Add dates

Siem Reap Culture & history

Our most recommended Siem Reap Culture & history

Siem Reap: Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise Tour

1. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat: Small-Group Sunrise Tour

Begin with an early pickup from your hotel at 4.30 AM in an air-conditioned vehicle, and travel to the main entrance of the Angkor Wat to admire the stunning sunrise over this ancient and mysterious complex. Next, visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom to marvel at the Bayon and Baphoun temples with their 54 towers and 216 faces of Buddhisatva Avalokesvara. Listen as your guide explains historical facts about the Temples and the Khmer empire. After lunch, see the Terrace of the Elephant and the Terrace of the Leper King known as the royal viewing platform and the stage of the king’s great audience hall. Enter Ta Prohm Temple and view the lush trees surrounding the temple’s stones. Finally, go to Banteay Kdei temple which was built by the King Jayavarman VII in the late of 12th century before returning to your hotel in Siem Reap.

From Siem Reap: 2-Day Small Group Temples Sunrise Tour

2. From Siem Reap: 2-Day Small Group Temples Sunrise Tour

Day 1 – Full Day Banteay Srei Temples and Grand Circuit Temple   Start your 2 days with pick-up from your hotel around 8:00 AM, you’ll head off to visit the most interesting temples outside Angkor Thom city. Your first stop is Pre Rup Hindu Temple, built in 961 or 962, which combines laterite and sandstone construction. Then, drive to the intricately carved and well-preserved Banteay Srei – the detailed reliefs on this smaller sandstone structure are regarded as the finest and most skilfully crafted in Cambodia.   On the return journey, visit Neak Pean, a Buddhist temple on a circular artificial island within Jayatataka Baray, then continue to Preah Khan temple, a ruined but highly atmospheric mélange of tree roots and crumbling stone structures. Construction was commissioned by the prolific temple builder Jayavarman VII in honor of his father and a visit to this smaller site makes for an interesting contrast with the more imposing Angkor Wat. Preah Khan is currently being restored by the World Monument Fund and in places is in remarkably good condition. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Siem Reap after a memorable day of exploration. Day 2 – Temples of Angkor with Sunrise   Spend your day temple-hopping with your local guide to make the most of your visit to the world-famous Angkor complex, a site full of temples built between the 19th and 13th centuries. Begin with pre-dawn departure (between 4:15 and 4:40 AM) from your hotel to catch the sunrise outside of Angkor Wat. Then, explore the interior of the great temple, spending a thorough 2 hours discovering its corridors, central chambers, and upper terraces. Your expert guide will decipher the myriad of stories behind the bas-relief carvings and give you insight into life during the height of the Khmer Empire. End your visit to Angkor with breakfast just outside the temple.   Continue the morning with a visit to the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side – gods to the left and demons to the right – and the fortified city of Angkor Thom. See its beautifully crafted central towers, covered in more than 200 enormous faces, before exploring the famous central terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of Elephants. Finish your day with a visit to the temple Ta Prohm, once home to almost 3,000 monks. Return to your hotel at approximately 1:00 PM.  

Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour

3. Angkor Wat: Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour

Discover the magic and history of the Angkor Wan on a guided sunrise tour from Siem Reap. Get around this vast temple complex easily with a airconditioned bus or van. Have the option to choose from a group or private tour. See sights like the Ta Prohm and Bayon temples.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation early in the morning. Arrive at Angkor wat and admire the glow of the sunrise on the ancient temple complex and surrounding jungle. Explore the interior of the great temple at Angkor, from its corridors and central chambers to the upper terraces. Hear stories behind the bas-relief carvings, and gain insight into life during the height of the Khmer Empire. Continue to Angkor Thom City and the Bayon Temple. At the end of the afternoon, visit the jungle-enveloped Ta Prohm, one of the most atmospheric of all the temples in Angkor. Return to your accommodation in Siem Reap at the end of your tour.

