Angkor Wat Sunset Tours: A Rendezvous with History and Majesty

Angkor Wat is a cultural treasure trove of the highest order. Its ancient temples are revered for their exquisite carvings, ethereal aura, and historical significance. However, at sunset, the complex reveals its full splendor, bathed in the golden light of a majestic sun.

This guide will unveil the top three Angkor Wat sunset tours, each offering a unique journey into the heart of a mystical past.

Top 1 Angkor Wat Sunrise and Angkor Thom Sunset Tour

This tour is a celestial odyssey, projected by Angkor Doors, traversing both the sunrise and sunset at Angkor Wat.

Angkor Thom: Statues of asuras (demons) on the pathway to the south gate

Routine: Angkor Wat-Ta Prohm-Banteay Kdei-Angkor Thom
1. The day starts early to witness the divine sunrise. The team will come and pick you up early at 4:30 am. Then you will take the short journey to Angkor Wat and watch the sun rise over the majestic temple. After sunrise, you will explore the Angkor Wat temple complex. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense cultural and historical significance located in the charming city of Siem Reap, Cambodia. (4 hours)
2. After Angkor Wat, we'll head to Ta Prohm, built in the late 12th and early 13th century. It has primarily been left to the jungle, and the trees are growing right through the middle of the temple. (2 hours)
3. We will then head to Banteay Kdei, which means "A Citadel of Chambers" in English. This temple is considered to be the most tranquil one since it is not a famous temple. So it is enjoyable to walk through it. (1 hour)
4. In the afternoon is Angkor Thom, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire. Here we can see the Royal Palace, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon temple, and more. At the South Gate of Angkor Thom, we can watch and take photos of the sunset over the moat from a bridge. (3 hours)

Approximate cost:
$55 per person, depending on the tour operator.

Reviews of visitors:
"This tour was a transformative experience! Our guide was a fount of knowledge and personable, taking us through some of the most mesmerizing temples I've ever seen." - Emily T.
"The itinerary was well thought out, timed well to avoid large crowds but not compromising on visiting and learning about the famous sites."-Lisia.

6 Days Angkor Discovery Tour

Top 2 Sunset or Sunrise Bicycle Tour around Angkor Wat and Nearby Temples

This tour is an energetic expedition, projected by Angkor Wat Shared Tours, cycling through the complex at your own pace and stopping at temples. It's an intimate way to experience the temples, bringing you closer to their ethereal aura.

Angkor Wat bicycle tour

Routine: Angkor Wat-Angkor Thom-Ta Prohm-Banteay Kdei-Ta Keo-Phnom Bakheng
1. Spend 1 hour watching the sunrise over the largest religious complex, Angkor Wat, in the world. They have the best local Khmer experts to guide you to the best experience.
2. Another hour then heads to Angkor Thom, where you can see mysterious carved faces gazing eternally at the surrounding forest.
3. Then it will take 1 hour to visit the most picturesque Ta Prohm temple, known as "the Tomb Raider temple" in the 2001 film by Angelina Jolie.
4. Banteay Kdei is partially overgrown with towering and twisted trees. It will cost you one more hour to see its famously beautiful sights.
5. The square layered pyramid-shaped Ta Keo is a more dramatic site on this tour, which offers you a very different aspect to most of the Angkor temples.
6. Then it comes to the final hour at Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple built hundreds of years before Angkor Wat. Visitors can try the best sunset view there, overlooking Angkor Wat itself.

Approximate cost:
$46 per person for a full-day tour.

Reviews of visitors:
"This tour was a lively affair! Biking through the temples was an exhilarating way to take in the sights, and our guide was a fount of knowledge." - David R.
"Excellent and fun experience. A unique way of discovering the temples. Forget the van or tuk-tuk and go ride a bicycle!" – Roving782091

10 Days Best of Cambodia Tour

Top 3 Private One-day Tuktuk "Small Tour" of the Oldest Angkor Temples

If you seek a more personalized experience, this private tuk-tuk tour, projected by Angkor Wat Shared Tour, is perfect. You'll have a knowledgeable guide to show you around the complex's oldest and most historic temples.

Angkor Wat tuk-tuk tour

Routine: Angkor Wat-Banteay Kdei-Ta Prohm-Ta Keo-Angkor Thom-Phnom Bakheng
Each stop will take about 1 hour to visit during this tour since it is projected by Angkor Wat Shared Tour, the same as the top 2 routines. You can see they differ from only the transportation. So you still watch the fantastic sunset in Phnom Bakheng and the best sunrise at Angkor Wat if you can get up early in the morning.

Approximate cost:
$18 per person for a full-day tour.

Reviews of visitors:
"This tour was a veritable feast for the senses! Our guide was a true scholar, taking us through some of the complex's most historical and magnificent temples." - Sarah B.
"Amazing trip! We took a tour with a private tuk-tuk driver to see the sunrise over the temple. Beautiful carvings in the walls; and our driver briefed us the history per temple." - Mae F.

15 Days Exploration Tour of Cambodia

Additional Information

Angkor Wat visitor

When traveling to Angkor Wat, it's vital to consider the climate and safety considerations. The weather can be hot and humid, necessitating the proper attire and ample hydration. Safety is also a priority; travelers should be mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Ending

A sunset tour of Angkor Wat is a veritable pilgrimage into a majestic past, an experience that will transport you to a realm of divine splendor. Whether by tuk-tuk, bike or on foot, the temples will reveal their enigmatic beauty, taking you on a journey through time.

We hope this guide has provided invaluable insights into the top sunset tours of Ang kor Wat and inspired you to embark on your adventure to this mystical destination. We'd love to customize your itinerary, and please feel free to get in touch with us for more details!