Angkor Wat & Bayon Temples: Full-Day Sunset Tour Pickup

Summary

Angkor temples day trip with sunset and local stories

You’ll walk ancient corridors at Angkor Wat with a local guide, taste Cambodian curry at a small restaurant near Ta Prohm, climb Bayon’s mysterious towers, and end your day watching sunset from Phnom Bakheng. The tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned rides, cold water breaks, and real stories that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet walking into Angkor Wat that early — there’s this hush, like everyone’s holding their breath together. Our guide, Dara, met us right at the hotel (he waved with both hands, which made me smile), and by the time we reached the temple the air was already warm and sticky. He pointed out carvings I’d have missed on my own — whole battles in stone, centuries old. The smell of incense drifted from a corner shrine where a woman was lighting sticks; I tried not to stare but it felt special somehow.

Banteay Kdei came next. It’s less crowded, more crumbly — roots curling over broken walls. Dara told us monks still come here sometimes. My shoes got dusty and I almost slipped on a mossy step (caught myself just in time). Then Ta Prohm: those trees really do look like they’re swallowing the place whole. We stopped for lunch at a little spot nearby; I ordered amok because Dara said his mom makes it best — he laughed when I tried to say it in Khmer. The curry tasted sweet and earthy and I’m still thinking about it now.

After lunch we drove to Bayon Temple — all those faces watching you from every angle. It’s strange how peaceful they seem up close. Dara showed us his favorite one (“the smiling king,” he called it) and then let us wander for a while. By late afternoon we started climbing Phnom Bakheng for sunset. The steps are steep and uneven; my legs complained but the view was worth every wobble. People were quiet up there, just watching gold light spill across the jungle and stones. I didn’t take many photos — sometimes you just want to remember how it felt instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Angkor Wat and sunset view

• Hotel pickup between 8:30 and 9:00 AM
• Visit Angkor Wat temple complex
• Explore Banteay Kdei Temple
• Visit Ta Prohm Temple and jungle roots
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Bayon Temple with stone faces
• Climb Phnom Bakheng for sunset

Top questions

How long does the Angkor Wat day trip last?

The tour is a full-day experience starting with morning hotel pickup between 8:30–9:00 AM and ending after sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

Is lunch included on this Angkor temples tour?

The tour includes a lunch stop at a local restaurant near Ta Prohm where you can try regional dishes.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

No entry fees are mentioned as included; check if you need to purchase an Angkor Pass separately before joining.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Siem Reap?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in Siem Reap between 8:30–9:00 AM.

What should I wear or bring for this Angkor Wat day trip?

Wear comfortable shoes for uneven steps and bring sun protection; cold water and towels are provided during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult, infants sit on laps and meals aren’t included for them.

Which temples will we visit during this day trip?

You’ll visit Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, and finish with sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

What’s included

Your day includes morning hotel pickup in Siem Reap by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide throughout; cold water bottles and chilled towels along the way; a lunch break at a local restaurant near Ta Prohm (meals paid separately); plus plenty of time to explore each temple before returning after sunset.