Siem Reap: Phare, the Cambodian Circus Show Tickets

4. Siem Reap: Phare, the Cambodian Circus Show Tickets

Enjoy the Phare Circus performance in Siem Reap, which is more than a conventional acrobatic circus. See how the artists create and perform stories based on their own life experiences. Drawing from recent history, folklore, and modern society, watch as the performers blend drama, dance, live music, and circus arts to share a part of their lives with audiences. By attending a Phare Circus show, you enjoy Siem Reap's fantastic live entertainment and financially support the school to provide opportunities for Cambodian artists.

Angkor Wat Private 2-Day Temples Tour with Sunset & Sunrise

5. Angkor Wat Private 2-Day Temples Tour with Sunset & Sunrise

Day 1: Angkor Thom, Bayon, Neak Pean, Bantreay Srei, Banteay Samre, and Bakheng Mountain Visit the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side - gods to the left and demons to the right – and the fortified city of Angkor Thom. At ‘The Bayon’, you will see its beautifully crafted central towers, covered in more than 200 enormous faces, then explore the famous Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of Elephants. Move to Neak Pean, an artificial island with a Buddhist temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the intricately carved and well-preserved Banteay Srei. The detailed reliefs on this smaller sandstone structure are regarded as the finest, most skillfully crafted in Cambodia.  One the way back, enjoy a brief stop at the well-preserved Banteay Samre, a laterite structure that once featured internal moats. End your discoveries with an ascent for sunset at Bakheng mountain. Day 2: Angkor Wat at sunrise, Preah Khan, Ta Nei, and Ta Prohm Temple  Begin with a pre-dawn departure for sunrise outside of Angkor Wat. Enter the great temple in darkness (please bring a torch) from the little-visited eastern side, and creep along hoary cloistered corridors past the longest stretch of bas-relief carvings in the world.  End your touring at Angkor with breakfast outside the temple. Continue by moving on to Preah Khan temple, a ruined but highly atmospheric mélange of tree roots and crumbling stone structures. At the end of the morning, have lunch at a local restaurant. Next, drive to Ta Nei, a late 12th century stone temple located in Angkor. Move on to the jungle-enveloped Ta Prohm, one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor that was once home to 2,740 monks.

Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise; Guided Day Tour

6. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Sunrise; Guided Day Tour

The UNESCO-listed temple of Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most visited attraction, and it’s even more magnificent beneath the glow of the rising sun. On this small-group tour, rise early to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, then benefit from the cooler weather and fewer crowds of the morning to explore the surrounding temples. After that, visit Angkor Thom, admire the Gate to Bayon, discover Bayon Temple, and see the Buddhist temple of Banteay Kdei. First, your guide and driver will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the ticket office to buy your ticket. After the tour, the guide will bring you back to your accommodation in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Admission Ticket

7. Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Admission Ticket

"Mobile Temple Pass" with this new way, allows tourists to purchase the temple pass online without printing it out and showing the pass along with their mobile phone by booking this tour we will assist you in purchasing the ticket which will help save your time and make your trip easier. We will choose the pass depending on how many days you would like to spend exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park. After booking, the pass will be sent to you 12 hours before your tour start. Separately, we also provide many best tours that you can do along by using this pass. Check our options.

Angkor Wat: Guided Sunrise Bike Tour w/ Breakfast and Lunch

8. Angkor Wat: Guided Sunrise Bike Tour w/ Breakfast and Lunch

Explore Angkor Wat under a breathtaking sunrise on this morning bike tour with a local guide. See historical monuments and cap it off with a traditional Cambodian meal. After being picked up from your accommodation, your guide will take you to the best spots in Angkor Wat to witness the colorful sunrise. Then, you will go through the Angkor central complex and hear about the history and symbolism of the temple. Once you have discovered Angkor Wat and had breakfast, proceed with the bike tour down the trails behind Angkor Wat. Follow tracks that take you through small villages in the Angkor Wat complex, and see how the locals go about their daily lives. From there, visit other sites such as the Angkor Thom City, Bayon Temple, Preah Khan temple, and the Tomb Raider temple. End your day by having a traditional Cambodian meal with a large spread of local dishes, followed by a quick siesta.

