Highlight Destinations on the Angkor Wat Temple Tour
Why Angkor Wat Temple Tours Are a Must-Do in Southeast Asia
Angkor Wat Temple Tours rank among the most prominent cultural activities in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is found in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and was built in the 12th century as the biggest religious monument in the world. It reflects both Hinduism and Buddhism and has been a World Heritage Site since 1992.
The temple complex is famous for its lotus-shaped towers, sacred carvings, and large stone galleries. A visit to this place with a guided Angkor Wat temple tour helps in gaining an understanding and insights about Khmer history, religion, and architecture.
Touring Angkor Wat temples is essential for those tourists interested in cultural attractions. This visit is typically accompanied by an excursion to surrounding sites such as Angkor Thom Tour, Bayon Temple Tour, and Ta Prohm Tour as part of a full Angkor Wat temple tour package.
Whether taking a vip Angkor Wat temple tour or a photography-based Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat, this tour offers you a fuller understanding of Cambodia’s spiritual hub.
Angkor Wat Main Temple – The Spiritual and Architectural Centerpiece
- Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia (roughly 6 kilometers north of central Siem Reap)
This is the principal site of all Angkor Wat Temple Tours. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally a temple to the Hindu god Vishnu and later became a Buddhist temple.
Key highlights include:
- Five lotus-shaped towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe according to Hindu cosmology
- Huge bas-reliefs depicting the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, sculpted in sandstone
- The finest sunrise position in Cambodia, do not miss out on all vip Angkor Wat temple tours and Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat packages
Angkor Wat Main Temple (Source: lonelyplanet)
Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple – The Walled Capital of the Khmer Empire
- Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia (about 2 kilometers from Angkor Wat)
Angkor Thom was the final royal capital of the Khmer Empire. Lying within massive moats and monumental gateways, it spans nine square kilometers.
At the heart lies Bayon Temple, known for:
- 54 towers with a total of 216 carved stone faces that represent divine benevolence
- A unique blend of spiritual iconography and artistic refinement
It is one of the best photo spots on all Angkor Wat temple tours. It is included in specialized tours such as the Angkor Wat temple tour best Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat. For informative tours, include the special Angkor Thom Tour and Bayon Temple Tour.
Bayon Temple (Source: thepoortraveler)
Ta Prohm – The Temple Where Jungle and Stone Collide
- Address: Ta Prohm Temple Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia (approximately 12 kilometers from the city center)
One of the film stars of “Tomb Raider," Ta Prohm, is an atmospheric, rugged attraction.
Features include:
- Massive tree roots wrapping over ancient stone walls and temple remains
- A strong visual picture of the strength of nature’s recapturing, ideal for spiritual and photo journeys
Ta Prohm (Source: wikipedia)
Banteay Srei – The Temple of Refined Stone Carving
- Address: Banteay Srei District, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia (approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap)
Banteay Srei is often referred to as the “Citadel of Women” for its delicate beauty and scale. It stands out for:
- A distinct pink sandstone building, rare in Khmer temples
- Extremely intricate floral motif and mythological scene carvings
Banteay Srei is also a favorite among travelers booking vip Angkor Wat temple tours or more premium cultural deals such as Angkor Wat temple guide tours. Learn more with our Banteay Srei Tour.
Banteay Srei (Source: mysiemreaptours)
Optional Outer Temples – For Travelers Seeking Deeper Exploration
These are located further away from the central Angkor loop and are typically on longer Angkor Wat temple tour package itineraries or custom-designed itineraries:
- Preah Khan: A large Buddhist temple with long corridors and sacred shrines.
- Pre Rup: A mountain temple famous for the sunset views sweeping across the rural landscapes.
- Neak Pean: Built in the center of a symbolic pool representing cure and peace.
- Kbal Spean: Known as “The River of a Thousand Lingas," with sacred carvings under a running forest stream.
