Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour
The One-Day Angkor Tour That Shows You Sunrise and Sunset at Angkor Wat – Without Rushing
See the sun rise over the towers of Angkor Wat, walk through the greatest temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, then finish the day with a golden sunset few travelers ever see in the same visit.
The Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour is the only private tour in Siem Reap that lets you witness both the magical sunrise AND the golden sunset over the world’s most famous temple complex — all in one single day. Your morning starts with a pre-dawn pickup at 4:10–4:30 AM, a guided visit to Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, and a private monks blessing, then you’re back at your hotel by 1:00 PM for a well-earned rest.
At 3:50 PM, your private driver returns — no rush, no tour group bus — and takes you straight back to Angkor, where you choose your own sunset spot: the iconic reflection pool at Angkor Wat or the hilltop Phnom Bakheng Temple with sweeping views over the entire park. This Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Tour gives you two entirely different sides of the same ancient wonder, in one perfectly paced day designed for travelers who want to see it all without burning out.
The Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour is the smartest choice for first-time visitors, couples, families, and photographers who want to make every minute of their time in Siem Reap count.
Watch the Golden Sunrise at 5:30 AM, Rest at Your Hotel, Then Return for the Magical Sunset Over the Ancient Spires — All in One Private Day
Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour – The highlights include:
Most travelers visit Angkor once — either at sunrise or at sunset. But the Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour lets you see both. You get the best of two completely different worlds: the stillness of early dawn and the deep warm tones of dusk, all in one well-planned private day.
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Two Golden Hours in One Day — See Angkor Wat lit by sunrise at 5:30 AM, then return for the famous sunset glow. No other half-day tour gives you this combination.
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Built-In Rest at Your Hotel — Back at your hotel by 1:00 PM to cool down, eat, and rest. You’ll feel refreshed when your driver comes back at 3:50 PM — not exhausted.
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Private Monks Blessing — A genuine blessing ceremony at a local pagoda. Most group tours skip this. You won’t.
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You Choose Your Sunset Spot — Angkor Wat reflection pool or Phnom Bakheng hilltop temple — you pick the view that fits your style, and your driver takes you there.
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Best Light for Photography — Both sunrise and sunset offer the softest, most striking light for photos. Golden hour photography at Angkor is unlike anything else in the world.
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Fully Private — Only Your Group — No strangers, no bus seats, no waiting for others. Your private AC minivan, your schedule, your experience.
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Perfect for Short Stays — Only 1 or 2 days in Siem Reap? This Sightseeing Siem Reap Tour covers every major temple and both lighting moments — nothing wasted.
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Expert Morning Guide Included — A fluent English-speaking local guide leads the morning tour, full of stories, history, and insight. The afternoon is all yours at your own pace.
What Is the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour?
People want to see it all. They want both moments. And for years, the only way to do that was to plan two separate trips, or stay at the park all day in the brutal heat.
This tour solves that problem. The Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour is built around how real people travel — with energy limits, comfort needs, and a desire to do the most without feeling crushed by the schedule.
Temples and Locations You Will Visit
This is a Private Siem Reap Sightseeing Tour that takes you through the very best of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Here are all the sites covered:
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Angkor Wat — The world’s largest religious monument, built in the 12th century. You arrive before sunrise, watch the sky transform, then explore the bas-relief carvings inside with your guide. The reflection pool at the front is where the most famous photos are taken.
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Bayon Temple — Located in the center of Angkor Thom, this temple has over 200 massive stone faces carved into its towers. Each face looks slightly different. It’s one of the most photographed places in all of Southeast Asia.
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Prasat Preah Palilay — A quiet, off-the-beaten-path walk through ancient grounds inside Angkor Thom. Most tourists never find this spot. It’s peaceful, shaded, and gives you a sense of what exploring these temples must have felt like decades ago.
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Ta Prohm Temple — Known worldwide as the “Tomb Raider Temple,” this is where enormous tree roots have wrapped themselves around ancient stone walls over centuries. It’s raw, wild, and unlike any other temple in the complex.
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Phnom Bakheng Temple (Optional — Afternoon) — A hilltop Khmer temple that sits 65 meters above the surrounding forest. The walk up takes about 20–30 minutes, and the reward is a sweeping panoramic view of Angkor Wat and the jungle canopy as the sun goes down. Access is limited to 300 people at a time, making it a genuinely exclusive experience.
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Angkor Wat at Sunset (Optional — Afternoon) — Return to the west-facing front of Angkor Wat, where the setting sun lights up the stone towers from behind and casts long golden shadows across the causeway.
