Angkor Wat

We usually recommend having your earliest day first as you may be too tired after three days of exploring later on. However, if you have had a long journey to Siem Reap and need the first day to recover, you may want to do “Day 3” of the itinerary first, as that is the easiest day. Otherwise, your day begins at the absolutely must-see for most; sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. If you are a photographer, you will want to be there before 4:45am, perhaps even as early at 4:40am. The temple opens at 5am, but there is limited space at the pond in front of the temple and people get there early to get their spot. We arrived at 4:40am and beat a large group by mere seconds. Being first meant that we could get what we considered the perfect reflection and establish our tripod space. If you are not a photographer, check the sunrise time and try to arrive at least 20 minutes before.

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm Temple is the second most popular temple in Angkor Wat, thanks largely to its reputation as the “Tomb Raider temple.” It is famous for the ancient trees and root systems growing right out of the temple. Ta Prohm does not open until 7:30am, but I recommend arriving at least 10-15 minutes early to stay in front of the crowds. This will allow you to get your photos and walk the grounds without other people in your shots. It is also the nicest light for your photos. If you get there at opening as recommended, you’ll have time to explore at a leisurely place and get to the next stop ahead of the crowd.

Banteay Kdei

Though similar to Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei is much smaller, more peaceful, and quieter. There is a spot near the front entrance with a massive tree and root system growing over the outer wall, which was my favourite view of the temple.

Ta Keo

For those of you who like to pack it all in, your next stops will be Ta Keo and Bayon temples. The advantage to visiting these two on your first day is that you will free up your third day to allow you to venture to some of the more remote temples. If you do not see them now, you will visit them on Day 3

Pre Rup

Look, it’s hard to beat Angkor Wat Temple for sunrise, but Pre Rup truly challenged the title. While the photos aren’t as iconic or dramatic, the magic of Pre Rup at sunrise was the peace and solitude. We were the only people there watching the sun rise over the jungle from one of the tallest, oldest temples in Angkor Wat. Compared to the thousands of people who swarmed the scene a day ago, this was bliss. From a photography standpoint, the sunrise itself has a nice clear view, but not the most interesting foregrounds for compositions. However, that first golden light reflecting off the temples and bathing the grand staircase in warmth was brilliant! We had the temple to ourselves for nearly two hours and just when we thought it was safe to put the cameras away, a group of monks came to explore and asked us to have photos with them!

Eastern Mebon

The East Mebon is a 10th Century temple at Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was an artificial island at the center of the now dry East Baray reservoir. The East Mebon was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and honors the parents of the king.

Ta Som

Ta Som is a small temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is located north east of Angkor Thom and just east of Neak Pean. The King dedicated the temple to his father Dharanindravarman II who was King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160

Neak Pean

Neak Pean at Angkor, Cambodia is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray, which was associated with Preah Khan temple, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It is the "Mebon" of the Preah Khan baray

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. It is located northeast of Angkor Thom and just west of the Jayatataka baray, with which it was associated. It was the centre of a substantial organisation, with almost 100,000 officials and servants.

Phnom Bakheng

This is optional tour if you wish to adventure this trip, we are happy to serve you.

Bayon Temple

Notice there is no sunrise in front of this stop! While you are of course welcome to hit up a sunrise, you will already have visited two of the three temples that open early enough to do so, meaning your only option would be to visit Phnom Bakeng for sunrise or a second visit to Angkor Wat or Pre Rup. Instead, I opted to have a later night out at Pub Street and a bit of a lie-in, starting our day at one of, if not my favourite temple, Bayon. Though Bayon does not technically open until 7:30am, there are multiple entrances and people were already walking about by 7:15am. For this reason I would recommend getting in by 7:15am, perhaps even earlier, if you want any photos of the entrances without people. We also spent more time at Bayon than any other temple, as the details I found to be so interesting and I absolutely loved all the smiling faces.

Angkor National Museum

Angkor National Museum is an archaeological museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of Angkorian artifacts, also to provides information and education about art and culture of Khmer civilization, with collections mainly dated from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century

Wat Thmey (Killing Fields)

The Wat Thmey Temple is notable for being an area that served as one of the killing fields during the Khmer Rouge regime in the country.

Artisans Angkor

Artisans Angkor is a Cambodian social business creating job opportunities for young people in rural areas, while reviving traditional Khmer craftsmanship. The organisation, founded in 1992, is located on Stung Thmey Street, 2 minutes walk from the Old Market in Siem Reap centre, Cambodia.