3-Day Angkor and Phnom Kulen Tour with Sunrise and Banteay Srei

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon, three of the Angkor region's most iconic temples
• 02 Discover Phnom Kulen's sacred river carvings, Reclining Buddha, and waterfall
• 03 Admire the intricate pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei
• 04 Watch both sunset and sunrise at Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng
• 05 Visit the ancient Rolous Group temples and browse local handicrafts in Siem Reap

Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the tree-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, and the iconic Bayon Temple with its serene stone faces on this 3-day journey through the Angkor region. Explore jungle-hidden temples, watch the sunset and sunrise over Angkor Wat, and discover Phnom Kulen's ancient lingas, Reclining Buddha, and sacred waterfall. The tour also includes the pink sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei, the historic Rolous Group temples, and time to browse local handicrafts in Siem Reap.

Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the tree-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, and the iconic Bayon Temple with its serene stone faces on this 3-day journey through the Angkor region.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Siem Reap, Phnom Kulen

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon and Phnom Bakheng Sunset

• 8:00 AM - Pick-up from your hotel
  • After breakfast, our guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodation, whether a hotel or guesthouse.
  • We will then proceed to purchase your ticket for the Angkor Archaeological Park.
• Morning
  • Angkor Wat Temple
    • Start your day by exploring Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the early 12th century, this stunning temple is also regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Ta Prohm Temple
    • Visit Ta Prohm, also known as the "Tomb Raider Temple." Famous for its mystical atmosphere, this temple is enveloped by enormous trees whose roots intertwine with the stone structures.
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the temples.
• Afternoon
  • Ta Nei Temple
    • Explore Ta Nei, a smaller, less-visited temple surrounded by the jungle.
  • East Gate of Angkor Thom City
    • Continue to the East Gate of Angkor Thom, one of the major entrances to the ancient city.
  • Bayon Temple
    • Visit Bayon Temple, known for its 216 massive stone faces of the Buddha, which exude peace and serenity.
  • Baphuon Temple
    • See Baphuon Temple, an impressive artificial mountain temple with steep steps leading to the top.
  • Royal Enclosure, Elephant Terrace and Leper King Terrace
    • Explore the Royal Enclosure, the Elephant Terrace, and the Leper King Terrace, where ancient carvings tell stories of the Angkorian kings.
  • Phnom Bakheng (Sunset)
    • End the day at Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views of the Angkor complex, perfect for watching the sunset.
• 6:30 PM - Return to hotel
  • Return to your hotel after a fulfilling day of temple exploration.

2

Day 02

Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Phnom Kulen and Banteay Srei

• 5:00 AM - Early morning departure
  • Leave your hotel early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, where you can enjoy the beautiful reflection of the temple on the surrounding water.
• Morning
  • Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain)
    • Drive to Phnom Kulen, located 65 km from Siem Reap. This is an ancient city known as "Mahendrapavata."
    • Visit the 1,000 lingas carved into the riverbed, representing the holy river of Shiva.
    • Discover the Preah Ang Thom Reclining Buddha, carved from a single block of natural stone.
    • Experience the serene Phnom Kulen waterfall, where locals come to bathe in the sacred waters.
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
  • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, either on the mountain or in a nearby village.
• Afternoon
  • Banteay Srei Temple
    • Visit Banteay Srei, also known as the "Ladies Temple," built from pink sandstone and featuring intricate carvings dating back to the 10th century.
  • Banteay Samre Temple
    • Continue to Banteay Samre, a temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.
  • Pre Rup Temple
    • Explore Pre Rup, a crematorium temple built from brick and sandstone, offering a stunning view of the surrounding area.
• 4:30 PM - Return to hotel
  • After a full day of temple visits, return to your hotel for a rest.

3

Day 03

Preah Khan, Rolous Temples and Siem Reap Crafts

• 4:30 AM - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
  • Start your day early again to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. The sunrise view over the temple is breathtaking, with the light reflecting off the surrounding moat.
• Morning
  • Preah Khan Temple
    • Visit Preah Khan, a large temple dedicated to King Jayavarman VII's father. The temple complex is a mix of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism.
  • Neak Pean Temple
    • Explore Neak Pean, a small island temple surrounded by a series of pools, located in the center of the Jayatataka Baray.
  • Ta Som Temple
    • Discover Ta Som, a small yet charming temple in the jungle, with a giant tree growing over one of its doorways.
  • East Mebon Temple
    • Visit East Mebon, a large artificial mountain temple with five towers.
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
  • Break for lunch at a local restaurant near the next temple.
• Afternoon
  • Rolous Group of Temples
    • Visit the Rolous Group of temples, which includes Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong. These temples date back to the 9th century and are among the oldest in the Angkor region.
  • Phsar Leu Market
    • Explore Phsar Leu, the old market in Siem Reap, for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
  • Angkor Artisan School
    • Visit the Angkor Artisan School, known for traditional Cambodian crafts such as stone carving, silk weaving, and wood carving.
• 4:30 PM - Return to hotel
  • Return to your hotel, where your tour concludes after three days of exploring the fascinating temples and cultural heritage of the Angkor region.
• Note
  • The tour is designed to cater to large groups, with discounts available, ensuring a cost-effective and immersive experience for everyone.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• English-speaking tour guide
• Air-conditioned car, van, or bus with driver
• Parking fees and road tolls
• Cool drinking water and towels
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

• Temple pass: 1 day = $37 per person, 3 days = $62 per person, 7 days = $72 per person
• Kulen Mountain ticket: $20 per person
• Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

What to bring

• Camera
• Suitable walking shoes
• Hat

Know before you go

• Please dress appropriately when visiting temples such as Angkor Wat, Ba Phnom, and Phnom Bakheng, especially if you plan to climb them.
• Your pants or skirt should cover your knees, and your shirt should not be sleeveless. Make sure your shoulders are covered, not just with a bra strap, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter.
• Walking shoes are recommended.
• Light cotton clothing is also recommended from March to July, as the weather is very hot and humid.
• We suggest bringing your camera charger so you can recharge it during your lunch break at the restaurant.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tour start

Angkor Thom, Cambodia

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.