5 BEST Angkor Wat Tours in Siem Reap: Which One to Choose

Are you looking for the best tours to experience Angkor Wat? Below I go over the 5 best ones you can book.

Officially recognized as the eighth Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat is the most incredible temple complex I have ever seen. There’s a ton to see here and even more to learn. We have visited Angkor Wat multiple times and know that to make the most of it, you need a guide.

We took the tours below and can personally recommend all of them for different reasons. So keep reading for the best Angkor Wat Tours in Siem Reap to figure out which is best for you!

Important note: For all of the tours below, you must purchase your entrance ticket to Angkor Wat separately on the day of the tour. It costs around $37 USD per adult for a one-day pass, so make sure you bring enough money to cover this cost. But don’t worry, your guides will help you to purchase the tickets to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience!

1. Small-Group Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour in Air-Conditioned Minivan

We absolutely loved everything about this Angkor Wat sunrise tour. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, we got to see all of the best temples, and it has an unbeatable price point. If you’ve only got one day to experience the magic of Angkor Wat consider booking this tour immediately. 

Our day started at 4:15 am when our guide, Chanty, picked us up from our hotel in Siem Reap. After a short drive to Angkor Wat, our group stood in awe as the pink and purple light of the sun started to come up over the 900-year-old temple. Trust me when I say getting up early is worth this moment! 

Afterwards, we followed Chanty into the main temple as he showed us around its impressive interior explaining the details of this once-powerful kingdom. Fun fact, it’s one of the few ancient empires that allowed its people to worship Buddhism and Hinduism simultaneously. In fact, Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple and not Buddhist! It’s knowledge like this we got everywhere as Chanty took us to other temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei.

Cambodia is hot, so having an air-conditioned minivan was a lifesaver. It’s big things like that down to little things like a cold towel at every stop that made this a 5-star experience. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Siem Reap, so you want to do it right!

This tour is also budget-friendly at only $19 USD, but you can also upgrade to a private tour for only $60 USD which is a great deal. You just have to pay for the entrance fee to the temple the day of (which is around $37 USD per person). Seriously, if you want to make the most of your visit to Angkor book this tour!

2. Private Full-Day Angkor Wat Tour 

Some experiences are better on a private tour and Angkor Wat is one of them. That’s why I recommend this private tour for anyone who wants to squeeze every last drop of history and wonder out of these amazing temples.

A private tour means private transportation, which makes getting up early to see Angkor Wat at sunrise far less of a hassle. It also means guides can take you to lots of lesser-known spots for amazing photo opportunities of the temples you couldn’t get in a group tour. And when it comes to Angkor at sunrise, there are definitely better spots to see it than others.

What we love about going to temples like Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei with your own guide is that you can linger at each one longer and ask tons of questions. The ancient Khmer (Cambodian) Empire was the most powerful in the world during its peak and we learned so much more about it during a one-on-one experience.

This is also a great opportunity to learn more about modern culture with your guide and trust me when I say that Khmer people have one of the most beautiful cultures in the world. If you like to know the story behind the countries you visit, do yourself a favor and take this private tour. 

Related Read: Before you go, our tips to know before visiting Angkor Wat will come in handy!

3. Private 2-Day Angkor Wat Tour (15 temples!)

While most one-day tours visit the same temples, I love that this two-day tour takes you to some seriously hidden spots that are off the main tourist track. It’s also the perfect way to get a deep dive into Cambodia’s fascinating history! If you want to feel like Indian Jones and explore ancient temples few people see, this is the tour for you. 

Immediately what made this tour stand out is that you not only get to see the sunset from Phnom Bakheng, a gorgeous mountaintop temple, but also the sunrise at Angkor Wat. These are both unforgettable experiences, but far fewer people experience the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen!

Over the course of two days, we saw so many temples and learned so much history I don’t even know where to begin. Our guide, Vanna, was certified by the government and let me tell you he knew his stuff! It was also so nice getting to know Vanna personally over two days and having a Cambodian friend!

But when it comes to adventure, my favorite was taking a boat out to an ancient temple on West Baray. West Baray is the oldest (1,000 years!) and one of the largest hand-cut reservoirs in the world. If you want to experience everything the Kingdom of Wonder has to offer, don’t hesitate to book this tour!

