Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour from Siem Reap: Three Temples

Watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, then climb through three temples where jungle reclaims stone.

A small-group sunrise tour from Siem Reap takes you into the Angkor Archaeological Park to watch dawn break over Angkor Wat, then visits Bayon temple with its 200 carved smiling faces and Ta Prohm, where giant trees grow through the ruins. An English-speaking guide leads the route through the UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour runs six to seven hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Angkor Wat2h
2. Bayon50m

Sunrise and temple visits at Angkor

• Pickup between 4:20am and 5:20am
• See sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Explore Angkor Wat temple
• Visit Angkor Thom South Gate
• Tour Bayon temple
• Visit Ta Prohm temple
• Return to hotel or city center

The experience

Pickup happens between 4:20am and 5:20am so you reach Angkor Wat before sunrise. The temple is the largest of all Angkor monuments and one of the New7Wonders of the World: its outer walls measure 1,000 by 800 meters, and the moat surrounding it is 200 meters wide. The scale is built as an architectural allegory of Mount Meru, the mythical center of the world in Hindu cosmology. Angkor Wat was constructed between 1113 and 1150 AD and dedicated to Vishnu. It holds the longest continuous bas relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls.

After sunrise you move into the Angkor Thom complex, a walled city whose ramparts stretch 13 kilometers and stand 8 meters high. Entry begins at the South Gate, lined with restored statues of demons and gods. Inside, the Bayon temple sits at the center of the complex: its defining feature is 200 stone faces carved into the towers, all wearing the same enigmatic smile. From there the tour continues to Ta Prohm, a monastery built by King Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother and a school. French archaeologists deliberately left it to the jungle to show nature's power. Now giant trees grow out of the temple's top, and fallen pillars lie across passageways. You climb through the dilapidated structures and expect to see an explorer emerge from behind every corner.

The guide is an experienced English speaker who explains the history and layout of each temple as you move through them. You'll need to bring your own breakfast from the hotel since the tour continues after sunrise without returning for a meal. Cold bottled water is provided during the day. Transportation is by tuk-tuk for one or two people, or a minivan for groups of three or more. The tour ends with return transfer to your hotel or any drop-off point in the city center.

What’s included

• Cold bottled water during the tour.
• an experienced English-speaking guide leading you through the temples.
• hotel pickup and drop-off within Siem Reap city center.
• transportation by tuk-tuk for one or two people or minivan for groups of three or more.

Information

Lasts 6h–7h, runs every day at 04:30, from US$ 39 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 dayDeparts at 04:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 157 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years): free · Infant (under 2): free

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

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Green Era Travel

Is this one for you?The early 4:20am pickup gets you to Angkor Wat before sunrise, which is when the light is best and crowds are smallest. If you prefer to sleep in, a later tour option would suit you better. The six to seven hour duration means you see three major temples in one morning and return to the city by midday, leaving your afternoon free.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years): free; Infant (under 2): free.

What is Angkor Wat and why is it famous?

Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Built between 1113 and 1150 AD and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, it is the best preserved of all Angkor temples. Its outer walls measure 1,000 by 800 meters, and it contains the longest continuous bas relief in the world, running along the outer gallery walls.

What makes the Bayon temple distinctive?

The Bayon sits at the center of Angkor Thom and is famous for its 200 stone faces carved into the towers, each wearing an identical enigmatic smile. This feature sets it apart from many other Angkor monuments and makes it one of the most recognizable temples in the park.

Why does Ta Prohm look so overgrown?

Ta Prohm was deliberately left to the jungle by French archaeologists to demonstrate the power of nature over human structures. Giant trees now grow out of the temple's top, and fallen pillars lie across passageways, creating the effect of a ruin being slowly consumed by the forest.

Do I need to bring food and water?

You should pack your own breakfast from your hotel because the tour continues after sunrise without returning for a meal. Cold bottled water is provided throughout the day, but you may want to bring additional snacks or drinks depending on your preference.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and only trousers or knee-length skirts or dresses: bare legs are not permitted at the temples. Bring a flashlight for navigating darker temple interiors and mosquito spray for protection. The tour starts before dawn, so a light layer is useful for the early morning.