Siem Reap: Angkor Wat tour with balloon ride & lunch

Summary

See Angkor Wat’s carvings up close, then rise above it all by balloon

You’ll walk ancient halls at Angkor Wat with a local guide who brings history to life, float above jungle temples on a tethered helium balloon ride (weather permitting), and share an authentic Khmer lunch inside the park. With hotel pickup included and small group warmth, it’s one of those days that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Angkor Wat was the way the stone felt cool under my hand — not just old, but somehow alive. Our guide, Dara, had this gentle way of pausing in front of a carving and letting us guess what story it told before he explained. There were monks in saffron robes moving quietly through the halls, incense drifting from a little shrine tucked behind a pillar. I tried to pronounce “Apsara” properly — Dara smiled but didn’t correct me. The air was thick, but not heavy; more like you could taste the green from all the trees around.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the balloon ride. It’s tethered, so you don’t drift off anywhere, but still — 200 meters is high when you’re looking down at centuries-old temples poking out of the jungle. The view is strange and beautiful: Angkor Wat suddenly looks small, almost like a toy model, and Phnom Bakheng is just a bump on the horizon. Someone pointed out how you could see part of Angkor National Park stretching out forever. My hands were sweaty on the rail but I couldn’t stop grinning.

Lunch was at a local spot right inside the park — nothing fancy, just good Khmer food (I went for fish amok; still think about that sauce). There was this moment where everyone at our table went quiet for a second after tasting it. Then someone cracked a joke about how we’d never find this back home and everyone laughed again. The tuk tuk ride back to the hotel was bumpy and loud in that comforting way — dust in your hair, sun on your face, feeling like you’ve actually been somewhere real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Angkor Wat Temple and Balloon Ride

• Explore Angkor Wat temple complex with guide
• Tethered helium balloon ride over Angkor Wat
• Khmer dinner with traditional Apsara Dance Show
• Return transfer to hotel or city center drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Angkor Wat tour with balloon ride take?

The tour lasts about 6–7 hours including temple visits, balloon ride (12 minutes), and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Siem Reap city center.

What if the weather is bad for the balloon ride?

If weather prevents balloon operation, you’ll get a full refund for that part of the tour.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A traditional Khmer lunch is served at a local restaurant inside Angkor National Park; vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day.

What should I wear to visit Angkor Wat?

You need to wear trousers or a knee-length skirt/dress to enter temple areas respectfully.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour; transport is by tuk tuk for up to 2–3 people or minivan for larger groups.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, guided exploration of Angkor Wat with an English-speaking local expert, entry fees, a 12-minute tethered helium balloon ride (weather permitting), cold bottled water throughout, and a traditional Khmer lunch at a restaurant inside Angkor National Park before heading back to your hotel or chosen drop-off point.