Angkor Wat: Sunrise Jeep Tour with Breakfast and Lunch

9. Angkor Wat: Sunrise Jeep Tour with Breakfast and Lunch

Begin your jeep tour with an early morning pick up from your Siem Reap hotel. Your guide will then find the best spot to view the sunrise and take perfect photos. Then head down to explore the ancient temple at its most atmospheric, bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun. After you will head into the inner sanctum of Angkor Wat to admire the carvings and architecture of the temple before having breakfast. Following the main road to Angkor Thom, replete with stone sculptures depicting demons and deities. Learn about the cultural significance of the Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Royal Enclosure from your guide. After roaming around Bayon, you will take a short break to enjoy a light refreshment to keep your energy level up before getting in your jeep again and continuing to the Elephant Terrace. You will then go through Angkor off roads on the way to visit Ta Prohm temple. Be ready for this iconic temple which is overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. Then return to Siem Reap through Cambodian villages that offer a glimpse into rural life.

Angkor: Sunrise Bike Tour with Jungle Breakfast & Lunch

10. Angkor: Sunrise Bike Tour with Jungle Breakfast & Lunch

Experience an unforgettable 9-hour morning bike ride of the back trails of the Angkor Kingdom of Angkor Wat, and see the legendary temples in the soft morning light. Following a pick-up from your Siem Reap hotel, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Angkor Wat where your guide will pick out the perfect position to watch the dawn break. If the weather gods are with you, the sun will rise up behind Angkor Wat and provide the most stunning of silhouettes. As the other early risers head back to their hotel, you will have Angkor to yourselves in the best light of the day. Your guide will give you an overview of Angkor Wat, after which you will take a short ride to enjoy breakfast just outside the temple area. The rest of your day is spent riding the back trails, cycling through ruins and forest, and stopping at iconic and lesser known temples, such as Bayon and Ta Prom. Stop for a lunch of typical Khmer cuisine by the small reservoir of Sra Srang, and, just as the day heats up, drive back to town for your hotel drop-off at approximately 14:00.

89 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 6

Frequently asked questions about Siem Reap

What top attractions are a must-see in Siem Reap?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Siem Reap?

The best day trips and excursions from Siem Reap are:

Angkor Wat

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Siem Reap?

Other Sightseeing Options in Siem Reap

Want to discover all there is to do in Siem Reap? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Siem Reap

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,471 reviews

A terrific experience! Tour guide, David, was awesome. Talked about culture, history, religion, daily life, rice farming, schooling, and a bit of his own story. Easily answered all our questions. Sites visited were terrific and provided unique experiences we had not gotten with our other tours, which is why we booked it. Also, guide was super flexible and let us set our pace. He even figured out a way to recoup time by ordering lunch ahead of arrival for us. We were back on the road to our next stop in 15 minutes rather than an hour! Learned a lot, saw a lot of new things. and felt well tended to. We had a wonderful time!

We had two wonderful days exploring the Angkor Temple complex. Our driver, Nehru, got us from place to place safely and always had a cool tool and water waiting for us after each stop. Our guide, Pi, was so knowledgeable about each temple, stories that went with the carvings, who built the temples and so much more. We opted for a private tour, so we could go at our own pace, and would highly recommend it.

Very well organized tour, we had a great day. Our guide Sen was amazing, he demonstrated a lot of knowledge about Angkor and a huge sense of humor. He also took a lot of great pictures (know all nice spots)! I definitely recommend this tour and our guide Sen!

See the Temples in person, nothing compares I promise you. Our guide Narith was so kind and super knowledgeable. The best day out in Siem Reap.

The tour was enjoyable and everything went smoothly