Angkor is spread across hundreds of square kilometres, and from the ground it can be hard to grasp the scale. A helicopter flight solves that. Lifting off from the edge of Siem Reap, you rise over rice fields and forest and look down on the moats, causeways and towers of the Khmer capital laid out like a map. Angkor Wat appears as a perfect rectangle of moat and gallery with the five towers at its centre, the Bayon’s faces are visible from above and the great reservoirs, or barays, stretch out beside the temples. This premium experience combines the flight with a visit to Angkor Wat on the ground and a Khmer lunch, so you see the temple at human scale as well as from the sky. It is a special-occasion choice, popular for anniversaries, honeymoons and milestone birthdays, and one of the most memorable ways to see the region. For photographers it opens angles that are impossible from the ground, and for anyone with limited time it gives a sense of the whole landscape in a short flight.
How to visit
The experience is organised as a half-day or full-day package with a hotel pick-up, a short transfer to the helipad, the flight itself and then a guided visit to Angkor Wat followed by lunch. You need an Angkor Pass for the ground visit, and the operator says whether it is included. Flights depend on weather and visibility, so check the cancellation and rescheduling terms, and book early in the dry season from November to March, when demand is highest.
What to expect
The flight lasts a short time, but it is packed with views. Small helicopters carry a few passengers and seat everyone near a window, so the views are good from every seat. The pilot may circle over Angkor Wat and the nearby temples, fly along the line of the old roads and show the pattern of the barays and the forest.
The noise is considerable, so you wear a headset, and the ride can be bumpy in warm air, which is worth knowing if you are prone to motion sickness. On the ground, a guide shows you around Angkor Wat, covering the galleries, the bas-reliefs and the story of the temple. Lunch is a Khmer meal at a restaurant, which gives you time to rest in the shade.
Making the most of it
Choose a clear morning for the best visibility, and wear light clothing that covers shoulders and knees for the temple visit, with comfortable shoes. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a camera with a fast shutter speed or a phone with a good lens, and avoid carrying loose items that could blow around in the helicopter. Follow the crew’s safety instructions, and tell them if you have a fear of flying or a medical concern.
The experience is expensive, so it pays to read the inclusions and the weight and age rules when you book. If you would rather keep costs down, you can still enjoy panoramic views by climbing Phnom Bakheng at sunset or watching the sunrise from Angkor Wat. For those who do want the flight, the combination of aerial and ground views is hard to beat. Plan a restful evening afterwards, perhaps an Apsara dance dinner, to round off the day.
What to expect
The experience
A hotel pick-up, a scenic helicopter flight over Angkor, a guided visit to Angkor Wat on the ground and a Khmer lunch.
Best time
Clear mornings in the dry season from November to March for the best visibility.
How long
About four to five hours for the full package; the flight itself is short.
Tips
Check the weather and cancellation terms, wear modest clothing for the temple, secure loose items and tell the crew about any medical concerns.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Special occasions, honeymooners and photographers who want to see Angkor from the air.
- Families
- Possible for families with older children; check the age and weight rules.
- Couples
- A showpiece experience for an anniversary or honeymoon.
- Pair with
- An Apsara dance dinner in the evening, or sunrise at Angkor Wat on another day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How long is the helicopter flight?+
The flight is short, and the whole package takes several hours with the pick-up, the temple visit and lunch. Check the operator for the exact flight time.
Do I need an Angkor Pass?+
You need a pass for the ground visit to Angkor Wat. The operator says whether it is included, and the pass is sold only by the park’s authorised seller.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Flights depend on weather and visibility. Check the cancellation and rescheduling terms before booking.
Is the flight safe?+
Operators follow aviation safety rules and brief passengers before take-off. Follow the crew’s instructions and tell them about any concerns.
Can I see all the temples from the air?+
You see a broad view of Angkor Wat, the moats and the surrounding landscape, and the route may include other major temples. The route depends on the operator and the day.
