Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise, Waterfalls & Floating Village 3-Day Tour

Summary

Angkor sunrise, temple carvings, waterfall spray and village life in Siem Reap

You’ll start before dawn at Angkor Wat’s sunrise, wander ancient temples with a local guide who knows every story, eat breakfast like locals do in a village market, cool off by Kulen waterfalls, then drift by Kampong Phluk’s floating homes on Tonle Sap Lake. If you want real moments — not just photos — this three-day tour from Siem Reap is hard to shake off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that really stuck with me was the cool stone under my hands at Bayon — those faces staring out over Angkor Thom, half-smiling in the morning haze. Our guide, Dara, had this way of telling stories that made the old kings feel almost present (he joked Jayavarman VII would’ve loved Instagram). By midday it was hot enough to turn your shirt into a towel, so when we finally climbed up Phnom Bakheng for sunset, I honestly wasn’t sure my legs would forgive me. But seeing the sun hit Angkor Wat from above? Worth every step — even if I was still picking red dust out of my shoes later.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at breakfast on day three. We’d watched sunrise at Angkor Wat (yes, you do have to get up before 5am — but there’s something about standing in that dark crowd waiting for the sky to bleed orange that makes you forget how tired you are). Then Dara took us to a tiny village spot where I tried Khmer noodle soup and these palm cakes that were sticky and sweet and just… different. He teased me for not finishing the rice dumpling. The local market after was loud and full of smells I couldn’t place — dried fish? Something herbal? It all kind of blended together.

Kulen Mountain felt like a different world — green everywhere and the sound of water crashing down while families picnicked nearby. Some kids were swimming near the falls even though it wasn’t exactly warm (to me anyway). There’s a huge reclining Buddha carved right into the rock; people left flowers and incense, and Dara explained what each gesture meant. On the boat ride through Kampong Phluk floating village, everything slowed down. Houses on stilts, kids waving from wooden boats, water reflecting bits of sky — it’s quiet in a way cities never are. That part still sits with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat

• Pick up from hotel at 8:00 am
• Buy Angkor pass
• Visit Angkor Thom ancient city
• Explore Bayon temple
• Visit Baphuon temple
• See Terrace of the Elephants
• See Terrace of the Leper King
• Lunch break at local restaurant
• Explore Angkor Wat temple
• See sunset at Phnom Bakheng hilltop

Day 2 — Visit Kulen Mountain and Floating Village

• Pick up from hotel at 8:00 am
• Visit Phnom Kulen National Park waterfalls and reclining Buddha
• Lunch stop on the way
• Visit Banteay Srei temple
• Boat ride at Kampong Phluk floating village

Day 3 — Sunrise and temples tour

• Pick up before sunrise at 4:40 am
• Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Breakfast in local village
• Visit local market
• Explore Ta Prohm temple
• Visit Preah Khan temple
• Visit Neak Pean temple
• Visit Ta Som temple
• Visit Pre Rup temple
• Visit East Mebon temple

Top questions

What time does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start?

You’ll be picked up before sunrise around 4:40 AM to reach Angkor Wat in time for dawn.

Is breakfast included on this 3-day Siem Reap tour?

Yes, breakfast is included on Day 3 with local dishes served after sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Can you swim at Kulen waterfalls during this tour?

You can swim if visiting during rainy season (August-January), but there’s less water March-July.

How long is the boat ride at Kampong Phluk floating village?

The private boat ride through Kampong Phluk lasts about 45-60 minutes round trip.

Are hotel pickups included for all three days?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included each day with private air-conditioned transport.

Which temples are visited besides Angkor Wat?

You’ll see Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som Temple, Pre Rup and Banteay Srei among others.

Is there a dress code for visiting temples?

Yes—shoulders and knees must be covered; loose long clothing is recommended due to heat and respect.

What’s the best season for waterfalls & floating village visits?

The best time is rainy season (August-January) when waterfalls flow strongest and Tonle Sap Lake is high.

What’s included

Your days include hotel pickup and drop-off with private air-conditioned transport; plenty of cool water and towels; a professional English-speaking guide who keeps things real; plus local breakfast on day three after sunrise. Entry fees aren’t mentioned but you’ll have someone handling logistics every step—so you just show up ready for whatever Cambodia throws your way.