Angkor Wat: Small Group Temple Tour with Sunset & Pickup

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

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.