Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour: Early Entry & Temple Day from Siem Reap

Summary

Angkor sunrise from library pools then temple maze with a guide

You’ll start before dawn with hotel pickup in Siem Reap and enter Angkor Wat from a peaceful side as sunrise breaks over ancient stones. With your local guide leading the way, you’ll explore temples like Bayon and Ta Prohm, hear stories behind carvings, and pause by jungle-wrapped ruins—plus cool towels and water when you need them most.

What’s the experience like?

"You’re going to want coffee for this," our driver joked as we climbed into the van at 4:40am—he wasn’t wrong. The streets of Siem Reap were still half asleep, just a couple food carts flickering under yellow bulbs. By the time we reached Angkor Wat, it was pitch black except for the odd headlamp beam bouncing off ancient stones. Our guide, Dara, led us in through the eastern gate—he said most people crowd at the front, but this side’s quieter. I could smell damp earth and incense drifting somewhere. Walking those long corridors in darkness felt weirdly peaceful, like we were trespassing in someone else’s dream.

We waited by one of the old library pools for sunrise. It was quiet except for frogs and some camera clicks—then suddenly there was this slow blue glow behind the towers. Dara pointed out how the bas-reliefs along the walls told stories from Hindu mythology; honestly, I only caught half because I was distracted by the colors changing every minute. After that, we wandered over to Angkor Thom’s south gate where these massive stone figures line up on both sides of the causeway—54 gods on one side, 54 demons on the other. Dara explained they’re all pulling a giant serpent in some cosmic tug-of-war (I probably should’ve paid more attention in school).

The Bayon temple is wild—faces everywhere you look, some smiling, some almost smirking at you. I tried to count them but gave up after twenty; Dara said there are over 200. At one point he laughed when I tried to say “Bayon” properly in Khmer—definitely butchered it. The heat started creeping in by late morning and my shirt stuck to my back, but there was always shade somewhere or a breeze through a doorway. We stopped at the Terrace of Elephants too; I remember running my hand over one of those carved lions and feeling how smooth centuries made it.

Ta Prohm was last—roots swallowing stone walls, trees growing right through roofs like something out of a storybook. It felt quieter here than anywhere else all day. Dara let us wander alone for a while; I found myself just standing there listening to birds and thinking about all those monks who used to live here. The ride back to Siem Reap was mostly silent except for someone quietly unwrapping their breakfast pack (croissant envy is real). Even now, I still think about that first glimpse of Angkor Wat in half-light—it doesn’t really leave you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise and Angkor temple tour

• Depart hotel pre-dawn
• Watch sunrise outside Angkor Wat
• Enter Angkor Wat from eastern side
• Walk along bas-relief corridors
• View south gate of Angkor Thom
• Explore Bayon temple and towers
• Pass Terrace of Elephants
• Visit Ta Prohm temple
• Return to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour start?

The tour departs between 4:30am and 4:45am depending on season.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, convenient hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Which temples are visited during this Angkor day trip?

You’ll visit Angkor Wat, Bayon temple, Terrace of Elephants, Angkor Thom’s south gate, and Ta Prohm.

Is breakfast provided on this tour?

No set breakfast is included but if your hotel includes breakfast you can request a takeaway pack to eat after sunrise.

Are entrance fees included?

No, temple entrance fees are not included but can be purchased before sunrise using Visa cards.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

What should I wear when visiting Angkor temples?

You must dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered (scarves over shoulders aren’t allowed).

How long does this Angkor Wat day trip last?

The tour lasts most of the day with return to your hotel after visiting several temples.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap by air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced English-speaking guide throughout; complimentary bottled water and cool towels help beat the heat between temple stops; entry fees are paid separately at sunrise using Visa card if needed; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring corridors and jungle paths alike.