Sample Luxury Itinerary for Angkor Wat Temple Tours (3D2N)
Day 1 – Arrival in Siem Reap – Cultural Orientation & Boutique Check-in
Morning
- Arrival at Siem Reap International Airport.
- Greeted by an Impress Travel private driver and an Angkor Wat temple tour guide.
- Transfer to your designated luxury or boutique hotel in central downtown Siem Reap (5-star or heritage style).
Stay at Siem Reap Boutique Hotel (Source: tripadvisor)
Afternoon
- Short break to refresh.
- Begin a light city orientation walking tour:
- Visit the Old Market (Phsar Chas), the colonial French Quarter, and the riverside promenade.
- Stop by Wat Preah Prom Rath to see modern Khmer Buddhism.
Wat Preah Prom Rath (Sours: travelbeginsat40)
Evening
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at a high-end Khmer restaurant with a garden or lake view.
- Optional: Private guide briefing session to review your Angkor Wat Temple Tours program and Cambodian culture dos and don’ts.
- Back to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Khmer Restaurant With Garden View (Source: tripadvisor)
Day 2 – Full-Day VIP Angkor Wat Temples Tour + Sunset or Apsara Dinner Show
Early Morning
- Depart the hotel at 4:45 AM.
- Witness sunrise over Angkor Wat – the unmissable highlight of your Angkor Wat temple tour best experience.
- Explore Angkor Wat’s galleries, central sanctuary, and bas-reliefs with professional insight from your Angkor Wat temple tour guide.
Witness Sunrise Over Angkor Wat (Source: klook)
Mid-Morning
- Head to Angkor Thom – the ancient royal city.
- Explore the Bayon Temple with 216 stone faces (see Bayon Temple Tour).
- Stroll along the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Angkor Thom (Source: smarthistory)
Lunch
- Lunch on an elegant Khmer lunch at a peaceful garden restaurant inside the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Angkor Archaeological Park (Source: wmf)
Afternoon
- Visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm Temple, known for its massive tree roots (see Ta Prohm Tour).
- Drive to Pre Rup Temple for temple overview shots and golden light photography.
Pre Rup Temple (Source: arrivalguides)
Evening
Option 1: Watch a traditional Apsara Dance Dinner Show in an elegant theater, a feature of most vip Angkor Wat temple tours.
Apsara Dance Dinner Show (Source: klook)
Option 2: Sunset meditation or photo shoot at Pre Rup (ideal for Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat).
- Return to the hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Sunset Meditation At Pre Rup (Source: visitlocaltravel)
Day 3 – Local Culture & Spiritual Add-ons – Departure
Option 1: Floating Village Excursion
Morning
- Travel to Kompong Phluk or Chong Kneas Floating Village in Tonle Sap Lake.
- Boat tour among stilt houses, floating schools, and a wetland ecosystem.
- Best for cultural experience and nature photography.
Chong Kneas Floating Village (Source: wanderluluu)
Option 2: Banteay Srei & Artisan Village
Morning
- Visit the pink sandstone miracle Banteay Srei Temple, ~25 km from Siem Reap (see Banteay Srei Tour).
- Break at Preah Dak village for local handicrafts, palm sugar, and Khmer snacks.
- Optional: Landmine Museum or Banteay Samré visit nearby.
Banteay Srei Temple (Source: alltrails)
Option 3: Spa & Wellness
Morning
- Relax with a private Khmer spa & steam at a 5-star resort.
- An optional yoga or mindfulness class with views of lotus ponds or rice fields.
Khmer Spa & Steam (Source: champei)
Afternoon (All Options)
- Return to the hotel for final refreshments.
- Private transfer to Siem Reap International Airport.
- End of your Angkor Wat Temple Tours adventure.
