Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat
- Explore the ancient temples of Angkor Thom
- Visit the Bayon Temple with its iconic stone faces
- Discover the jungle-clad Ta Prohm Temple
- Enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private English-speaking guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and drinks
Itinerary
We begin with a pre-dawn departure (4.30 to 4.45am depending on the time of year) from your hotel for sunrise outside Angkor Wat. Enter the great temple in darkness from the little-visited eastern side, and creep along hoary cloistered corridors past the longest stretch of bas-relief carvings in the world.
Pass by: The south gate of Angkor Thom is the best preserved. It is approached from outside via a causeway that extends about fifty meters across a moat. On each side of the causeway are railings fashioned with 54 stone figures engaged in the performance of a famous Hindu story: the myth of the Churning of the Ocean. On the left side of the moat, 54 'devas' (guardian gods) pull the head of the snake 'Shesha' while on the right side 54 'asuras' (demon gods) pull the snake's tail in the opposite direction. In this myth, the body of the snake is wrapped around the central mountain—Mt. Meru—perhaps corresponding here to the Bayon temple at the center of the site. In any case, the myth relates that as the Devas pulled the snake in one direction and the gods pushed in the other, the ocean began to churn and precipitate the elements. By alternating back and forth, the ocean was 'milked', forming the earth and the cosmos anew.
Angkor Thom is the majestic site once served as the Khmer Empire's glistening capital city. Take a moment to consider its grandiosity before venturing inside the city. Arriving at the temple at Bayon, appreciate its beautifully crafted central towers covered in more than 200 enormous faces.
Pass by: The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience hall. It has five outworks extending towards the Central Square-three in the center and one at each end. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with life-size garuda and lions; towards either end are the two parts of the famous parade of elephants complete with their Khmer mahouts.
One of the most atmospheric of all temples in Angkor. Once home to 2,740 monks, Ta Prohm today looks much as it did in the early 1850s, when French explorer Henri Mouhot ‘rediscovered’ this crumbling site. After exploring the maze-like interior of Ta Prohm, return to your hotel after a long but fulfilling day, which will leave you with a lifetime of memories of one of the wonders of the world.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
- Photography is allowed; however, tripods may be restricted in certain areas.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for sun protection.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Dress Code: Respectful dress with cover your shoulders and knees is required (shoulders cover by scarf not allow).
- Breakfast: If your hotel room is included breakfast, we recommend to request the breakfast pack and you will enjoy after sunrise at Angkor Wat.
- Temples entrance fee also accept visa cards and available to purchase on the day of the tour just before sunrise
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Traveler reviews
Amazing stories from an amazing guide
Chhay is a helpful, knowledgable and humorous guide. I enjoyed hearing from him share about the Khmer culture, royal family and personal experiences. He also knows the secret spots to take good photos. 100% recommending him to take me on a different temple tour next time. Thank you Chhay for this unforgettable experience
Our Tour Guide Chay
Guide Chay was honest and helpful guide. He gave us tips on where to take the best photo shots. He was informatve, explaiing about Khmer culture and history.
Outstanding experience
Our experience with Sam was absolutely exceptional. He was not only an incredible guide, but a true professor of Cambodian history, culture, and spirituality. There was not a single question he could not answer his knowledge is truly impressive. Beyond that, Sam is kind, patient, warm, and made the entire experience feel deeply special. He also takes the most beautiful photos and knows exactly how to capture memorable moments throughout the sunrise tour. I can genuinely say this was the best guided tour experience I have ever had in my life. If you are visiting Angkor Wat, you would be very lucky to have Sam as your guide. Thank you again for such an unforgettable experience.
A Great Ankor Wat Experience
We had a wonderful experience with Mr. Sok Chea. He was very friendly and knowledgable and I would recommend him to anybody looking for an Ankor Wat tour.
Great Angkor Wat experience and Sok is the best!
I had a wonderful experience with Mr. Sok Chea. Sok was not only very informative, but also made very personable as well. The Angkor wat tour was beautiful and awe inspiring. We then went to buoyon temple and this was just as amazing! Sok was the best and will highly recommend this tour and Sok to others!