Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Sunset 2-Day Small Group Tour

Summary

Angkor’s temples at dawn and dusk, stories in stone and tangled roots

You’ll wander Siem Reap’s legendary temples with a small group and a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect sunrise over Angkor Wat, sunset at Pre Rup, intricate carvings at Banteay Srei, and moments of real quiet among ancient stones — plus cool towels and bottled water when you need them most.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we nearly missed our pickup because I couldn’t find my other sandal (how does that even happen in a hotel room?). Our guide, Dara, just grinned when we tumbled into the van, hair still wet from the shower. That first morning was sticky-warm already, but he handed us cold water and told us not to worry — “temples have waited a thousand years, they can wait five more minutes.” I liked him immediately. The drive out to Preah Khan was quiet except for the sound of motorbikes zipping past. When we finally stepped through the mossy stones, it felt like walking into someone else’s dream. There was this smell — old stone after rain, mixed with incense drifting from somewhere deeper inside.

Banteay Srei was smaller than I expected but the carvings… honestly, I kept running my fingers over them (gently! Dara said it was okay) because they looked soft like butter but felt sharp and cool. A little girl selling postcards tried to teach me how to say “hello” in Khmer — Li laughed when I tried to repeat it back. We watched sunset at Pre Rup with a handful of other travelers; everyone went quiet as the sky turned that weird orange-pink you only see in Cambodia. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

The next day started before any sane hour — 4:15am or something ridiculous. We shuffled around in the dark outside Angkor Wat with takeaway breakfast boxes under our arms. Entering from the east side meant no crowds yet; just us and some sleepy monks sweeping leaves. Watching sunrise reflected in those ancient pools made me feel tiny but sort of lucky too. Dara pointed out stories carved along the walls — battles, gods, dancers — and suddenly all those history class facts clicked into place. My feet were sore by midday but somehow I didn’t care. We finished at Ta Prohm where tree roots spill over crumbling walls like melted candle wax. It’s hard to explain what that silence feels like until you’re standing there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Banteay Srei and Grand Circuit Temples

• Travel to Preah Khan temple
• Visit Neak Pean island temple
• Explore Banteay Srei temple
• Enjoy sunset at Pre Rup temple
• Return to town

Day 2 — Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom

• Depart hotel pre-dawn for Angkor Wat
• Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Explore Angkor Wat interior
• Have breakfast outside Angkor Wat
• Visit Angkor Thom and Bayon temple
• Consider Angkor Thom grandiosity
• Pass Terrace of the Leper King
• Pass Terrace of the Elephants
• Explore Ta Prohm temple
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How early is pickup for the Angkor Wat sunrise tour?

Pickup is between 4:10am and 4:30am depending on season.

Is hotel pickup included for both days?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included each day.

Are temple entry fees included?

No, there is an additional surcharge of USD62 for a 2-3 day temple pass payable on site.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; breakfast is takeaway from your hotel for sunrise day.

Can children join this Angkor Wat tour?

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; kids under 5 are not allowed.

What should I wear to visit Angkor temples?

Dress code is casual but shoulders and knees must be covered inside temples.

Does this tour include Banteay Srei temple?

Yes, Banteay Srei is visited on day one of the tour.

How many people are in each group?

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

What’s included

Your two days include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, travel by air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and cool towels always ready, all main temples including Banteay Srei on day one plus magical sunset at Pre Rup or Bakheng (seasonal), then sunrise at Angkor Wat with expert English-speaking local guide leading you through every corridor before returning you comfortably each afternoon.