Best Angkor Sunrise Tours - The Ultimate Guide to a Magical Morning

The Best Angkor Sunrise Tours That Guarantee Breathtaking Views and Zero Hassle

Ever wanted to see one of the world’s most famous temples at its most beautiful time of day?

Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat is a must-do for anyone going to Cambodia. You won’t find a more jaw-dropping sight than seeing the first light of day hit those ancient stones. The colors in the sky change from deep blue to purple, orange, and gold as the temple slowly comes into view.

This is why so many people wake up super early to catch this amazing show.

The Angkor Stunning Views You Shouldn't Miss

Sunrise tours at Angkor are not all the same. Some are crowded with big groups. Others offer private guides who know the best spots away from the crowds. The right tour makes all the difference between a so-so experience and a memory that stays with you forever.
We checked out all the top sunrise tours in Angkor. Our team went on each one to find which are worth your money and time.

Quick Answer: Best Angkor Sunrise Tours

Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour – This tour starts very early (4:10-4:30 AM pickup) and includes the main Angkor Wat sunrise, Bayon Temple, a walk to Prasat Preah Palilay, a monks blessing at a local pagoda, and Ta Prohm temple. It runs for about 8 hours and costs between $148-$268 depending on your group size. Perfect for those who want the classic sunrise experience with fewer crowds.
Pre Rup Sunrise Tour – A different sunrise spot! This 9-10 hour tour starts with sunrise at Pre Rup Temple (5:10-5:25 AM pickup), then visits Banteay Kdei Temple, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Bakheng Temple. You can choose between a tuk-tuk ($85-$140) or air-conditioned minivan ($110-$195). Great for those who want to avoid the biggest crowds at the main Angkor Wat sunrise spot.
Early Bird Ta Prohm Tour After Sunrise – For those who don’t want to wake up super early but still want a morning experience. This 9-10 hour tour starts at 6:30-6:40 AM and includes Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Kdei Temple, Pre Rup Temple, Ta Som Temple, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan. Prices range from $138-$258 based on group size.

Private Angkor Wat Sunrise tour – Private Sunrise Guided Tour [Go to Angkor Wat early and avoid the crowds]

What makes Angkor Wat sunrise tours so special?

Angkor Wat sunrise tours are special because they show you these amazing temples in the best light. Early morning gives you soft, golden light that makes for great photos. The sun rising behind Angkor Wat creates a picture that looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Morning is also much cooler than later in the day. Cambodia gets very hot by 10 AM. Going early means you can walk around without getting too sweaty.

Another big plus is fewer crowds. Most big tour buses arrive after 8 AM. When you go for sunrise, you beat the worst of the crowds and get some quiet time to enjoy the temples.

Which Angkor sunrise tour is best for photography?

If you love taking photos, the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour gives you the classic shot of the sun coming up behind the main Angkor Wat temple. Your guide will help you find the best spots for photos.

The Pre Rup Sunrise Tour is also great for photos but in a different way. Pre Rup is less crowded, so you can take pictures without lots of other tourists in your shots. The warm colors of the bricks at Pre Rup look amazing in early morning light.

Both tours have English-speaking guides who know all the best photo spots. They can show you places most tourists miss.

How early do I need to wake up for an Angkor sunrise tour?

You need to wake up very early – most hotels will call you around 3:30-4:00 AM for the main Angkor Wat sunrise tours. Hotel pickup starts between 4:10-4:30 AM for the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour.

For the Pre Rup Sunrise Tour, pickup is a bit later at 5:10-5:25 AM, which gives you maybe an extra hour of sleep.

If that sounds too early, try the Early Bird Ta Prohm Tour After Sunrise, which starts with pickup at 6:30-6:40 AM. You miss the actual sunrise but still get to see the temples in beautiful morning light with smaller crowds.

