Angkor Wat, Bayon & Ta Prohm: Small Group Tour with Lunch

Summary

Angkor’s ancient faces, jungle temples and a sunset climb

You’ll walk ancient corridors at Angkor Wat and Bayon, see tree roots twist around Ta Prohm’s stones, share a local lunch near Siem Reap and finish with sunset views from Phnom Bakheng. With a small group and guide handling all tickets and transport, you’ll get both stories and space to take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I felt a weird mix of nerves and excitement as we drove out from Siem Reap — maybe it was the early hour or just knowing I’d finally see Angkor Wat in person. Our guide, Dara, greeted us with this easy smile and handed out cold towels (seriously underrated in Cambodian heat). He started telling stories about the old Khmer kings before we even reached the first gate of Angkor Thom. I remember the way the morning light hit those giant stone faces at Bayon — not golden exactly, more like soft gray with bits of moss. It was quieter than I expected. We wandered through crumbling corridors while Dara pointed out these tiny carvings I’d have missed on my own.

After Bayon and Baphuon (which is steeper than it looks, by the way), we stopped at the Terrace of the Elephants. There were local kids selling little bracelets — one girl grinned when I tried to say “thank you” in Khmer. Then came Ta Prohm, which honestly felt like stepping into another world. The roots really do look like they’re swallowing the temple whole. Someone in our group joked about Angelina Jolie popping out from behind a tree, and even Dara laughed. The smell there is earthy — damp stone and something sweet from the jungle flowers.

Lunch was at this open-air spot nearby — simple food but full of flavor (the lemongrass hit me first). There was a moment where we watched a local woman making palm sugar by hand; she let us taste some right off her spoon. After that, Angkor Wat itself felt huge, almost intimidating at first glance. Dara explained some of the bas-reliefs but also gave us time to just wander quietly. I found myself tracing grooves in the old stone walls without really thinking about it.

The last bit was climbing up Phnom Bakheng for sunset — honestly, my legs were tired but it was worth it for that view over the treetops. The air cooled down just enough to be comfortable. On the way back to Siem Reap, everyone was a little quiet — not sure if it was exhaustion or just letting everything sink in. I still think about that moment on top of Bakheng sometimes, feeling small and lucky all at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Angkor temples and sunset

• Visit Tonle Om Gate at Angkor Thom
• See Bayon Temple
• Explore Baphuon Temple
• Walk Terrace of the Elephants
• Drive to Ta Prohm temple
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Phum Preah Dak village
• Tour Angkor Wat temple
• Climb Phnom Bakheng for sunset
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Angkor Wat tour?

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

Does this small group tour include entry tickets?

Yes, all admission tickets to temples are covered in your booking.

How many people are on each tour?

The group is limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included (vegetarian options available).

Which temples will we visit on this tour?

You’ll see Angkor Thom (Bayon, Baphuon), Terrace of the Elephants, Ta Prohm, Angkor Wat and climb Phnom Bakheng for sunset.

Are there any dress code requirements?

Your knees and shoulders must be covered inside temple areas.

How long does this Angkor Wat day trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day with morning pickup and return after sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, all temple entry fees covered ahead of time so you don’t have to queue up anywhere, plenty of bottled water and cold towels along the way (trust me you’ll want them), plus lunch at a local restaurant near Angkor with vegetarian options if you need them before heading back after sunset.