Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour: Small Group, Breakfast & Temples

Summary

Angkor sunrise colors, quiet temples before crowds, breakfast in Preah Dak village

You’ll wake before dawn for Angkor Wat’s sunrise glow, walk ancient corridors before crowds arrive, share breakfast with locals in Preah Dak village, and explore jungle temples with a small group and guide. Expect laughter over palm cake, cool stone under your hands, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush — not silence, but that soft shuffling of maybe a dozen people in the dark outside Angkor Wat. Our guide (his name was Vannak) handed out cold bottles of water while we waited for the sky to do its thing. I could smell incense somewhere and wet grass under my shoes. When the towers finally showed up against that weird purple-pink light, someone behind me whispered “wow” — not dramatic, just surprised. I didn’t even bother with photos at first; it felt like I’d miss something if I blinked too much.

After sunrise, we wandered through Angkor Wat itself before the big tour groups arrived. Vannak pointed out carvings — he had this way of telling stories about the gods that made them sound like neighbors, not legends. The stones felt cool and a little slippery under my hand (I nearly tripped on one step; he laughed and said everyone does it at least once). The air inside smelled old and kind of sweet? Hard to explain — maybe incense again or just centuries of prayers soaked into rock.

Breakfast was at a family spot in Preah Dak village, not far from Srah Srang. We sat under a tin roof with chickens wandering nearby and ate rice noodles with palm cake for dessert. The woman who cooked waved shyly when I tried to thank her in Khmer (I definitely butchered it). She smiled anyway. It felt good knowing our meal supported people right there instead of some faceless company.

The rest of the morning blurred a bit: Ta Prohm’s roots swallowing stone walls, Bayon’s faces grinning down at us, and those long terraces where elephants once paraded by royalty. It got hotter and busier as we went on — by then I was grateful for both the minivan’s AC and Vannak’s patience when I lagged behind taking too many photos. Even now, sometimes I close my eyes and see that sunrise light over Angkor Wat again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Angkor Wat sunrise and temple tour

• Hotel pickup before sunrise
• Watch sunrise over Angkor Wat
• Explore Angkor Wat temple
• Breakfast at local family restaurant
• Visit Preah Dak village and taste palm cake
• Explore Ta Prohm jungle temple
• Visit Bayon monastery
• See Baphuon temple
• Visit Terrace of the Elephants
• Visit Terrace of the Leper King
• See South Gate of Angkor Thom
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start?

The tour starts with hotel pickup between 4:30 am and 5:00 am.

Is breakfast included on this Angkor Wat day trip?

Yes, breakfast is included at a local family restaurant near Srah Srang in Preah Dak village.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 14 people for a more personal experience.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

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

Do I need to buy an Angkor temple pass before joining?

Yes, you need an Angkor pass (US$37 per person) before starting the tour; online purchase is recommended.

Is there a vegetarian option for breakfast?

Yes, vegetarian options are available during breakfast.

What temples will we visit besides Angkor Wat?

You’ll visit Ta Prohm, Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, and more.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Siem Reap city by air-conditioned minivan or bus; guided visits to Angkor Wat at sunrise plus Ta Prohm, Bayon, Baphuon and more; entry to all listed sites (except temple pass); a traditional breakfast at a family-run spot in Preah Dak village with vegetarian options; free bottled water and cool towels throughout; then drop-off back at your hotel after exploring Cambodia’s most iconic temples together.