Who is this tour for? Leisure travelers who don’t want back-to-back early mornings. Couples wanting a romantic sunrise and sunset. Photographers chasing two golden hours. First-time visitors with only 1–2 days in Siem Reap. Families who need a proper rest break built into the day. Solo travelers who want space to wander and reflect.
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour: Angkor Wat temple at sunrise ▷ Bayon temple ▷ Take a unique walk to arrive at Prasat Preah Palilay ▷ Monks Blessing at local Pagoda ▷ Ta Prohm temple ▷ Take a rest ▷ Late Afternoon and Sunset at Angkor Wat or Phnom Bakheng Temple
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour | Key Details
Angkor Wat Sunrise Private tour – Private Sunrise Guided Tour to Angkor Wat – is available every day of the week.
- Location: Angkor Wat National Park
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Departure Time: your Hotel lobby: 4:20 AM – 4:30 AM
- Return Time: 1:00 PM (approx.)
- Live Guide: Yes
- Instant Confirmation
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Printed Voucher Accepted
- Temples Visited: 4 + Your Sunset Choice
- Afternoon Pickup: 3:50 PM
- Transport: AC Private Minivan
- Culture: Private Monks Blessing
- Photo Moments: 2 Golden Hours
- Rest Break: 1:00 PM – 3:50 PM at your hotel
- Group Type: Your Party Only — 100% Private
Taking a private tour is the best way to not miss the Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset.
Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour Itinerary
Full Day Itinerary — Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour
This is exactly how your day unfolds, from the very first pickup to the final drive home after sunset. The morning is led by your expert guide. The afternoon is yours to own.
Morning — Sunrise and Temple Tour
4:10 – 4:30 AM: Hotel Pickup Your driver meets you in your hotel lobby. You step into a cool, air-conditioned private minivan. Exact pickup time is sent to you by email after booking and depends on the season.
5:00 AM: Arrive at Angkor Wat You arrive before most visitors. The sky is dark. The silhouette of the five towers is already visible. Your guide leads you to the best sunrise viewing spot before the crowd fills in.
Best sunrise spots:
- Left Reflection Pool — top pick for mirror-image photos
- Main Gate — where photographers with tripods line up
- Temple Entrance — solid middle-ground option
- East Side — quieter, equally beautiful views
5:30 – 6:30 AM: Watch the Sunrise – The sky shifts from deep blue to orange, pink, and gold. The towers of Angkor Wat catch the first light. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you for years. Your guide is right there, pointing out the best angles and sharing the history of what you’re looking at.
6:30 – 8:30 AM: Guided Tour Inside Angkor Wat – Your guide walks you through the inner galleries, pointing out the world’s longest stretch of bas-relief carvings — over 800 meters of stone storytelling. You learn about the Khmer Empire, the Hindu mythology behind the designs, and the construction methods used 900 years ago.
9:00 – 9:30 AM: Bayon Temple — The Face Temple – A short drive brings you to Bayon Temple inside Angkor Thom, the former royal capital of the Khmer Empire. More than 200 massive stone faces stare out from the towers. No two are the same. Your guide tells you the stories behind the faces and the kings who commissioned them.
10:00 – 10:45 AM: Walk to Prasat Preah Palilay – A quiet walk through shaded temple grounds that most tourists miss entirely. The path is cool, leafy, and away from the main crowds. It’s one of those spots where you stop and think — “I’m glad we came this way.”
10:45 – 11:00 AM: Private Monks Blessing at a Local Pagoda – A resident monk offers a traditional blessing ceremony. This is one of the most genuine cultural experiences in all of Siem Reap. It’s quiet, meaningful, and not something most tours include. You receive blessings and leave with a piece of Cambodian spiritual life that no temple carving can fully replace.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PM: Ta Prohm — The “Tomb Raider” Temple – The last stop of the morning. Ta Prohm is where ancient stone and living jungle have merged over centuries. Enormous strangler fig trees grow through the walls and over the rooftops. It was deliberately left in its overgrown state when the park was restored — making it the most atmospheric temple in all of Angkor.
12:40 – 1:00 PM: Return to Hotel – Your driver takes you back in the AC minivan. You’re back at your hotel by about 1:00–1:15 PM.