Top Angkor Sunrise Tour Options in Detail

1. Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour

The classic choice for most visitors is watching the sun rise behind the main Angkor Wat temple. This tour starts with a very early pickup from your hotel between 4:10-4:30 AM. Your guide takes you to the best viewing spot in front of the reflecting pools that mirror the temple.

After sunrise, you’ll explore Angkor Wat itself, then head to Bayon temple with its famous stone faces. You’ll also take a special walk to Prasat Preah Palilay, which most tourists never see. A unique part of this tour is the monks blessing at a local pagoda – a real cultural experience. The last stop is Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider temple”) where trees grow over ancient stones.

This tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, cold water, and cool towels. It doesn’t include your Angkor Pass ($37) or meals. The tour ends around 12:30 PM, so you have the afternoon free.

Prices for this 8-hour tour range from $148 for 2 people to $268 for groups of 11-12 people. Larger groups can be arranged for a VIP experience.

For the most up-to-date information on tickets, check the official Angkor Enterprise website.

Editor’s Note: This guide was last updated on March 10, 2025, with the newest prices and tour options. All information comes from our local experts who live in Siem Reap and know these temples inside and out. We update this page every month to give you the most up-to-date info.

2. Pre Rup Sunrise Tour

Want to avoid the crowds at the main Angkor Wat sunrise spot? This tour offers a different but equally beautiful experience. It starts with sunrise at Pre Rup Temple, a 10th-century temple made of warm-colored brick and laterite stone.

Hotel pickup is between 5:10-5:25 AM (slightly later than the main Angkor Wat sunrise tours). After watching the sun rise over Pre Rup, you’ll visit Banteay Kdei Temple, then head to Angkor Wat when many of the early morning crowds have left. The tour ends with a short hike up Phnom Bakheng Temple for great views.

A special feature of this tour is your choice of transportation – either a traditional tuk-tuk (open air) or an air-conditioned minivan. The tuk-tuk option is cheaper and gives you a more local feel, while the minivan is more comfortable in the heat.

This tour runs for 9-10 hours and ends around 4:00 PM. Prices for the tuk-tuk option range from $85 for 2-3 people to $140 for 7-9 people. The minivan option costs from $110 for 2 people to $195 for 11-12 people.

Learn more about Cambodia’s e-visa requirements if you’re planning a trip.

Pre Rup Sunrise tour | Experience the Ancient Wonders of Angkor on the Unique Pre Rup Tour with Banteay Kdei, Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng

3. Early Bird Ta Prohm Tour After Sunrise

Not a morning person? This tour lets you skip the earliest wake-up call but still beat most of the crowds. Hotel pickup is between 6:30-6:40 AM, and your first stop is Ta Prohm Temple’s east gate. This famous temple (where Tomb Raider was filmed) is magical in the early morning light, especially when you reach it before the big tour groups.

After Ta Prohm, you’ll visit Banteay Kdei Temple, Pre Rup Temple, and Ta Som Temple. The tour includes a break with fresh fruits before visiting Neak Pean (a temple on a small island). Your final stop is Preah Khan Temple, which was once a city, temple, and Buddhist university all in one.

This full-day tour lasts 9-10 hours and ends around 4:30 PM. Prices range from $138 for 2 people to $258 for groups of 10-12 people. Transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, and the tour includes an English-speaking guide, fresh fruits, cold water, and cool towels.

You can learn more about all these tour options at My Siem Reap Tours.

Early Bird Ta Prohm tour after Sunrise | Experience Ta Prohm, tour Banteay Kdei Temple in early morning plus 4 more Temples

Tips for Making the Most of Your Angkor Sunrise Tour

What to Wear and Bring

Dress right for temple visits! You need to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Early mornings can be cool, so a light jacket or scarf is good to have.

Wear comfy walking shoes. You’ll walk a lot, often on uneven ground.

