2-Day Angkor Wat Small and Big Circuit – Free Hotel Pick up

Experience the Ancient Wonders of Angkor with a 2-Day Private Tour

Exploring Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples can be overwhelming, especially if you’re racing through crowded group tours. This 2-Day Angkor Wat Small and Big Circuit offers a more relaxed, immersive approach, spreading out the sights over two days with a private guide and transportation. You’ll get the chance to truly appreciate the intricate details and stories behind each monument, without feeling rushed.

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the private guide, which means personalized insights, more flexible pacing, and the ability to skip or linger at certain sites. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, making it ideal for travelers who value convenience and comfort.

However, keep in mind that the overall price of $102 per person covers just the experience, not the entry tickets, meals, or the three-day pass, which is an additional investment. This tour is best suited for those who want an in-depth, authentic visit, especially if you’re a history buff or photography enthusiast eager to capture every angle of Angkor’s stunning architecture.

Key Points

Private Experience: A personalized guide ensures you get tailored stories and insights.
Two-Day Format: Spread out visits for a more relaxed pace, avoiding the typical rush.
Inclusion of Sunrise: Early start on Day 2 to witness the iconic sunrise over Angkor Wat.
In-depth Itinerary: Visits to major temples on both the Small and Big Circuits, plus Banteay Srei and others.
Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup/drop-off and private transport included.
Additional Cost: Entrance tickets are extra, and meals are affordable but not included.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Small Circuit Highlights

Starting at 8:00 am, your guide will meet you at your hotel, making the morning smooth and stress-free. The first stop, Angkor Wat, needs no introduction—its grandeur and the intricate bas-reliefs are a must-see. While the ticket isn’t included, the experience of seeing this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide’s commentary turns a photo opportunity into a meaningful encounter. Expect to spend around two hours here, soaking in the scale and detail of the architecture.

Next, Ta Prohm steals the show with its famous tree roots entwined around crumbling stones, a site made famous by the “Tomb Raider” movie. Here, we loved how the guide pointed out specific roots and explained the temple’s restoration efforts, giving us a window into ongoing preservation work. The Hollywood connection adds a fun layer, but the real magic is in the atmosphere of nature reclaiming ancient stones.

After a hearty local lunch (roughly $5 per dish), we headed to Ta Nei, a lesser-visited sanctuary surrounded by lush trees. Its peacefulness allows for a moment of quiet reflection, especially if you’re looking to escape crowds. The guide emphasized that it’s less restored, meaning a more authentic, slightly wild experience—perfect for those who prefer a quiet, contemplative vibe.

The afternoon tour included Bayon with its 49 towers adorned with 196 serene faces—arguably the most iconic image of Angkor Thom. Walking among these silent, watchful faces was both eerie and fascinating, especially with the guide explaining their possible meanings. Then, Baphuon, a 11th-century Hindu temple, featured a giant reclining Buddha added later, illustrating how sites evolved over centuries.

We rounded off the day climbing Phnom Bakheng to catch the sunset (or skip if you prefer a quieter evening). The uphill climb offers panoramic views of the Angkor complex, and, depending on the crowd, you might wait nearly two hours for the sunset—so early arrival is recommended if you want prime viewing.

Day 2: Sunrise & Larger Circuit

Kickstart your second day at 5:00 am with a pre-dawn trip to Angkor Wat for the famous sunrise. Watching the silhouette of the temple against the dawn sky is breathtaking, and it’s a highlight many travelers cherish. After sunrise, you return to your hotel for breakfast and gear up for the day’s exploration.

The morning continues with Preah Khan, a vast monastic complex built by King Jayavarman VII. Its labyrinth of corridors and trees entwined with ruins makes it a favorite for photography and wandering. The guide’s stories about monks and the temple’s purpose added depth to our visit.

Next, we visited Neak Pean, a tiny island temple set in a tranquil pond, symbolizing healing. Its simplicity contrasts with the grandeur of Angkor Wat, but the serenity made it a memorable stop. Then, the small but classic Ta Som temple offered a snapshot of Angkor’s architectural style, with its charming gate and jungle surroundings.

The Eastern Mebon provided a striking view of a former island-temple rising from the water, with its towers and terraces perfect for photos. The last stop before lunch was Pre Rup, a late 10th-century Hindu temple with a commanding view from the top, ideal for appreciating the scale of Angkor’s architecture.

Post-lunch, the visit to Banteay Srei introduced us to delicately carved pink sandstone walls, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Hindu gods. Its intricate details and vibrant color make it a photographer’s dream. We also visited Banteay Samre and Banteay Kdei, quieter temples that showcase the evolution of Khmer architecture and design, with fewer travelers and more atmospheric ruins.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The real strength of this tour lies in the personalized guidance. Our guide, knowledgeable and passionate, shared stories that made each temple come alive—beyond just dates and names. The small-group feel (though private for your party) meant we could ask questions and take our time, which is rare in typical group tours that often feel rushed.

The timing is thoughtfully planned, especially the early start for sunrise and the careful pacing across two days. This approach allows you to appreciate each site without exhaustion or sensory overload. Plus, the hotel transfers save you the hassle of navigating Siem Reap’s busy streets with public transport.

The stunning views at sunset from Phnom Bakheng, combined with the early morning sunrise over Angkor Wat, give you two of the most picture-perfect moments possible. These are often the memories that stick with visitors long after they leave.

Practical Considerations

While the tour covers a lot, remember that entry tickets are extra—costing $62 for a 2-3 day pass. This is a significant additional expense but necessary to access the sites. The tours are not rushed, but planning for comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water is essential, especially during the hotter months. Meals are affordable (around $5-6), and the guide can recommend local restaurants for authentic Khmer food.

The private transport ensures a smooth ride between sites, with air conditioning and water provided. This comfort level makes the experience more enjoyable, especially after long walks in the heat.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Day Angkor Wat Small and Big Circuit offers a well-rounded, immersive experience ideal for travelers who want more than just a surface glance at Angkor. The private guide aspect is a major plus, providing insights that enrich your understanding and appreciation of the temples. Spread out over two days, the tour balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it suitable for history buffs, photography lovers, or anyone eager to truly connect with Cambodia’s ancient treasures.

While it requires an extra investment for tickets and meals, the value lies in the personal attention, comfort, and the chance to see the temples in a more meaningful way. You’ll leave with not just photos, but stories and feelings—a richer, more authentic encounter with Angkor’s timeless allure.

This tour is best for those who prefer a flexible, educational, and carefully paced exploration. It’s perfect if you aim to avoid the crowds, enjoy storytelling, and savor the magic of Cambodia’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed.

FAQs

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, simplifying your day planning and transportation.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience spans approximately two days, allowing a relaxed visit to both the Small and Big Circuits.

Are entry tickets included?
No, the $62 for a 2-3 day pass is not included. You’ll need to purchase this separately, but the guide can advise on the best way to do so.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and climbing, especially on Phnom Bakheng for sunset.

Does the tour include meals?
No, meals are not included, but there are nearby restaurants with dishes costing around $5. The guide can recommend options.

What makes this tour different from other Angkor tours?
The private guide, two-day spread, and early morning sunrise experience offer a more personalized, less rushed exploration.

Can I skip the sunset at Phnom Bakheng?
Yes, you can opt out if you prefer a quieter evening or want to avoid the wait for sunset viewing.

Is there a minimum number of travelers?
This is a private tour for your group, so no minimum applies, but the tour requires good weather and availability.

In essence, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated, immersive journey through Angkor’s most remarkable sites. Perfect for those seeking a genuine, memorable experience in Cambodia’s incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.