Angkor Wat Sunrise Small Group Tour: 3 Temples, Back Gate Entry

Enter Angkor Wat before the crowds arrive through the secluded back gate

A small group sunrise tour from Siem Reap that enters Angkor Wat through a back gate for a quiet morning walk, then visits Ta Prohm's tree-wrapped ruins and Bayon's stone faces. Your local English-speaking guide leads you through six to seven hours of temple exploration, with hotel pickup, water and an air-conditioned vehicle included. A traditional monk blessing is available, subject to monk availability.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunrise tour of Angkor temples

• Hotel pickup early morning
• Enter Angkor Wat through back gate
• Explore Angkor Wat temple
• Visit Ta Prohm temple
• Enjoy breakfast or coffee at Ta Prohm
• Tour Angkor Thom city
• See South Gate of Angkor Thom
• Explore Bayon temple
• Visit Terrace of the Elephants
• Optional traditional Monk Blessing

The experience

The tour starts before dawn with pickup from your hotel, timed so you reach Angkor Wat as the first light breaks. The back gate entry, the defining move here, means you walk the temple grounds in relative quiet while other groups queue at the main entrance. Your guide is a local expert who speaks English and knows the history of each structure. You'll move through both the outside views and interior passages of the temple, learning why it appears on Cambodia's flag. Breakfast or coffee waits at Ta Prohm, served right in front of the temple so you can sit with the jungle atmosphere before the site fills up.

Ta Prohm is the "Tomb Raider" temple, where massive tree roots have wrapped around and reclaimed the ancient stone over centuries. After Ta Prohm, the tour moves to Angkor Thom, the ancient city itself. You'll see the South Gate, walk among the stone faces of Bayon (the temple famous for those carved expressions), and visit the Terrace of the Elephants. If monks are present and available, you have the chance to receive a traditional blessing at either Angkor Wat or Bayon, adding a spiritual layer to the morning.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, cold towels and drinking water travel with you, and the driver returns you to your hotel at the end. Groups stay small, which is why the back gate entry works: you're not herding through with dozens of others. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that cover your knees and shoulders: temple rules require it. Leave valuables at the hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• drinking water and cold towels.
• local English-speaking tour guide.
• 50% of tour profits support education for underprivileged students in the region.

Options for this experience

5 options

Guide Speaks English04:30 and 04:40Small group tour visiting Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm temples, plus a monk blessing. Starex. Pickup is included.

Sunrise Angkor Tour, PrivateGuide in English · 04:30 and 05:00Leave your hotel early, around 5 o'clock, to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple, then spend several hours there. Afterwards, visit Angkor Thom City, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm Temple. Pickup is included.

With Spanish-speaking tour guideGuide in English · 04:30 and 05:00Sunrise Angkor Wat Tour. Duration: 7 hours. Car or minivan. Pickup is included.

See 2 more options

Tour with French-speaking guideGuide in English · 04:30, 04:40 and 05:00Duration: 7 hours. Car or minivan. Pickup is included.

Tour with German-speaking guideGuide in English · 04:30, 04:40 and 05:00Duration: 7 hours. Car or minivan. Pickup is included.

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

Information

Lasts 6h–7h, runs every day at 04:30, 04:40 and 05:00, from US$ 33 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30, 04:40 and 05:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 155 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Travel to Inspire

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see Angkor Wat in the quiet of early morning and avoid the midday heat and crowds. The small group size and back gate entry make that possible, and the six to seven hour span fits the three main temples into one morning without rushing. Book the English-speaking guide option if that's your language, or pick German, French or Spanish if you prefer to tour in one of those instead.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What makes the back gate entry different from the main entrance at Angkor Wat?

The back gate allows you to walk the temple grounds in quiet during the early morning light, before the crowds arrive at the main entrance. Most visitors queue at the primary access point, so entering this way gives you a more peaceful first experience of the temple.

What is Ta Prohm temple known for?

Ta Prohm is famous for the massive tree roots that have grown over and around the ancient stone structures, slowly reclaiming the ruins. The temple was also featured in the Tomb Raider films, and you'll have time to sit with breakfast or coffee in front of it before the site becomes crowded.

Does the tour include entry to the temples?

Temple tickets are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately. Your guide will help you with this at the site. Hotel pickup, the vehicle, water, towels and the guide's expertise are all included.

How long does the tour run, and what time does it start?

The tour runs six to seven hours total. Pickup happens in the early morning so you arrive at Angkor Wat before sunrise. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

Can I receive a monk blessing during the tour?

A traditional monk blessing is available at either Angkor Wat or Bayon if monks are present and available on the day of your tour. It's not guaranteed, but your guide will let you know the opportunity if it exists.

What should I wear and bring on this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that cover your knees and shoulders: temples require this dress code. Bring a light layer for the early morning, and leave valuables at your hotel. The tour provides cold towels and drinking water.