Angkor Wat & Major Temples Day Tour with Sunset Pickup

Summary

Angkor’s ancient faces, tangled roots and a slow sunset climb

You’ll wander ancient corridors at Angkor Wat before getting lost among Bayon’s mysterious faces and Ta Prohm’s tangled trees. With your local guide handling all logistics—including hotel pickup—you’ll end your day watching sunset from Phnom Bakheng hilltop. Expect sweat, laughter and moments you’ll want to hold onto long after leaving Siem Reap.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that face? They say it’s always watching," our guide Chenda grinned as we stood in front of Bayon, squinting up at those huge stone smiles. I’d already sweated through my shirt by then (Cambodia in the dry season is no joke), but honestly, the energy in Angkor Thom just kept me moving. We started early—Chenda met us right in the hotel lobby, still half-awake, and off we went to pick up our temple passes. The first glimpse of Angkor Wat through the haze felt almost unreal; monks in orange robes drifted past while tuk-tuks rattled somewhere behind us. I remember the smell of incense and old stone—kind of sweet and dusty at once.

Ta Prohm was next, and yeah, everyone talks about the tree roots but seeing them twist right over the walls is something else. Chenda told us how locals call it the “jungle temple” way before Tomb Raider made it famous. I tried to pronounce its Khmer name and got it so wrong that even he had to laugh (I’m still not sure what I actually said). Lunch was just outside—nothing fancy, but cold water never tasted so good. Afterward, Ta Nei felt almost empty except for cicadas buzzing and a single caretaker sweeping leaves; it was a quiet break before plunging back into the crowds.

The afternoon was all about Angkor Thom’s maze: Victory Gate, those endless elephant carvings on the terrace (I lost count), then climbing Baphuon’s steep steps with shaky legs. Chenda pointed out details I’d have missed: faded carvings, a hidden Buddha behind a crumbling wall. By late afternoon we started up Phnom Bakheng for sunset. It’s a bit of a hike—honestly, my legs were complaining—but finding a spot at the top as everything turned gold was worth every step. There’s this hush that falls over everyone waiting for sunset; even the chattiest tourists just go quiet for a minute or two.

I still think about that view sometimes—the temples below turning soft and pink as dusk settled over Siem Reap. We climbed down slowly in the dark, tired but kind of wired from it all. And then Chenda dropped us back at our hotel with one last smile and a cold towel (which I basically wore on my face). So yeah, if you’re thinking about an Angkor Wat day trip from Siem Reap… don’t skip sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit major Angkor temples and sunset

• Meet guide and buy temple pass
• Visit Angkor Wat temple
• Explore Ta Prohm temple
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Ta Nei temple
• Stop at Victory Gate of Angkor Thom
• Visit Bayon temple
• Explore Baphuon temple and Royal Enclosure
• Visit Phimeanakas temple
• See Terrace of Elephants and Leper King
• Visit quiet Buddhist temple behind Royal Palace
• Climb Phnom Bakheng for sunset
• Return to hotel or Siem Reap location

Top questions

How long does the Angkor Wat day trip take?

The tour lasts around 8-10 hours including pickup, temple visits, lunch break and sunset at Phnom Bakheng before returning to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included for this Angkor Wat tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup and drop-off at your Siem Reap hotel or guesthouse are included.

Which temples are visited on this day tour?

The tour covers Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Ta Nei, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas (Royal Enclosure), Terrace of Elephants & Leper King plus Phnom Bakheng for sunset.

Do I need to buy an Angkor Pass separately?

No worries—the guide will help you purchase your temple pass on the way to Angkor Park in the morning.

Is lunch included on this Angkor Wat day trip?

Lunch is not included but there’s time set aside to eat at a local restaurant near Ta Prohm; dishes start around $5 USD each.

How difficult is the climb up Phnom Bakheng for sunset?

The walk is uphill but manageable for most fitness levels; allow extra time if you prefer to go slowly or need breaks.

Are guides licensed and English-speaking?

Yes—all guides are licensed and speak English fluently throughout the tour.

What should I bring on an Angkor Wat day trip?

Bring sun protection (hat/sunscreen), comfortable shoes for walking/climbing temples, cash for lunch/temple pass and maybe bug spray.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your Siem Reap hotel by air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed English-speaking guide leading every step; cool bottled water and wet towels are provided throughout so you can stay refreshed between temples—just remember lunch isn’t included but there’s time set aside for it nearby before heading out again.