I’ve heard it said that Angkor Wat is the most visited tourist site in the world. I’m not sure if that’s true, but the good news is that whether it’s true or not, Angkor Wat is one of the most culturally and historically rich places in the world.
It also happens to be the world’s largest religious site. Its scale, architecture, and history have always conjured images of an exotic and faraway land in the minds of most foreigners, most of who will sadly never get to see this amazing place.
Full of ancient temples, wafting incense and smiling Buddhas, the Angkor Wat complex in all its splendor deserves one of the top spots on your dream itinerary.
1. 3-Day Private Tour to Angkor Wat and Floating Villages
Source: Sakdawut Tangtongsap / shutterstockThough Angkor Wat is one of the world’s foremost tourist sites, the amazing floating villages that dot the surrounding area aren’t so well known, but they’re really worth a visit.
On this three-day private tour, you’ll see much of the Angkor Wat complex, put those sea-legs to the test on southeast Asia’s largest lake, and visit an ancient university from the 12th century that was dedicated to the education and training of Buddhist monks.
You’ll see a few hidden waterfalls that are a bit off the beaten path as well.
Your professional, English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse, and take you back when the tour is over too.
2. 9-Hour Angkor Wat Sunrise Bike Tour
Source: getyourguide.comWith some of the most amazing sunset views you’re ever likely to see, missing the early morning sun rising over Angkor Wat is akin to a crime. Make an effort to witness this beauty, even if you’re not much of a morning person.
Breakfast is included in the cost of this tour, so come hungry and fill up.
Your day will be spent riding around the main temple complex, as well as some lesser known but equally amazing temples that don’t get so much tourist traffic.
After a traditional Khmer lunch by the idyllic Sra Srang Lake, it’ll be time to head back to your hotel for a shower and a refreshing drink.
3. Angkor National Museum Ticket with Tuk-Tuk Pick-Up
Source: Danaan / shutterstockPerhaps the largest and most complete museum in Cambodia, the Angkor National Museum will give you an amazing insight into the great Khmer Empire that was the region’s most powerful for many centuries.
In case you’re wondering, tuk-tuks are the small motorcycle powered taxis that are the preferred method of transportation in the area, so there’s really no better way of being conveyed to this amazing museum.
The museum boasts an astonishing collection of Buddha statues that’s unrivaled. There are lots of other artifacts and exhibits as well, all of which are well-marked so you’ll be able to soak up all the amazing history of this truly unique and majestic place.
4. Full-Day Photo Tour to the Lost Cities of Koh Ker & Beng Mealea
Source: Cocos.Bounty / shutterstockLong before Phnom Penh became Cambodia’s capital, the ancient city of Koh Ker held that distinction.
Now, the once opulent city has been nearly devoured by the encroaching jungle, giving it a primordial feel that’ll really take you back to a different era.
The drive to the site takes a few hours; along the way, you’ll get to see how many Cambodians in rural villages live today.
You’ll also see the impressive five-towered temple of Prasat Pram that’s been strangled by tree roots and lichens, and the sacred reservoir of Andong Preng whose water was thought to have mystical powers in years past.
5. Full-Day Private Tour with Sunset at Angkor Wat
Source: Muzhik / shutterstockDue to the immensity of Angkor Archaeological Park, unless you’re in a big hurry, you’ll want to spend an entire day there.
This private tour will take you to some of the park’s major attractions – like the Bayon and Ta Prohm temples – and you’ll see some lesser known but equally stunning ones too.
Meals are included and you’ll end up at Pre Rup, which is one of the most popular sunset viewing areas in the entire park.
That enchanting period of diminishing light between afternoon and evening is especially magical when viewed against the still waters of the temple’s moat and the characteristically tapered spires of the ancient temples.
6. See Classic Angkor Temples via Full-Day Photo Discovery Tour
Source: Perfect Lazybones / shutterstockIf you didn’t already know, Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the entire world.
Some archaeologists and historians claim that at its height in the 12th century, Angkor Thom was home to nearly a million residents, making it among the world’s largest at the time.
This tour is for budding and seasoned photographers alike. It focuses on taking guests to the most scenic and picturesque of the many unique and distinct areas the complex has to offer.
The two highlights of the tour may be the majestic 12-towered Prasat Suor Prat near the royal square and the always-stunning Ta Prohm.
7. Full-Day Small Group Temples Tour in Siem Reap
Source: BlueOrange Studio / shutterstockFor nearly 600 years, the Khmer Empire was a dominant military, political and cultural force in Southeast Asia.
One of the best ways to see the Angkor Wat complex is with a small and intimate tour group.
Unlike large groups, in which it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, a small group will give you the opportunity to make a few friends and have a more personal interaction with your guide.
The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel and will visit the complex’s most important sights – like the Bayon and Ta Prohm temples and the Leper King and Elephant terraces – many of which you may have already seen in magazines like National Geographic.