Afternoon — Rest, Recharge, Refresh
1:00 PM – 3:50 PM: Free Time at Your Hotel – This break is intentional. You have nearly 3 hours to eat a proper meal, take a nap, shower, charge your camera, and get ready for round two. Cambodia’s midday heat is no joke, and this rest period is what makes the afternoon feel easy and enjoyable instead of exhausting.
Afternoon — Sunset Return to Angkor
3:50 PM: Driver Returns to Your Hotel – Your private driver meets you in the hotel lobby at exactly 3:50 PM. No guide this time — just your group, your driver, and the choice of where you want to watch the sun go down. The driver knows every road and every shortcut. You’ll be at the park in about 20–25 minutes.
4:15 – 4:30 PM: Arrive at Angkor Park — Choose Your Sunset Experience – At this point, the day belongs entirely to you. Choose one of two world-class sunset options:
Option 1: Angkor Wat at Sunset – Return to the west-facing facade of Angkor Wat as the sun drops toward the horizon. The towers glow amber and red. The reflection pool turns into a mirror of fire. This is a completely different experience from what you saw at sunrise — the colors are deeper, the shadows are longer, and the mood is altogether more dramatic. Walk the causeway, find a quiet corner, and watch the sky change.
Option 2: Phnom Bakheng Hilltop Temple Phnom Bakheng is a 9th-century Khmer temple built on top of a natural hill, 65 meters above the Angkor plain. The walk up takes 20–30 minutes through a forested path. Once at the top, you’ll see Angkor Wat rising above the treeline in the distance, with the entire jungle spreading out below you as the sun sets. Only 300 visitors are allowed at the summit at one time. Your early arrival — thanks to the 3:50 PM pickup — gives you the best chance of a front-row spot.
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Your Time — Walk, Photograph, Relax – You have 2.5 hours or more at your chosen sunset location. No guide rushing you to the next stop. No group waiting by the van. Walk slowly, sit quietly, take the photos you actually want to take. This is what a Private Siem Reap Sightseeing Tour is supposed to feel like.
What to Expect – Sunrise and Sunset Times in Siem Reap — Month by Month
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6:30 – 6:32 AM | 5:50 – 5:55 PM |
| February | 6:25 – 6:30 AM | 6:00 – 6:05 PM |
| March | 6:10 – 6:25 AM | 6:05 – 6:10 PM |
| April | 5:50 – 6:10 AM | 6:10 – 6:15 PM |
| May | 5:40 – 5:50 AM | 6:15 – 6:20 PM |
| June | 5:37 – 5:40 AM | 6:20 – 6:25 PM |
| July | 5:40 – 5:50 AM | 6:20 – 6:25 PM |
| August | 5:45 – 5:50 AM | 6:15 – 6:20 PM |
| September | 5:50 – 6:00 AM | 6:00 – 6:10 PM |
| October | 6:00 – 6:10 AM | 5:50 – 5:55 PM |
| November | 6:10 – 6:20 AM | 5:45 – 5:50 PM |
| December | 6:20 – 6:32 AM | 5:45 – 5:50 PM |
Insider tip on Phnom Bakheng: Only 300 visitors are allowed at the top at one time. Your driver will drop you off at the base around 4:15 PM, giving you time to climb and secure a good spot well before the crowd peaks.
Live Guide
A local guide who speaks fluent English and has years of experience.
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour pricing
All prices below are for the complete Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour — morning guided tour plus afternoon sunset driver service. Prices in USD per group.
| Group Size | Total Cost | Cost per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | $198 | $99.00 |
| 3 persons | $198 | $66.00 |
| 4 persons | $198 | $49.50 |
| 5 persons | $198 | $39.60 |
| 6 persons | $278 | $46.30 |
| 7 persons | $278 | $39.70 |
| 8 persons | $278 | $34.75 |
| 9 persons | $278 | $30.90 |
| 10 persons | $278 | $27.80 |
| 11 persons | $298 | $27.00 |
| 12 persons | $298 | $24.80 |
| 13 persons | $298 | $22.90 |
| 14 persons | $298 | $21.30 |
Prices are per group in USD. Select your group size at checkout to see the exact price. Larger groups qualify for VIP vehicle upgrades.
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour | What’s Included in the Price
✔️ Morning hotel pickup in AC private minivan (4:10–4:30 AM)
✔️ Expert English-speaking local guide for the morning tour
✔️ All transport between morning temples in AC minivan
✔️ Private monks blessing ceremony at local pagoda
✔️ Iced water bottles throughout the morning and the afternoon
✔️ Chilled towels to cool down between temples
✔️ Return to hotel after morning tour (~1:00 PM)
✔️ Afternoon private driver pickup at 3:50 PM
✔️ Driver waiting at your chosen sunset location
✔️ Return to hotel after sunset (~7:00–7:30 PM)
✔️ All local community and government taxes
What’s Not Included
✘ Angkor Temple Pass — $37 USD per person (1-day pass covers all temples). Purchase at the official Angkor Enterprise website before your tour day to save time on arrival.
