One Day Angkor Wat Itinerary

After almost a week among the temples of Angkor Wat Complex, our feet were dusty, our camera full, and our heads spinning from all the stories hidden in the stones. We had already explored countless temples on our own from the quiet jungle ruins to the massive towers of Angkor Wat walking nearly 20 kilometers every day and still feeling like we had only scratched the surface.

For our sixth day in Siem Reap, we decided to do something different: join a guided tour and finally hear the legends, meanings, and history behind what we had been admiring for days. This wasn’t the beginning of our Angkor journey, it was the moment when everything we’d seen started to make sense.

In this article, we’ll take you through our one-day Angkor Wat Sunset Tour, share what we learned, and show you how it felt to explore the ancient Khmer capital with someone who truly knows its secrets.

If you’re planning your own visit, stay tuned, we’re also preparing detailed guides to the 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day Angkor itineraries, so you can plan your adventure exactly the way you want.

We also visited almost every temple in Angkor Wat Complex, Koh Ker, together with Banteay Srei, and Beng Mealea and Kulen Mountains, incredible day trips that reveal even more of Cambodia’s ancient world. You’ll find them all linked at the end of this article.

Our One Day in Angkor Wat

Our sixth day in Siem Reap was dedicated to exploring Angkor Wat with a professional guide part of our seven-day adventure among the temples. For nearly a week, we had been wandering through the ruins on our own, walking more than 20 kilometers each day, and visiting nearly every temple in the area. On this day, we wanted something different: to finally hear the stories behind the stones from someone who knows them by heart.

We joined the Angkor Wat Sunset Tour, a small-group experience that let us explore some of the most iconic temples of the Angkor complex with historical context and local insight.

Before diving into the details, it’s worth remembering that Angkor isn’t just a single temple, it’s an entire archaeological city stretching over 400 square kilometers, filled with ancient ruins, reservoirs, moats, and jungle paths. Once home to over a million people, it was the heart of the Khmer Empire and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique blend of art, architecture, and spirituality.

We chose the sunset version of the tour because early mornings aren’t exactly our strong side. If you only have one day in Siem Reap, though, the sunrise tour might be the better option, it starts earlier and gives you the rest of the day free to keep exploring.

And even though the tours are called sunrise or sunset Angkor Wat tours, both moments actually take place at Phnom Bakheng, since the view of the sun directly over Angkor Wat isn’t possible from the temple itself.

Angkor Thom and the Southern Gate

The day began around 8 a.m., when our guide and driver picked us up at our hotel. On the way, our guide told us about Cambodian culture, food, and beliefs. Around 60% of Cambodia’s production is rice, and people eat it with nearly every meal. Cashews, corn, and Kampot pepper are also among the country’s top exports.

We entered Angkor Thom through Tonle Om Gate, one of five grand gates surrounding the ancient city. Built in the 12th century, Angkor Thom was the royal capital under King Jayavarman VII, often called the greatest Khmer king for his devotion to religion, health care, and the welfare of his people.

Each gate is lined with gods and demons holding the seven-headed serpent Naga, representing the unity of opposites, even good and evil must work together to protect harmony. The gate’s carvings also include celestial elephants and figures of heaven guardians.

Our guide explained that this reflects Khmer spirituality, which blends Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism. Along the bridge leading to the gate, rows of gods and demons hold the seven-headed serpent Naga, symbolizing the balance between good and evil, the unity of opposites that keeps the world in harmony. The message is clear: even those who are different must stand together to protect the kingdom.

The river surrounding the city was not natural; it was dug for both spiritual and defensive reasons. The Khmers were also master engineers: canals and reservoirs carried water from the north to Tonle Sap Lake, earning Angkor the nickname “City of Water.”
The temples were built on sandy foundations mixed with clay a technique that helped stabilize them for centuries. Many sandstone blocks still bear holes that were used for transport by ropes, elephants, and boats from distant quarries.

Bayon Temple 

We soon reached the Bayon Temple, often called the heart of Angkor. It once had over fifty towers, each carved with serene, smiling faces believed to represent Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or perhaps even the king himself. The temple’s sandstone has oxidized over time, giving it its dark, mystical appearance.