8. Angkor Wat Full-Day Private Tour with Sunrise
Source: Boule / shutterstockYou’ll probably find that Angkor Wat is shrouded in magnificence and mystery no matter when you visit, but nearly everyone agrees there’s something extra special at sunrise that really should be experienced.
If that sounds like a good plan, then bring an alarm clock, because this full-day, private sunset tour will get you where you need to be, when you need to be there, to experience this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a natural wonder.
After the sun comes up, your tour will commence with visits to Angkor Tom and Bayon temples that are famous for the hundreds of serenely smiling faces that adorn them.
9. Angkor Photo Workshop Tour
Source: getyourguide.comYour guides for this amazing photo-centered tour will either be American or English. Both are very knowledgeable about Angkor Wat’s history and are also professional photographers.
If you choose the sunrise option, the day will start no later than 7:00, which will leave you just enough time to get to the complex and get set up.
The tour is appropriate for beginner and advanced photographers and is less formal than other tours, so if the group agrees they’d like to see something particularly interesting that wasn’t on the original itinerary, that’s okay.
Regardless of where you end up, rest assured that you’ll get tips and pointers to ensure that your photos are all that they should be.
10. Angkor Wat & Tonle Sap Lake Intimate Guided Tour
Source: Aleksandar Todorovic / shutterstockWith all there is to see and do in Siem Reap and the surrounding areas, one day really isn’t enough.
If your travel schedule can only accommodate a day and a half, however, this intimate guided tour is for you.
You’ll get an English speaking guide who’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the archaeological site’s most historically important and aesthetic temples.
On day two, you’ll drive about an hour into the country, hop on a boat, and skim across Southeast Asia’s largest lake to visit a floating village that’s been making its living on the fish-rich waters of the Tonle Sap for ages.
11. Siem Reap by Jeep. 1-Day Tour to Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm
Source: getyourguide.comJeeps are a great way to see the sights of Angkor Wat, especially when someone else is doing the driving and all you need to do is sit back, relax, take in the splendor of it all and ask the occasional question.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then get online and book in advance because these tours fill up quickly.
You’ll hit all the most important temples like Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, and you’ll visit some other gems that aren’t so often visited but are just as rich in history and splendor.
The Jeep tour package includes transportation to and from your hotel as well.
12. Banteay Srei and Angkor Day Trip from Siem Reap
Source: Anastasia Pelikh / shutterstockTours that offer options are usually the best value for your hard-earned travel dollars. This day tour gives you the option of adding an English speaking guide.
Though there are places inside the complex where you’ll be able to read about what you’re seeing, a professional guide will definitely give you much more detailed information that you’ll probably find fascinating and impressive.
Unlike some tours that only hit the largest two or three temples, this day tour will take you to some lesser known but equally impressive ones like Pre Rup, which is one of the most completely intact in the complex.
In the Khmer language, “srei” means woman or girl, so when you get to see the appropriately pink temple of Banteay Srei, you’ll know why the name was chosen.
13. Phnom Bok Temple Tour from Siem Reap
Source: alexat25 / shutterstockIt’s not well known that in addition to Buddhist temples, the complex at Angkor Wat is also home to Hindu temples. This really isn’t surprising when you consider that some historians suspect that Buddhism evolved from Hinduism in the era before the Khmer Empire’s rise to prominence.
This full-day tour will visit Banteay Samre, one of the most stunning Hindu temples in the complex.
This is an especially great area to visit if you’re keen on avoiding the crowds and burning some calories – nearly 700 stairs discourage most but the fittest visitors.
You’ll also climb Phnom Bok, or Bok Mountain, as it’s called in English.
14. Angkor Zipline Tour
Source: viator.comZiplining has become a popular vacation activity in recent years. It’s safe, exhilarating, and gives you an amazing bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area.
What better way to see the wonders of Angkor Archaeological Park than hanging from a narrow cable hundreds of feet above the ground.
If you’re not an experienced zipliner, don’t worry, you’ll get all the gear and training you need and you’ll even get a dry-run just a few feet above the ground.
You’ll be treated to stunning views of the rainforest around the park, but be warned – after your first zip line adventure you may turn into a raving adrenaline junkie.
15. Angkor Sunrise on a Vespa
Source: getyourguide.comAdmit it, even if you’ve got a Harley in your garage back home, you still probably think Vespas are hip.
If you’re looking for a fun and original way to see the amazing sunrise at Angkor Wat, this is the tour for you.
After the sun is done with its dazzling, you’ll scoot on over to the Bayon and Ta Phrom temples – and a few other rare gems that don’t get as much foot traffic.
Your Khmer guide will be a local who knows all the history associated with each site, so you’ll get a great glimpse into the area’s ancient history that dates back more than a thousand years.