Angkor Wat: Small Group Temple Tour with Sunset & Pickup

Angkor day trip with jungle temples, ancient faces, sunset views

You’ll wander through Angkor Wat at sunrise with a local guide, see tree roots twisting through Ta Prohm’s ruins, climb ancient terraces for jungle views, and end your day watching sunset over Cambodia from Phnom Bakheng. Expect laughter, honest stories, and moments that linger long after you’ve left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Angkor Wat1h
2. Ta Prohm1h
3. Ta Keo Temple1h
4. Angkor Thom1h
5. Phnom Bakheng1h

Explore Angkor temples and sunset

• Visit Angkor Wat temple
• Explore Banteay Kdei ruins
• Tour Ta Prohm temple
• Climb Ta Keo terraces
• Walk through Angkor Thom South Gate
• See Bayon temple faces
• Watch sunset at Phnom Bakheng

The experience

The first thing I remember is the slow crunch of gravel under our minivan’s tires as we pulled up to Angkor Wat: the towers just starting to catch that early light. Our guide, Dara, handed me a cold bottle of water (bless him), and we followed him through the stone causeway. I’d seen photos before, but standing there, you notice little things: incense smoke curling near a shrine, a monk’s orange robe flickering past. Dara told us stories about the carvings. Some were funny, some kind of sad. He pointed out bullet marks from old battles. I hadn’t expected that.

Banteay Kdei was quieter. There was this smell, damp stone mixed with wildflowers, maybe? A couple of kids waved at us from behind a tree. The roots at Ta Prohm really do look like they’re swallowing the walls whole. Everyone talks about “the Tomb Raider temple,” but honestly it felt more like nature just slowly taking back its own. At one point I tried to pronounce the name in Khmer and Li (one of the other guides) cracked up, probably deserved it.

Climbing up Ta Keo left my legs wobbling but wow, looking out over all that green… It’s loud up there too: cicadas going full blast, wind in the trees. By midday Angkor Thom was busy, tuk-tuks everywhere, but Dara managed to find us a quiet spot by one of those giant carved faces at Bayon. He said each face is supposed to be smiling at you personally. Not sure if I buy that but for a second it did feel true.

The last stop was Phnom Bakheng for sunset. We hiked up together (it’s not far but it’s sticky-hot), and there were people from everywhere just sitting on old stones, waiting for the sky to change color over Angkor Wat down below. Someone played music on their phone; birds wheeled around overhead; everyone got quiet for a minute when the sun dipped low. I still think about that view sometimes: how small everything looked from up there.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, chilled bottled water throughout the journey, an experienced driver-guide leading your small group by air-conditioned minivan between each temple site, including Angkor Wat itself, and ends with sunset at Phnom Bakheng before returning you home again.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tours of Angkor WatGuide in English · 09:30Shared small-group sunset tour of Angkor Wat, lasting one day, with pickup included

Private TourGuide in English · 09:30This private tour lets you explore the temples peacefully with only your own group, without other people. Duration: the full tour takes 10 hours in total, and you can explore the whole trip at your own pace, with timing flexible alongside your guide. Cool water and a wipe towel are provided. Temples visited: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo and Phnom Bakheng hill. Transport by minivan, car or minibus. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Angkor Wat Shared Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Angkor Wat small group tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering multiple temples from morning until after sunset.

Is hotel pickup included in this Angkor Wat day trip?

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

Which temples are visited during this tour?

The tour includes Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei, Ta Prohm, Ta Keo Temple, Angkor Thom (with Bayon), and Phnom Bakheng.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, you’ll be guided by an experienced Khmer guide throughout the day.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is provided for all guests during the trip.

How do we get between temples on this day trip?

You travel between sites in an air-conditioned minivan with your group and guide.

Is this Angkor Wat group tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some walking and climbing steps.