✘ All meals and drinks beyond the included water bottles
✘ Gratuities for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
✘ Personal expenses and souvenirs
✘ Travel insurance
About the Angkor Temple Pass: The 1-day pass at $37 USD per person covers the entire park including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Phnom Bakheng, and all other temples. One pass covers your full day — both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Important Information
Dress Respectfully!
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All temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park require modest clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. This applies to both men and women.
- Shirts must cover the shoulders completely
- Pants, skirts, or shorts must reach below the knee
- Tight leggings are acceptable only if they fully cover the knees
- Guards at the temple entrance will turn you away if you’re not dressed appropriately
Don’t Forget to Bring
You’ll be out from before dawn until after sunset. Bring these things and you’ll be comfortable the whole day.
➱ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
➱ Insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes
➱ Hat or cap for the afternoon sun and sunglasses
➱ Camera with spare battery and extra memory cards
➱ Sarong or light cover-up for temple entry
➱ Any personal medication
➱ Cash USD for tips and small extras
➱ Phone with Angkor Pass voucher saved
Pro packing tip: Pack a small daypack with your sunscreen, water, camera, and spare battery. Leave your big bag at the hotel. You’ll be walking a lot and the lighter you travel, the better time you’ll have — especially on the Phnom Bakheng climb in the afternoon.
Visit Angkor Wat at Sunrise – Meeting point for your tour departure
The Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour is the smartest way to spend your day in Siem Reap. Two golden hours. One ancient wonder. A rest break in between. And a private driver ready to take you back for the sunset you won’t forget.
This is the Sightseeing Siem Reap Tour that first-time visitors wish they had booked from the start.
Know Before You Go
- Book the Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset Full-Day Tour online with hotel pickup. When you book, you receive an instant confirmation in your email with your tour e-ticket. A follow-up email with your exact pickup times for both the morning and the afternoon will be sent separately by the tour team.
- This tour has two separate pickups. The first is at 4:10–4:30 AM for the morning sunrise session. The second is at 3:50 PM for the afternoon sunset session. Both pickups are at your hotel lobby.
- The morning session includes a professional local guide. The afternoon session is with your private driver only — no guide. You explore the sunset location at your own pace and your own speed.
- Wheelchair access is not available at any of the temples visited on this tour.
- The dress code at all Angkor temples is strict. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. When visiting these old holy sites, please be respectful of the rules. Guards at the entrance will not let you in if your clothing is not appropriate.
- It is strongly advised to bring insect repellent. Mosquitoes are active in the early morning and again in the late afternoon and evening — which are exactly the two time windows of this tour.
- Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Light, breathable clothing works best for the heat. A thin layer is useful for the pre-dawn pickup when temperatures are cooler.
- Accessible for strollers in some outdoor areas, but stroller access is limited or not possible inside most of the temples.
- This tour is not suggested for travelers who have back difficulties. There is a significant amount of walking, climbing, and uneven stone surfaces across both the morning and the afternoon sessions.
- This tour is not appropriate for newborns or very young children. The early 4:10 AM start, the heat, and the extended walking time throughout the day make it unsuitable for very young kids.
- Travelers should be in good physical condition. The optional Phnom Bakheng climb in the afternoon adds a 20–30 minute uphill walk on a forest path — comfortable for most adults but worth keeping in mind.
- The rates listed include all relevant government and community taxes.
- All rates are net prices in US dollars and are charged per group, not per person.
- The program schedule is subject to change without notice. Temple order and timing may be adjusted based on weather, crowd conditions, or other factors on the day.
- The exact pickup and drop-off times for both the morning and the afternoon will be communicated by email after booking.
- Drop-off times for both sessions cannot be guaranteed, as they depend on the situation, traffic, and how long you choose to stay at the sunset location.
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If you are looking for the morning-only version of this experience, visit the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour page.
Why Local guides?
These local professionals refer to your breathtaking tour site as “home.”
- Prepare to learn about local treasures, folklore, characters, and history!
- Prepare to get and learn what other travelers miss by simply searching and surfing the internet.




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