Siem Reap Private Full Day Angkor Wat Tour with Sunset or Sunrise

Meeting Point: Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8:30 AM to begin the tour. The first stop is the Angkor ticket center, where you can purchase your temple pass unless you’ve already secured it online.

Sunrise Option: If you choose the sunrise tour, pick-up is at 5:00 AM, and the tour concludes around 12:00 PM.

Angkor Thom – South Gate

Your journey begins with a visit to the majestic South Gate of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. As you approach the gate, you’ll be greeted by two striking rows of stone statues representing gods and demons, locked in a symbolic tug-of-war of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Pass through the towering gate, adorned with four giant faces of Avalokiteshvara looking out in all directions — a powerful welcome to the wonders that lie within the walled city.

Your guide will share the history and symbolism behind the carvings and layout, giving you insight into how this monumental gateway protected the sacred heart of the empire.

Bayon Temple – The Temple of Smiling Faces

Continue your exploration within Angkor Thom at the mesmerizing Bayon Temple, located at the very center of the ancient city. Known for its iconic stone towers topped with over 200 enigmatic smiling faces, Bayon is one of the most recognizable and photogenic temples in Cambodia.

As you wander through its maze-like corridors and upper terraces, your guide will point out the detailed bas-reliefs that depict scenes of 12th-century daily life, historical battles, and spiritual mythology — offering a unique glimpse into the Khmer civilization.

Bayon’s mysterious expressions and symbolic architecture create an unforgettable atmosphere that blends grandeur with serenity. It’s a perfect spot for reflection, storytelling, and stunning photos.

Baphuon – The Temple Mountain of the Bronze Tower

Next, visit the impressive Baphuon Temple, a grand pyramid-shaped structure once known as the “Tower of Bronze” and one of the most sacred sites in ancient Angkor. Originally dedicated to Shiva in the 11th century, Baphuon stands as a remarkable example of early Khmer temple-mountain architecture.

As you ascend the steep walkway toward the temple, your guide will explain its unique history — including its near-collapse and remarkable reconstruction, piece by piece, in one of the world’s most complex restoration efforts.

At the rear of the temple, don’t miss the enormous reclining Buddha, subtly integrated into the west side — a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors.

This stop offers not just striking views from the top, but also a deeper appreciation of the architectural ambition and spiritual devotion of the Khmer Empire.

Terrace of the Elephants – Royal Viewing Platform

Walk along the grand Terrace of the Elephants, a 350-meter-long stone platform once used by King Jayavarman VII as a stage to observe military parades and public ceremonies. The terrace is beautifully decorated with life-sized carvings of elephants, garudas, and mythological beings.

As you explore this majestic structure, your guide will explain its ceremonial importance and the symbolism hidden in the detailed stonework. It’s a scenic and open area that offers a panoramic view of the ancient Royal Square and is perfect for photography.

Terrace of the Leper King – A Mysterious Legacy

Just a short walk away lies the Terrace of the Leper King, named after a moss-covered statue believed to represent either Yama, the god of death, or a Khmer king afflicted with leprosy.

The terrace features an elaborate maze of hidden walls filled with intricate carvings of celestial beings and mythical figures. Your guide will share the legends and theories behind its mysterious name and purpose, adding depth to this atmospheric and lesser-known site.

Victory Gate – The Triumphal Entrance to Angkor Thom

As you continue your journey through Angkor Thom, you may pass by the lesser-visited but equally impressive Victory Gate, one of the five original gates of the ancient city. This gate served as the royal entrance for victorious armies returning from battle, leading directly to the Royal Palace and Terrace of the Elephants.

Similar in design to the South Gate, the Victory Gate features four serene stone faces looking in the cardinal directions and is flanked by crumbling statues of gods and demons lining the ancient causeway.

Your guide will explain the strategic and symbolic importance of this gate, often overlooked by most tours. It's a quiet yet powerful place to reflect on the grandeur and military might of the Khmer Empire — and a fantastic spot for photos without the crowds.

Ta Prohm – The Jungle Temple

Step into a scene straight out of a movie at Ta Prohm, one of Angkor’s most atmospheric and iconic temples. Famously featured in Tomb Raider, this 12th-century Buddhist monastery has been left largely in its natural state, with massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees growing over crumbling stone structures.

Your guide will lead you through its labyrinthine corridors, hidden courtyards, and moss-covered towers, while sharing stories of its construction under King Jayavarman VII and the life of the monks who once lived here.

The unique blend of man-made architecture and raw jungle creates a mystical and almost surreal experience — it’s a photographer’s dream and a favorite among visitors for good reason.

Free time for lunch at a local restaurant in the park. *Not included

Angkor Wat – The Crown Jewel of Cambodia

Conclude your day with a visit to the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the undisputed centerpiece of the Angkor complex. Originally built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a sacred Buddhist site — and remains so to this day.

Your guide will walk you through its vast courtyards, impressive galleries, and five iconic towers, sharing insights into its symmetrical design, astronomical alignments, and the remarkable bas-reliefs that depict ancient Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Whether you're admiring the temple’s reflection in the moat or climbing to the upper level for panoramic views, Angkor Wat never fails to inspire awe. It’s a powerful ending to your journey through the spiritual and architectural wonders of the Khmer Empire.

Phnom Bakheng – Sunset Over Angkor

End your day with a magical experience at Phnom Bakheng, the hilltop temple known for offering one of the most breathtaking sunset views in Angkor. Built in the late 9th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, Phnom Bakheng was once the state temple of King Yasovarman I.

After a short uphill walk (about 15–20 minutes), you'll reach the temple at the summit, where panoramic views stretch across the forested plains — including a distant glimpse of Angkor Wat bathed in golden light.

Your guide will explain the temple’s astronomical significance and pyramid-like structure, representing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.

Note: Due to its popularity, the number of visitors allowed at the top is limited, so early arrival is recommended for the best sunset experience.

Back to Your Hotel in Siem Reap

After a day filled with discovery, your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel in Siem Reap, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing end to your temple adventure.