Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Small Group Tour with Sunset & Lunch

Summary

Angkor temples day with lakeside lunch and Phnom Bakheng sunset

You’ll walk ancient corridors at Angkor Wat with a local guide sharing stories, see Bayon’s mysterious faces, and feel tree roots swallowing Ta Prohm’s ruins. Recharge over a Khmer lunch by Srah Srang lake before climbing Phnom Bakheng for sunset views you’ll carry home long after dusk falls.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that carving? It’s older than your great-great-grandparents,” our guide Dara grinned, tapping his umbrella against the sandstone at Angkor Wat. I’d barely slept — too excited — but somehow the sticky morning air and the sound of monks chanting somewhere off to the side woke me up better than coffee. We shuffled through cool shadows and sudden bursts of sunlight, Dara telling stories about kings and wars and gods. Sometimes he’d pause, let us touch the rough stone or point out a monkey stealing someone’s water bottle (which actually happened — don’t leave your bag open). I didn’t expect to feel so small here, but you do.

After Bayon (the one with all those faces staring at you — it’s a bit surreal), we wandered into Ta Prohm. That’s where the trees have basically eaten the temple, roots curling over crumbling walls like something out of a dream. The air smelled green, if that makes sense — damp leaves and old stone. Dara tried to teach us how to say “thank you” in Khmer. Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it. We took photos but honestly, none of them really caught how strange and peaceful it felt standing there.

Lunch was at Srah Srang by this wide lake, under some shade with fans blowing just enough to make you forget about sweating. They brought out Amok Chicken (I picked that because Dara said it’s his favorite), spring rolls, rice, fruit — simple but good after all that walking. I remember watching dragonflies skimming over the water while everyone just sort of went quiet for a bit. Maybe we were tired or maybe just happy to sit still.

The last climb up Phnom Bakheng for sunset nearly did me in (bring water!), but seeing the sky go orange behind Angkor Wat was worth every step. People around us were whispering or just sitting quietly; even Dara seemed content to let us take it in without more stories for once. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Angkor temples and sunset

• See Angkor Wat
• Lunch at Srah Srang
• See Bayon temple
• Visit Angelina Jolie temple
• Stop for photo
• Quick visit to Terrace of the Leper King
• Watch sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Top questions

How long does the Angkor Wat small group tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience starting in the morning and ending after sunset at Phnom Bakheng.

Is lunch included on this Angkor Wat day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Srah Srang (Royal Bath) with several set menu options featuring Khmer dishes.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The group size is capped at 10 guests per tour for a relaxed atmosphere.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Siem Reap?

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

What temples are visited during this day trip from Siem Reap?

You’ll visit Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Leper King (if time allows), and Phnom Bakheng for sunset.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this Angkor Wat tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the tour throughout the day.

Are cold towels or water provided during the tour?

Cooled towels and bottled water are provided throughout the trip to help you stay refreshed.

What should I wear to visit Angkor temples?

A shirt covering your shoulders plus trousers or knee-length pants/skirts are required as respectful dress code.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Siem Reap, entry to five iconic temples including Angkor Wat and Bayon with guidance from an English-speaking local expert, air-conditioned minibus travel with insurance, plenty of cold towels and bottled water along the way, plus a traditional Khmer set lunch by Srah Srang lake before finishing at Phnom Bakheng for sunset views.