Related Read: For our personalized take on a trip here, check out our 3-day Siem Reap itinerary that’s full of our favorite experiences!

4. Small-Group Angkor Wat Sunrise Bike Tour 

I’m a huge fan of this Angkor Wat bike tour because pedaling from temple to temple is such a fun and unique way to see the area. If you enjoy a little physical activity and a more immersive experience, don’t overlook this tour!

The day starts with hotel pickup at 5 am and you’ll be driven to Angkor Wat to meet your guide and get your bike. After witnessing the stunning display that is sunrise at the main temple, you’ll have a delicious breakfast and then continue the journey!

What I love about biking from place to place is how much more you see and hear. The jungle surrounding the temples is gorgeous and has tons of wildlife that’s easy to miss when in a vehicle. 

The whole area is flat, so getting from place to place isn’t too difficult, but upgrading to an e-bike is a good choice if you’re unsure. But Cambodia is hot, so be ready to sweat regardless! It’s all worth it though and seeing Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Srah Srang Temple with your guide is an experience you’ll never forget.

I will admit that the massive tree growing out of Ta Prohm Temple is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen and will blow your mind. So if you enjoy movement and are after a one-of-a-kind Angkor Wat experience, I highly recommend this tour!

5. Private Full-Day Angkor Wat Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk

A tuk-tuk is the most iconic mode of transportation in all of Southeast Asia! This is why I loved this Angkor Wat tuk-tuk tour that has you going from temple to temple in style. And for only $26 USD, you and your group (of up to 4) can save money and still have a great time!

Besides our guide having the fun nickname of “Geko” and a sweet tuk-tuk, what makes this tour stand out is that he has been doing this for over 20 years. He knows just about everything there is to know about these temples as well as some unique photo spots. He’s also just a super cool guy and loves sharing stories about Cambodia and teaching you about the culture.

Going temple running in a tuk-tuk is such a local experience and other Cambodians will undoubtedly smile and wave as they see you go by. I also love that tuk-tuks aren’t closed off from the outside, so it’s a more immersive mode of transportation. As for the temples, I think each you’ll visit is incredible, but Bayon Temple is one of the most unique with its massive stone faces that sit on the top. 

What’s even better is that you can start this tour whenever you want. So if you’re after a fun, cheap, and flexible experience this is the tour for you! 

Related Read: If more tuk-tuk travel is in your future, check out our guide to renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka!

Where to Stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Whether you want to stay somewhere luxurious or budget-friendly, finding the right base will make your Siem Reap trip even better. Since popular spots can fill up fast, it’s best to reserve your accommodation early. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Siem Reap for every budget below:

Luxury – $$$

Angkor Village Hotel is a luxury 5-star stay that blends traditional Khmer architecture with modern comforts. Located in a peaceful area just minutes from Siem Reap’s bustling markets and temples, this elegant retreat features lush gardens, a lagoon-style pool, and beautifully designed wooden bungalows. With an on-site spa and a top-rated restaurant serving authentic Cambodian cuisine, it’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring!

Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually start around $150 USD per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Mid-range – $$

Koulen Central Hotel is a stylish mid-range stay in Siem Reap, offering modern rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and some with balconies and city views. Guests can relax in the rooftop swimming pool, unwind in the sauna and hot tub, or enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. With a prime location just a short walk from King’s Road Angkor and Pub Street, it’s a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the city!

Prices are usually around $90 USD per night and you can book this stay on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For an affordable stay without compromising on comfort, Siem Reap Palace Hotel & Spa is a fantastic choice. The rooms are modern and air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and plenty of space for families or couples. Guests can also enjoy a saltwater pool, sun terrace, and even a kids’ pool, which makes it an especially good pick for those traveling with little ones. The location is central too, just a short walk to King’s Road Angkor and Artisans D’Angkor, with Angkor Wat only 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away.

Rooms here average around $110 USD per night, and you can check availability and book it on Booking.com.

For even more great options, check out all of Siem Reap’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

I hope amongst all these tours of Angkor Wat, you found the right one for your time in Siem Reap! This temple is spectacular, but I found I enjoyed it so much more when all the logistics of transport and a guide were taken care of. Plus, all these tours have some great extras included!

While you’re traveling, have a look through all our blogs on Asia for more ideas and inspiration. Or the blogs below might also be helpful!

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