkor Wat wake up at sunrise, cycle quiet trails past villages most tourists miss, hear stories from your local guide, and share Cambodian dishes beside Srah Srang lake. Expect muddy shoes, laughter with your group, and moments that linger long after you’re back in Siem Reap.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when my alarm went off at 4:15. But by the time we were standing in the dark outside Angkor Wat, with our guide Dara quietly handing out bottled water and grinning like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has), I was wide awake. The air smelled like wet stone and incense. It’s weird how quiet a crowd can be—everyone just waiting for that first orange crack over the towers. Dara led us to a spot away from the main group, and when the sun finally showed up, it felt like we had our own little secret.

After wandering through Angkor Wat’s carvings (I lost count of how many apsaras Dara pointed out—he said his aunt used to dance like them), we got breakfast right there—sticky rice, eggs, strong coffee that tasted smoky somehow. Then bikes appeared out of nowhere. I picked an e-bike because honestly, 20km sounded ambitious before noon. We zipped down narrow dirt tracks behind the temples where chickens darted across and kids waved at us. At one point I nearly crashed trying to avoid a dog sleeping in the shade—Dara just laughed and told me it’s “Siem Reap traffic.”

Bayon was next—those faces are stranger in person than any photo can show you. Dara explained each one represents a province from the old Khmer Empire (I only remembered two names but nodded like I got it). The stone felt cool under my hands even as the day heated up. Ta Prohm was wild too—the trees have basically eaten parts of it alive. There’s something about seeing roots bigger than your body wrapped around ancient walls that makes you feel tiny and stubbornly hopeful at once.

Lunch was beside Srah Srang reservoir—a breeze off the water, plates of amok and fresh fruit, everyone sort of quiet in that full-belly way. Our support van waited nearby but some folks biked back to Siem Reap anyway; I took the ride because my legs were jelly by then. Sometimes you just want to sit in silence after all that color and history—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Angkor Park sunrise and bike tour

• Pickup from hotel early morning
• Transfer to Angkor Wat for sunrise
• Explore Angkor Wat central complex
• Have breakfast after sunrise
• Receive bike and start cycling
• Bike through trails and local villages
• Enter Angkor Thom via Ancient Gate
• Visit Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom
• Cycle to Ta Prohm Temple
• Enjoy leisure time at Ta Prohm
• Have lunch by Srah Srang reservoir
• Return to hotel by support vehicle or bike

Top questions

What time does the Angkor sunrise bike tour start?

The tour starts early morning with hotel pickup to reach Angkor Wat before sunrise.

Is breakfast included on this day trip from Siem Reap?

Yes, breakfast is provided after exploring Angkor Wat at sunrise.

How far do you cycle on the Angkor bike tour?

The total cycling distance is between 20km to 25km through Angkor Park.

Are e-bikes available for this tour?

Yes, you can choose an e-bike option when booking.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, both hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Siem Reap.

Which temples are visited during the bike tour?

You visit Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and smaller temples along hidden trails.

Is lunch provided on this Angkor Park cycling tour?

Yes, a Cambodian lunch is served beside Srah Srang reservoir before returning to town.

Can children join this guided bike tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, entry fees for all main temples on the route, a hearty Cambodian breakfast after sunrise at Angkor Wat plus lunch beside Srah Srang lake, bottled water and snacks throughout the ride, use of a Trek mountain bike or e-bike with helmet provided if you prefer electric assist—and always an English-speaking local guide leading every step (and pedal) along those hidden jungle trails.