Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat day trip: Temples & return taxi

Three temples, one day: Angkor Wat, Bayon's stone faces, and Ta Prohm's jungle ruins

A full-day private taxi tour from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with guided exploration of Angkor Archaeological Park, visiting Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm before returning to Phnom Penh the same day. An experienced English-speaking guide leads you through the temples and their history, covering the highlights in a single itinerary without an overnight stay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Angkor Wat2h
2. Bayon1h

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor Tour

• Depart Phnom Penh early morning
• Arrive Siem Reap, visit Angkor Wat
• Explore Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom
• Visit Ta Prohm Temple
• Return to Phnom Penh in evening

The experience

Can you really see Angkor in one day without staying overnight? Yes, this tour packs the three most significant temples into a single trip from Phnom Penh. You depart early by private car or minivan, arriving in Siem Reap by mid-morning with enough daylight to explore Angkor Archaeological Park. The route is built around the temples themselves: you start with Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, then move on to Bayon Temple with its famous stone faces, and finish at Ta Prohm, where massive tree roots grip the ancient ruins.

Your guide speaks English and walks you through each site, explaining the history and architecture as you move between them. Along the way you'll also see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King within Angkor Thom, the ancient city that surrounds the temples. The day covers a lot of ground, but the private transport means you're not waiting for other groups or following a fixed bus schedule: the pace adapts to what you want to see.

The return journey happens in the evening by the same private car and driver, getting you back to Phnom Penh after a full day of exploration. Cold water is provided throughout, and all tolls, parking, and fuel are covered. If you speak French, you can add a French-speaking guide at the temples for an additional cost.

What’s included

• Private car or minivan transport from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and back.
• English-speaking guide at Angkor temples.
• pickup and drop-off in Phnom Penh.
• cold water throughout the day.
• all fuel, tolls and parking fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

One-day trip: from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Angkor, then backGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 07:00A day tour in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, going from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat Park, with a local guide who speaks English for the temple visits; returns to Phnom Penh after the temples, and pickup is included

With French SpeakingGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 07:00Phnom Penh to Angkor and back to Phnom Penh, with pickup included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (6 to 85 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 37

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Taxi Cambodia E C T

Is this one for you?The early departure and private transport mean you're not synced to a group schedule, so you can spend more or less time at each temple depending on what interests you. This works well for solo travelers and small groups who want the temples without committing to an overnight stay in Siem Reap.

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Top questions

How long is the drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

The drive takes several hours each way. You depart early in the morning and arrive in Siem Reap by mid-morning, giving you the bulk of the day to explore the temples before returning in the evening.

What is Angkor Wat and why is it the first stop?

Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and the centerpiece of Angkor Archaeological Park. It's visited first because it's the most iconic temple and sets the context for understanding the other sites you'll see that day.

What makes Ta Prohm different from the other temples?

Ta Prohm is known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" because giant tree roots have grown through and around the ancient ruins, creating a mystical, jungle-covered atmosphere that contrasts with the more intact structures of Angkor Wat and Bayon.

Is the guide included, or do I need to hire one separately?

An English-speaking guide at Angkor temples is included in the tour. The guide leads you through all three temples and explains their history and significance throughout the day.

What's not included that I should budget for?

Temple entrance fees, meals, and personal expenses are not included. You'll want to bring cash or a card for the park entry and any food or drinks you want beyond the complimentary water provided.