Angkor Wat sunrise tour with bike ride through six temples

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then a nine-hour bike route through six temples

This nine-hour tour begins in darkness at Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise, then moves through the temple's chambers before biking a hidden rainforest trail to five more sites: the South gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon with its 54 towers and 216 carved faces, Tanei's untouched ancient hospital, and Taprom, where tree roots have claimed the stones. An English-speaking guide leads the route. Breakfast, lunch, water and fresh coconut juice are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunrise and ancient temple exploration

• Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Stroll through Angkor Wat chambers
• Learn history of Angkor Wat
• Pedal rainforest trail to South gate of Angkor Thom
• Climb protection wall at Prasat Chrung
• Visit West and North gates of Angkor Thom
• Explore Bayon temple towers and faces
• See ancient hospital at Tanei
• Discover Taprom temple from Tomb Raider

The experience

The day starts before sunrise so you're in position when light first hits Angkor Wat's towers. The golden moment comes as the sun clears the horizon and throws the temple's architecture into sharp relief: the chambers and galleries emerge from shadow as you walk through them with your guide, who explains the site's history as you move. Once you've had breakfast and the main temple's crowds thin, you switch to a quality mountain bike (Giant or Trek, with helmet) and head into the rainforest trails that connect the other temples.

The bike route takes you through six distinct stops over the next several hours. You climb the protection wall at Prasat Chrung for views across Angkor Thom, pass through the South gate's defensive walls, then reach Bayon: the temple famous for its 54 towers topped with 216 carved smiling faces. Tanei, an ancient hospital site untouched by archaeologists, sits wrapped in nature. Taprom, the tree-covered ruins that appeared in the Tomb Raider film, comes next. The West and North gates of Angkor Thom round out the route. Lunch happens midday, and you finish with water and fresh coconut juice available throughout.

The tour suits riders of every fitness level, though the nine hours and the bike sections mean you'll be moving most of the day. Respectful dress is required (no shorts or skirts above the knee, no bare shoulders), because Angkor remains an active spiritual site where Buddhists and local people pray and meditate daily. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera. The temple pass (one-day entry) costs $37 and is separate from the tour price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup.
• breakfast and lunch.
• pure drinking water and fresh coconut juice.
• quality mountain bike with helmet.
• English-speaking guide for the full nine hours.

Information

Lasts 9h, from US$ 75 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 10 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 202712 departing soon ›

GroupUp to 102 private ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 15 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Angkor Cycling Tour

Is this one for you?The nine-hour pace and bike sections work best for travelers comfortable spending most of the day moving between sites: the early start and the rainforest trails mean you'll see far more temples than a walking tour covers, but you'll also be active the whole time rather than stopping to rest.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 15 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What time does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start and finish?

The tour begins before dawn so you're positioned at Angkor Wat when the sun rises, then runs for nine hours total, ending in the afternoon after you've biked through all six temples and had lunch.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to bike the rainforest trails between temples?

No. The tour is designed for riders of every fitness level, and the bike sections follow hidden rainforest trails connecting the sites rather than demanding technical riding.

What is Bayon temple known for?

Bayon is famous for its 54 towers, each topped with 216 carved stone faces that smile down at visitors. It's one of Angkor's most recognizable and photographed structures.

Is the Angkor temple pass included in the tour price?

No. The one-day temple pass costs $37 and is purchased separately. The tour price covers the guide, bike, breakfast, lunch, water and coconut juice.

What should I wear to visit Angkor Wat and the other temples?

Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees: no bare shoulders, no shorts or skirts above the knee. Angkor is an active spiritual site where local people worship daily, and respectful dress is required.

What's included in the tour besides the guide and bike?

Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with pure drinking water and fresh coconut juice throughout the day. Hotel pickup is included, and the bike comes with a helmet.