Siem Reap International Airport (Source: asianaviation)
Best Seasons & Hidden Time Slots for Angkor Wat Temple Tours
Best Travel Season: December to April – Cambodia’s Dry Magic
The best time for luxery Angkor Wat temple tours is when it is dry, December to April. These are the months that offer:
- Clear blue skies and golden sunlight are perfect for taking pictures
- Comfortable weather for full-day Angkor Wat temple tours
- Excellent temple access with minimal travel disturbance
Rainy Season to Avoid: August to October
Though the temples look lush and menacing under the rains, August to October also implies heavy downpours that will hamper movement and hide scenic views. Unless your main goal is photography or a Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat, and you enjoy tropical rains and seclusion, these months would be best avoided.
Festival Travel: Celebrate with the Khmer Spirit
Join a true Angkor Wat temple tour by traveling during one of Cambodia’s traditional festivals:
- Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) – April 13-15: Participate in water blessings, street processions, and offerings at temples.
- Meak Bochea – Typically February or March: A peaceful Buddhist ritual to commemorate the Buddha’s teachings.
- Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – November: Witness boat racing and moonlight ceremonies along the Tonle Sap.
Chaul Chnam Thmey (Source: wikipedia)
Why Book Angkor Wat Temple Tours with Impress Travel?
Booking your Angkor Wat Temple Tours with Impress Travel means choosing over 15 years of local expertise, global service quality, and thoroughly personalized experiences. Being one of Southeast Asia’s premier Destination Management Companies, we provide expert luxery Angkor Wat temple tours, personalized programs, and experienced multilingual guides who bring every stone carving and sacred corridor to life. Whether a dignified vip Angkor Wat temple tour, a humble cultural walkabout in Banteay Srei Tour, or an uplifting Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat, our journeys are designed not just to observe more but to be more – based on authenticity, comfort, and respect.
Our Siem Reap and Hanoi staff assure every aspect is handled with care – from boutique hotels and private transfers to sunrise pickups and certified Angkor Wat temple tour guide services. Join the thousands of tourists who’ve trusted us with delivering the Angkor Wat temple tour best Cambodia has to offer.
Contact Impress Travel Today:
- 125 Hoang Ngan Street, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
- (+84) 912 379 189
- info@impresstravel.com
Practical Tips: Dress Code, Photography, Entrance Tickets
Entrance Tickets: Choose the Right Pass for Your Journey
To explore the full scope of your Angkor Wat temples tour, you’ll need a valid Angkor Pass, issued by Angkor Enterprise:
Ticket Type
|
Price (USD)
|
Validity
|
1-Day Pass
|
$37
|
Visit on the day of purchase
|
3-Day Pass
|
$62
|
Valid for 3 separate days within 10 days
|
7-Day Pass
|
$72
|
Valid for 7 separate days within 1 month
|
All ticket options offer access to principal temples like Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei. Tickets can be found at the Official Angkor Ticket Center on Street 60, Siem Reap. Don’t leave home without your ID photo.
Dress Code & Responsible Behavior
Angkor is a temple, not a resort. To respect its spiritual nature:
- Wear a modest dress: shoulders and knees should be covered
- Don’t wear sheer, ripped, or tight clothing inside the temple complex
- Don’t touch carvings, climb off-limits areas, or make noise
Photography & Drone Use
Having the temples along with one is a requirement for most tourists on a Buddhist temples photo tour Cambodia Angkor Wat, but note these things:
- Photography is allowed throughout the park, but flash is eschewed inside dim sanctuaries
- Tripods are allowed but not advisable inside narrow corridors during peak times
- Drone usage requires advanced approval from the APSARA Authority and is banned over temple roofs except with permission
Operating Hours & Crowd Strategy
- Angkor Wat: 5:00 AM – 5:30 PM (ideal for sunrise tours)
- Most temples: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunset points like Pre Rup and Phnom Bakheng stay open till ~7:00 PM
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on this touching trip to Angkor’s sacred wonders. From imperial dawn landscapes at Angkor Wat to hidden jungle temples and cultural treasures, each step with Impress Travel is designed for comfort and authenticity. Let us lead you through Southeast Asia with our well-crafted Cambodia Package Tours, where heritage, hospitality, and discovery come smoothly together.