Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour: Small Group Temples & Pickup

Summary

Angkor sunrise, Bayon faces, tangled roots at Ta Prohm and quiet temple paths

You’ll start before dawn with hotel pickup for Angkor Wat sunrise, led by a local guide who knows every shortcut. Walk ancient corridors at Bayon and Ta Prohm where roots twist through stone, pause for breakfast near the temples, then finish at Banteay Kdei before heading back—tired but happy.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off at 4:15am and I almost convinced myself to skip it—who really needs to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat? But then our driver was already waiting outside the hotel, all smiles even though it was still pitch dark. The minibus was cool and quiet, just a handful of us blinking awake. I forgot my hat (classic), but our guide, Dara, handed me a cold towel and grinned like he’d seen this before. He pointed out the best place to stand by the lotus pond—honestly, I wouldn’t have figured that out on my own—and we waited in that weird hush before dawn, listening to frogs and distant chanting from somewhere behind the trees.

When the sky finally started turning pink behind those towers, everyone got quiet. I remember Dara whispering something about how his grandfather used to sneak into Angkor as a kid when it was all forest. It smelled like wet stone and incense drifting over from a shrine nearby. After sunrise (which was worth every bit of lost sleep), we walked through Angkor Wat’s carvings—so many stories in those walls, and Dara could actually read some of the old Sanskrit bits. My favorite part was when he showed us where locals leave little offerings tucked into cracks; you’d miss them if you didn’t know where to look.

Breakfast was this simple noodle soup at a spot just outside the temple area—nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that walking. Then we piled back in for Angkor Thom’s South Gate (those giant stone faces look both peaceful and kind of mischievous) and wandered through Bayon temple with its maze of smiling heads. At Ta Prohm, the trees are basically eating the ruins alive—roots everywhere, green and damp under your hands if you touch them (I did). Dara made a joke about Tomb Raider but honestly it felt more like stepping into someone else’s dream.

I kept thinking I’d get “templed out” but every stop had its own feeling—Banteay Kdei was quieter than the rest, almost empty except for one old monk sweeping leaves. By then it was getting hot and sticky; we were tired in that good way you get from seeing too much beauty in one morning. On the drive back I tried (and failed) to nap but mostly just watched rice paddies flicker past and thought about how lucky I was to see Angkor Wat this way—with someone who knew all its corners.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise and temple exploration

• Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Explore Angkor Wat temple complex
• Visit Angkor Thom city gate
• Discover Bayon Temple
• Breakfast near temple area
• Visit Ta Prohm temple
• Stop at Banteay Kdei Temple
• Return to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start?

The tour begins very early in the morning so guests can arrive before sunrise; pickup is typically around 4:00–4:30am from Siem Reap hotels.

Is hotel pickup included in this small group tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking for convenience.

Which temples are visited on this day trip?

The main temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon (in Angkor Thom), Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, plus South Gate of Angkor Thom.

Is breakfast provided during the tour?

A local breakfast is included at a spot near the temple area after sunrise viewing at Angkor Wat.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour; exact numbers may vary but groups are kept limited for a better experience.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the tour throughout all temple visits.

Are entry fees or tickets included?

No information on entry fees is specified; check if your ticket covers admission or if you need to purchase separately.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), water bottle (though cool water is provided), and your camera.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus or coach with an English-speaking guide leading you through four main temples—Angkor Wat at sunrise, Bayon in Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm’s famous tree roots, Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei—with cool towels and bottled water along the way plus breakfast near the temple area before returning to your hotel later that morning.