Our guide told us about an ancient Chinese chronicler whose writings remain one of the best sources of information about Angkorian life. The temple walls are covered with carvings depicting battles against the Cham people, market scenes, healers caring for soldiers, and everyday life from fishermen and cooks to dancers and children playing. We even spotted warriors rowing dragon boats, a tradition that lives on today in the Water Festival on Tonle Sap Lake.

Baphuon Temple

Next, we visited the Baphuon Temple, originally built in the 11th century for the god Shiva and later transformed into a Buddhist temple in the 15th–16th centuries. It has five levels, though only the first three are currently open to visitors, the second was under restoration during our visit.

A long bridge leads to the eastern entrance, and from the top you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. On the western side lies a massive Reclining Buddha carved into the structure itself, an impressive blend of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. The Royal Palace that once stood nearby was built entirely of wood and has long since disappeared, leaving only stone terraces and bases as traces of its grandeur.

Terrace of the Elephants

Nearby, we explored the Terrace of the Elephants, once part of the royal palace grounds. The terrace was used for royal ceremonies and festivals, where the king would appear before his people. Elephants, which were vital in Khmer warfare and rituals, are carved into the stone walls. The area also served as a royal cremation site, and many of the sculptures seen here are replicas the originals are preserved in museums.

Ta Prohm Temple – Tomb Raider Temple

Then came one of the most famous temples in Cambodia Ta Prohm, often called the Tomb Raider Temple. Built by King Jayavarman VII for his mother, it’s a place where nature and history have become one. The giant spung trees (Tetrameles nudiflora) grow over the ancient walls, their roots wrapping around the stones like veins.

We learned that Cambodia doesn’t experience earthquakes or typhoons thanks to its surrounding mountains, which makes these ancient trees even more dominant and long-lasting. Inside the temple once stood a central female statue believed to protect Ta Prohm, but it was stolen long ago. Some of the carvings on the walls even resemble dinosaurs, an amusing mystery that still sparks debate among visitors.

Our guide showed us where a Buddha statue was found buried headless, likely destroyed during conflicts between Buddhists and Hindus. According to legend, when Buddha was meditating under heavy rain, a seven-headed serpent called Naga shielded him, allowing him to continue a story depicted throughout Ta Prohm’s carvings.

Kravan Temple 

While the rest of our small group went to see how the traditional palm cakes are made and stopped for lunch, we decided to visit one more temple instead, Kravan Temple. It’s a small but elegant structure from the 10th century, dedicated to Vishnu, with beautiful brick carvings still visible inside. After visiting Kravan, our driver picked us up again and we continued toward the final stops of the tour.

Angkor Wat 

As the afternoon light softened, we arrived at the majestic Angkor Wat, the most famous temple of them all. Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II for the god Vishnu, it originally served as a Hindu temple before being converted to Buddhism in the 16th century.

Angkor Wat’s five towers were inspired by the lotus flower, a sacred symbol across Hinduism and Buddhism. Inside, the bas-relief galleries depict stories from mythology, the most famous being the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, where gods and demons cooperate to create the elixir of immortality. The murals also show vivid depictions of heaven and hell, where every deed has its consequence.

One of the most interesting details is that when religions shifted, the Buddha statues inside had their heads removed, symbolic of Cambodia’s turbulent history. Today, restoration work continues, preserving the incredible details of this massive complex.

Phnom Bakheng 

We ended our tour at Phnom Bakheng, one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Angkor Wat Compex. After climbing to the top, we admired the golden light spreading across the jungle, with only the faint silhouette of Angkor Wat visible in the distance on the opposite side. Even though you don’t actually see the sun setting behind the temple itself, the atmosphere is still magical, calm, warm, and filled with the sounds of nature. It was a peaceful way to end our sixth day in Angkor, just before our final adventure to Koh Ker.

All you Need to Know about Visiting Angkor Wat Complex 

How long do I need for Angkor Wat?

That depends on how deep you want to go. We spent seven full days exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, and honestly, there was still more to see. The complex is massive, and each temple tells a different story.

If you only have one day, joining a guided tour like ours will help you cover the most important temples and learn the stories behind them. It’s a great introduction to the ancient Khmer Empire.

