Angkor is the reason many people come to Cambodia, and it lies in the north near Siem Reap, a long way from the capital. This product packages the three best-known monuments, Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm, into a day trip that starts in Phnom Penh. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, with its five towers, its long carved galleries of battle scenes and its reflection in the moat. The Bayon, at the heart of the walled city of Angkor Thom, is famous for the serene stone faces that look out from its towers. Ta Prohm is the jungle temple, where the roots of huge trees hold the walls together and pull them apart at the same time. All three are on the classic circuit and together they give a very good first impression of the Khmer Empire. It is a lot to take in during one day, and the journey takes much of that day, so this is best seen as a way to tick off the highlights when you cannot stay overnight, not as a leisurely visit.
The logistics
Siem Reap is a long way from Phnom Penh. By road the journey takes about five to six hours in each direction, so a day trip by car would be exhausting, and the format of the tour matters. Check the product details to see how it covers the distance, the start time, the return time and whether the Angkor admission pass is included. If you have the option, an overnight stay in Siem Reap turns a rushed day into a proper visit, and a sunrise at Angkor Wat is worth the early start.
Making the most of it
Angkor Wat is best early in the day or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. The Bayon rewards slow looking, particularly at the carved faces and the bas-reliefs on the lower gallery, which show scenes of daily life as well as war.
Ta Prohm is atmospheric and busy, so allow time to queue at the best photo spots or simply enjoy the quieter corners. A guide makes a great difference to all three sites, explaining the carvings, the Hindu and Buddhist stories and the history of the empire.
What to wear and bring
The temples are places of worship and a dress code applies, with shoulders and knees covered, particularly at Angkor Wat. Wear comfortable shoes, since there are many steps, uneven stones and a lot of walking, and bring water, sun protection and a hat. Expect heat and crowds, especially from November to February, the cool, dry season. If you can spare more than a day, a longer stay will let you see sites such as Banteay Srei and the smaller temples, and that is a better use of the trip.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day excursion from Phnom Penh to Angkor, visiting Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm.
Best time
The cool, dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, though also the busiest. Temple light is best early and late in the day.
How long
A full day, much of it travelling. Check the start and return times on the product page.
Tips
Check how the tour covers the distance, whether the Angkor pass is included and what time you return. Cover shoulders and knees, wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who cannot add Siem Reap to their trip but want to see the great temples of Angkor.
- Families
- Possible with older children who can cope with a very long day, heat and many steps. Younger children may find it too much.
- Couples
- Spectacular, but a tiring day. An overnight stay in Siem Reap makes it more romantic and more relaxed.
- Pair with
- A relaxed day in Phnom Penh before or after, since the Angkor day is long and tiring.
- Time needed
- A full day, plus recovery time.
Good questions
Is it realistic to see Angkor Wat on a day trip from Phnom Penh?+
It is possible but demanding, because Siem Reap is about five to six hours from Phnom Penh by road. Check how the tour covers the distance, and consider an overnight stay if you can.
Which temples does this day trip cover?+
It covers Angkor Wat, the Bayon in Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, the three best-known monuments in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Is the Angkor entrance pass included?+
That depends on the product, so read the inclusions on the product page before you reserve. Visitors to the temples need a pass.
What should I wear at Angkor?+
Cover shoulders and knees, particularly at Angkor Wat, and wear comfortable shoes for the steps and uneven stones.
When is the best time to visit Angkor?+
November to February is cool and dry but busy. Early morning and late afternoon give the softest light and the thinnest crowds at any time of year.
