Full Day Sunrise Tour with Sunset at Angkor Wat
Catch the first light over Angkor Wat, rest at your hotel in the hottest part of the day, then head back out for a soft golden sunset. It is the smart way to see more, feel less rushed, and still get those big Siem Reap temple moments people talk about for years.
Highlights
● Watch sunrise at Angkor Wat from a quieter east side approach.
● Walk through Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon, and Angkor Thom with a local guide in the morning.
● Take a long hotel break in the middle of the day. Nap, swim, eat, breathe.
● Head back with your private tuk tuk driver for sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Angkor Wat.
● Great for first-time visitors who want a full day Angkor Wat tour without feeling wiped out.
Most people think they need to pick one. Sunrise or sunset. I never liked that choice much, because if you are only in Siem Reap for a short stay, it feels a bit cruel to miss half the magic.
This tour fixes that. You start before dawn, when the sky is still dark and the temple towers look like black shadows against the morning glow. Then you spend the morning seeing the big names, the ones you came all this way to see. After that, and this is the part I really like, you go back to your hotel for a real break. Not a rushed stop. A real one. By late afternoon, you are fresh again and ready for sunset, camera in hand, heart still in the game.
What You Will Do
You will spend the morning with a guide, moving through the most famous temples in Angkor with good timing and a steady pace. You will catch sunrise at Angkor Wat, walk the temple galleries, step into the root-covered ruins of Ta Prohm, and stand beneath the giant stone faces of Bayon.
Later, after a few quiet hours back at your hotel, your tuk tuk driver takes you out again for the last act of the day. This part feels different. Slower. Softer. You can head up to Phnom Bakheng for a wide sunset view, or stay near Angkor Wat for that warm evening light on the temple walls and reflection pools.
4:15 AM to 4:35 AM (Depend on your hotel location)
Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. It is early, yes. Bring coffee if you need it.
5:30 AM
Arrive at Angkor Wat and walk in before sunrise.
6:00 AM
Watch the sky shift from dark blue to pink and gold as the sun rises over the temple.
6:30 AM to 8:30 AM
Visit Angkor Wat with your guide. See the long galleries, carved walls, towers, and inner temple areas.
9:00 AM
Breakfast stop near the temple area. Food is at your own cost.
9:30 AM
Visit Ta Prohm, known for its huge tree roots and worn stone halls.
10:30 AM
Pass through Angkor Thom and see the old city area.
11:00 AM
Visit Bayon, famous for its calm stone faces.
11:30 AM
Stop at the South Gate for photos.
12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Return to your hotel for a long midday break.
3:50 PM
Second pickup from your hotel.
4:30 PM to sunset by tuk tuu
Choose your sunset finish. Go to Phnom Bakheng for hilltop views, or stay at Angkor Wat for an easier and more relaxed golden-hour stop.
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Drop off at your hotel.
KEY DETAILS
● Tour style: Full day split-shift temple tour.
● Start time: Around 4:15 AM.
● End time: Around 7:00 PM.
● Morning: Guided temple visit.
● Afternoon: Private tuk tuk driver only, no guide.
● Fitness level: Moderate. There is walking, temple steps, and an uphill walk if you pick Phnom Bakheng.
● The official Angkor Pass page lists park entry from 5:00 AM, and the 1 day pass is priced at $37.
Pickup is from your hotel in Siem Reap town. We suggest being ready in the lobby at least 10 minutes early, because sunrise waits for no one... and neither does temple light.
Drop off is at your hotel after sunset. Most guests get back between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on traffic, weather, and which sunset stop they choose.
THINGS TO BRING
● Angkor Pass
● Camera or phone
● Sunscreen
● Hat
● Sunglasses
● Walking shoes
● Light snacks
● Reusable water bottle
● Small cash for breakfast, lunch, and personal spending
● A light scarf or cover-up for temple visits
● Hotel pickup and drop off
● Air-conditioned transport
● Local English-speaking guide for the morning
● Private driver for the sunset session
● Cold drinking water
● Planned temple route for sunrise, major temples, hotel break, and sunset
● Angkor Pass
● Meals
● Personal spending
● Travel insurance
● Tips
● Guide for the afternoon sunset session
ADDITIONAL INFO
● Sunrise visitors gather at Angkor Wat from about 5:00 AM, so the early start is not just for drama, it is how you get there on time for the main view.
● If you choose Phnom Bakheng for sunset, the top platform is limited to 300 visitors, so going early gives you a better shot at getting up there.
● This tour works very well for first-time guests, couples, small groups, and anyone who wants an Angkor Wat sunrise and sunset tour in one day without dragging through the noon heat.
Some tours try to do too much in one straight run, and by late afternoon people are smiling through pure exhaustion. This one feels better. You get the hush of sunrise, the big temple names, a real rest, and that last soft sunset glow before heading back to town. It is a long day, sure, but it is the kind of long day that feels worth every sleepy minute
Terms & Conditions:
- Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will not be refunded.
- Any amendments must be communicated at least 24 hours in advance.
- Refunds will be processed within 7 business days.