For those who want to plan a longer visit, we’ll soon publish detailed itineraries for:

• 3-day Angkor Wat itinerary
  
• 5-day Angkor Wat itinerary
  
• 7-day Angkor Wat itinerary
  

You’ll be able to choose what suits your travel style and time possibilities the best.  

Do I need a guide to visit Angkor Wat?

You can absolutely explore on your own, but having a local guide adds so much context.
They know the legends, the symbolism, and the details you’d otherwise walk right past. Even after exploring on our own for nearly a week, our guided day taught us things we would have never discovered ourselves.

Can I see the sunrise or sunset at Angkor Wat?

Despite the tour names, the sunrise and sunset viewpoints are actually at Phnom Bakheng, not directly at Angkor Wat itself. The temple faces west, so you’ll get beautiful morning light, but not the sun rising behind the towers. Phnom Bakheng offers wide jungle views with a golden horizon and it’s definitely worth the climb.

What should I wear when visiting the temples?

Since Angkor Wat is a religious site, both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. Light, breathable clothes are best, as temperatures can reach 35°C or more during the day. Comfortable shoes are a must, you’ll walk a lot.

How do I get around the Angkor complex?

The most common way is by tuk-tuk (we used apps like grab and pass app) or a private driver, which lets you stop wherever you want. You can also rent a bike, but keep in mind that the distances between temples can be long, and the heat can be intense. For one-day tours, transport is usually included.

Otherwise, we walked it and it was an incredible experience. 

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

The best time to visit Angkor Wat depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
The dry season (November to March) is the most popular with clear skies, cooler mornings, and easier walking conditions. However, it’s also the busiest time, with crowds filling the most famous temples from sunrise to sunset.

We visited during the low season (June), right at the beginning of the rainy period. The mornings were mostly clear, and occasional afternoon showers brought a refreshing break from the heat. The light rain made the jungle temples even more atmospheric, the smell of wet earth, the sound of cicadas, and the mist hanging between the trees gave the ruins a special kind of magic.

If you don’t mind a bit of humidity, the low season is actually an incredible time to experience Angkor Wat. The temples are quieter, the vegetation is lush and green, and the photos turn out beautifully.

Where to Stay near Angkor Wat 

Siem Reap would probably be the best location. Siem Reap has accommodation for every budget from affordable guesthouses to boutique hotels with pools and tropical gardens.
If you’re planning to explore the Angkor temples, it’s best to stay near the city center or along Sok San Road, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and tour pick-up points.

We stayed at Villa Sun, a quiet and comfortable place with a pool and friendly atmosphere.
You can explore all recommended stays on the interactive map below to find the best options near the temples and city center.

How to buy the Angkor Pass?

The Angkor Pass is required for entry to all temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park and it’s not included in most tours, including the one we joined.

Our tour (Angkor Wat Sunset Tour) covered the guide, transportation, lunch, water and pick-up/drop-off, but the Angkor Pass must be purchased separately.

You can buy the pass either in person at the official Angkor Ticket Center (Angkor Enterprise), located about 4 kilometers from Siem Reap or online through the official Angkor Enterprise website.
This is the only official place to purchase tickets, avoid buying from third-party resellers, as they often charge extra fees or sell outdated information.

The process is quick and simple: you’ll upload a passport-style photo, pay by card, and receive your digital ticket immediately via email (you can show it on your phone at the temple entrances).

Current prices:

• 1-day pass: $37
  
• 3-day pass: $62 (valid for 10 days)
  
• 7-day pass: $72 (valid for 1 month)
  

Make sure to keep your ticket, printed or digital 

with you at all times, as you’ll need to show it at each temple entrance.

What’s included in the Angkor Wat Sunset Tour?

The tour covers everything you need for a comfortable full-day experience, hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a professional English-speaking guide, lunch, cold bottled water, and refreshing towels during the day.

It’s an easy, stress-free way to see the main temples without planning each stop yourself.
Just remember that the Angkor Pass is not included in the tour, you’ll need to purchase it separately at the Angkor Ticket Center or online via Angkor Enterprise, the only official website.