Siem Reap Private Angkor Temples Tour & Floating Village

Summary

Angkor Wat Sunrise & Banteay Srei Day Tour with Local Guide

Experience sunrise at Angkor Wat, wander through ancient jungle temples with a local guide, and float past daily life on Tonle Sap lake’s stilted villages. This private tour includes hotel pickup and flexible stops—from intricate carvings at Banteay Srei to lively markets—so you can see Siem Reap’s highlights your way and come home with stories you’ll want to share.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sweating by 8am, standing in that thick morning air outside Ta Prohm—roots curling over stone like something alive. Our guide, Dara, just grinned and pointed out carvings I’d have missed on my own. “Look here,” he said, tracing the mossy wall with his flashlight. The jungle was loud—cicadas, some distant rooster—and honestly, I didn’t expect the place to feel so wild. We ducked under a low doorway and suddenly it was quiet except for our footsteps echoing off old sandstone.

The next day started before dawn. My partner nudged me awake at 4:15am—still pitch black outside. By the time we reached Angkor Wat, there were already a few other sleepy faces waiting for the sky to change. Watching the towers appear in silhouette as the sun came up was…well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. We had breakfast right there—sticky rice and strong coffee from a little stall—and then wandered through corridors where you could still smell incense from someone’s offering earlier that morning. Later we explored Bakong and Lolei; Dara told stories about kings and gods while we tried not to trip over tree roots.

I think my favorite part might’ve been drifting through the floating village on Tonle Sap lake. The water smelled earthy and warm, kids waved from boats painted blue and red, and our driver slowed so we could watch fishermen hauling up their nets. It felt different from the temples—more everyday life than history lesson. On our last afternoon we stopped at Banteay Srei; pink stone glowing in late sun, every carving sharp as if it was finished yesterday. Three days went fast but I still think about those faces at Bayon temple, all those silent smiles looking out over Siem Reap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bayon Group and Small Circuit Temples

• Visit Ta Prohm temple
• Visit Tanei temple
• Visit Ta Keo temple
• Visit Victory gate of Bayon Temple
• Visit Southern Gate of Angkor Thom
• Visit Bayon temple
• Visit Baphuon temple
• Visit Elephant Terrace
• Visit Terrace of the Leper King
• Visit Preah Palilay temple

Day 2 — Sunrise Angkor Wat and Rolous Group

• Sunrise and visit Angkor Wat
• Visit Bakong temple
• Visit Lolei temple
• Visit Preah Ko temple

Day 3 — Banteay Srei and Floating Village

• Visit Banteay Srei temple
• Visit Banteay Samre temple
• Visit Floating Village Kompong Pluk

Top questions

How early does the Angkor Wat sunrise tour start?

The sunrise tour usually begins around 4:30am to ensure you arrive before dawn for the best views.

Is hotel pickup included in this private Angkor temples tour?

Yes, hotel pickup within Siem Reap is included for your convenience.

Are entrance fees for Angkor Archaeological Park covered?

No, entrance passes are not included; you’ll need to purchase them separately at the main gate in US dollars.

Can I skip the floating village if the weather is bad?

Yes, if weather conditions aren’t suitable for visiting Tonle Sap lake or the floating village, your itinerary can be adjusted to visit another site instead.

What’s included

Your three-day experience covers private transport with air conditioning, an English-speaking local guide (other languages available on request), cool bottled water and wet towels each day, plus flexible scheduling—including hotel pickup and return transfers within Siem Reap city limits.