Don’t forget these items:

Sunscreen (it gets hot fast after sunrise)
Insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in Cambodia)
Water bottle (tour guides provide water but bringing your own is good too)
Camera with extra batteries
Small flashlight or phone light (it’s dark when you first arrive)
Small cash for snacks or extras

Best Time of Year for Angkor Sunrise Tours

You can see Angkor Wat at sunrise all year round, but some times are better than others.

Dry season (November to April) has the clearest skies, which means better chances for amazing sunrise colors. December and January have the coolest weather. The downside is more tourists during this peak season.

Wet season (May to October) has fewer tourists and more green scenery. You might get some amazing skies with storm clouds for dramatic photos. The risk is that it might rain, and some paths get muddy.

Sunrise times change throughout the year. In January, sunrise is around 6:30 AM, while in June it’s much earlier at about 5:37 AM. Tour pickup times adjust based on the sunrise time.

Your top choice for Best Angkor early bird tour itinerary

Planning Your Angkor Visit

One-day pass vs. multi-day pass: All these sunrise tours work with a one-day Angkor pass, which costs $37 per person as of 2025. If you want to see more temples over several days, consider a 3-day pass ($62) or 7-day pass ($72).

Book your tour in advance: Sunrise tours often fill up, especially in peak season (November-February). Booking a few days ahead is smart.

New extended hours: Angkor has new opening hours as of 2025. Angkor Wat now opens at 4:30 AM for sunrise viewing. You can learn more about these new extended Angkor opening hours.

Consider multiple tours: Some visitors like to do the main Angkor Wat sunrise one day, then try the less crowded Pre Rup sunrise another day. For longer stays, check out the 3-Day Angkor Sunrise Revolution tour.

3-Day Angkor Sunrise Revolution – Your Private Adventure Chasing Sunrises and Sunsets

What Travelers Are Saying About Angkor Sunrise Tours

Most people who take these tours are very happy with their experience. They often mention:

The knowledge of the guides
Getting to see the temples before big crowds arrive
The beauty of the sunrise
The comfort of having transportation between temples
The mix of famous and less-known temples

Some tips from past travelers include:

Bring a camera that works well in low light
Don’t expect to be alone (there will be other tourists)
Listen to your guide about the best photo spots
Take advantage of early morning for photos without crowds
The monks blessing on some tours is often a highlight

Preah Palilay Opening Hours – Early Birds Get The Temple: Ideal Times To Visit Preah Palilay

FAQs About Angkor Sunrise Tours

Do I need to buy my Angkor Pass in advance? No, your guide can help you buy it on the morning of your tour. The current cost is $37 for a one-day pass.

What happens if it’s cloudy or rainy on the day of my sunrise tour? The tour goes ahead rain or shine. Even on cloudy days, the early morning light is beautiful, and you still benefit from fewer crowds.

Can children join these tours? Yes, but keep in mind that these are long days with early starts and lots of walking. The tours are not recommended for very young children.

Is there time for breakfast on these tours? Most sunrise tours include time to grab breakfast at small cafes near the temples after watching the sunrise.

How physically demanding are these tours? You need to be in decent shape. There’s a moderate amount of walking, and some temples like Phnom Bakheng have steep stairs. Tell your guide if you have mobility issues.

Can I customize these tours? Yes, especially for private tours. Contact the tour company to discuss your needs or make special requests.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Perfect Angkor Sunrise Tour

Picking the right Angkor sunrise tour depends on what matters most to you:

If you want the classic Angkor Wat sunrise experience, go with the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour. It gives you the iconic view and includes several major temples.

For fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience, try the Pre Rup Sunrise Tour. The sunrise at Pre Rup is beautiful in a different way, and you’ll still visit Angkor Wat later.

If waking up super early sounds too hard, book the Early Bird Ta Prohm Tour After Sunrise. You’ll still beat most tourists and see the temples in beautiful morning light.

No matter which tour you choose, seeing these ancient temples as the first light of day touches them is an experience you’ll never forget.

Want to learn more or book a tour? Visit My Siem Reap Tours contact page for more information.