Private Tuk Tuk Tour Angkor Wat and Small Circle and Five Extras

Exploring Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples is a dream for many travelers, but doing it independently can be overwhelming and time-consuming. This private tuk tuk tour offers an intense and personalized experience that covers the iconic highlights alongside some lesser-known gems. Starting early in the morning and ending late afternoon, it’s designed for those who want to see as much as possible—without the guide—but with the flexibility of a dedicated driver to help navigate.

One of the standout features of this tour is the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat twice—once at sunrise from the East Gate and again later in the day when the sun is perfect for photos. Plus, the inclusion of five “hidden gems” makes it appealing for seasoned temple explorers who want to discover quieter ruins. The option to hike along Angkor Thom’s walls adds an adventurous touch few other tours offer.

A potential consideration is that admission tickets are not included in the price, so budget accordingly. Also, the tour packs in many stops, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of the day in the tuk tuk, possibly feeling rushed if you’re a slow walker or prefer more time at each site. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for travelers who crave flexibility, unique sights, and a comprehensive day in Angkor.

This tour suits travelers eager for a self-led, flexible day with plenty of iconic views, secret temples, and some active exploration. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized experience without a guide, but with the convenience of a dedicated driver.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private transportation with a dedicated driver means flexible timing and fewer crowds.
• Early & Late Visits: Visiting Angkor Wat twice allows for better photos and fewer travelers in your shots.
• Hidden Gems & Adventure: The tour includes five lesser-visited temples and a scenic 3.5 km hike along Angkor Thom’s walls.
• Cost Considerations: The tour price is affordable at $15 per person but excludes the Angkor Ticket, which adds a separate cost.
• Lunchtime Flexibility: Lunch at Srah Srang offers options, but you can choose to return to town for more variety—extra costs apply.
• Authentic & Quiet Spots: Visiting rarely seen temples like Prasat Chrung and Bat Chum provides a more intimate experience away from crowds.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting Early for the Best Photos at Angkor Wat

The tour kicks off at 6:30 am—early but well worth it. You’ll be driven to the less-frequented East Gate of Angkor Wat, where you’ll witness the sunrise with fewer travelers obstructing your view. Seeing Angkor Wat in the soft morning light is one of those moments that makes the early wake-up call a worthwhile sacrifice. From here, you’ll get the iconic view of the temple’s silhouette reflected in the surrounding moat, perfect for photographs. Later, you’ll revisit Angkor Wat from the West Gate when the crowds have increased but the sun’s position offers the best lighting for capturing its grandeur.

Exploring the Hidden Temples and Artifacts

Following Angkor Wat, the driver takes you to Prasat Kravan, a small brick temple famous for its large brick carvings. Unlike most sandstone carvings, these are striking in their simplicity and age, indicating they’re from a period when brick was still a major building material.

Next, Prasat Bat Chum stands out for its inscribed stones and its significance as a Buddhist site predating the reign of King Jayavarman VII. It’s a quieter spot, rarely crowded, perfect for those wanting to soak in history undisturbed.

A brief stop at Srah Srang offers a chance to admire its detailed animal sculptures and the tranquil water basin, originally used for ceremonies rather than irrigation. Sitting here for a moment, you can imagine ancient rituals taking place amidst the peaceful surroundings.

Banteay Kdei, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, still impresses with its labyrinthine layout and expansive size. It’s a good place to stretch your legs after the morning’s lighter temples, offering plenty of photo opportunities and quiet corners.

Lunch at Srah Srang & Afternoon Temple Highlights

After a morning packed with temple visits, you’ll break for lunch near Srah Srang, where several good restaurants offer local Khmer dishes. If you prefer, the driver can take you elsewhere, but be aware that this may add extra charges and extend your day.

Post-lunch, the focus shifts to the famous jungle-temple Ta Prohm. Overgrown by enormous fig trees and roots, it’s a visually stunning site that captures the imagination. It’s a must-see for many visitors, and you’ll want to take your time wandering through its corridors and courtyards.

From here, the tour ventures into more remote territory with Ta Nei, a hidden temple accessible via gravel roads, making it less crowded and more intimate. This site is perfect for that “Indiana Jones” feeling, with its overgrown ruins and relief art.

Climbing & Exploring Angkor Thom

Next, you’ll visit Ta Keo, a towering stepped pyramid where the steep stairs challenge your legs but reward you with panoramic views from the top. Then, a quick photo stop at Spean Thma, a carved stone bridge from the late Angkor period, offers a glimpse into ancient engineering.

The next stops include Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon, both charming temples with intricate carvings and peaceful atmospheres. Mangalartha, one of the last stone temples built in Angkor, is small but interesting, rarely visited, and adds a special touch to the tour.

The highlight of the afternoon is the 3.5 km hike along the walls of Angkor Thom starting from the Victory Gate. This walk along the ramparts is a rare chance to see the less-frequented Eastern Gate and the ruins of Prasat Chrung, which often get missed by travelers.

You’ll also visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its iconic face towers and detailed statues depicting demons and gods. The walk along the city walls gives a sense of the ancient city’s scale and a quieter perspective of the site.

Ending the Day with Iconic Views & Reflection

As the sun begins to set, you’ll revisit Angkor Wat for another half-hour, this time capturing the temple’s reflections in the moats and ponds—arguably the best time for sunset photos. If you’re interested, there’s an optional balloon ride offering aerial views of Angkor Wat, a treat for photography buffs.

Finally, a quick stop at Wat Thmey, the Killing Fields memorial, provides a sobering reminder of Cambodia’s recent history before the drop-off back at your hotel or a central point in Siem Reap.

Overall Value & Practicalities

At just $15 per person, this tour is incredible value, considering how many temples and sights are packed into one day. The private tuk tuk provides flexibility and the chance to tailor your pace, stopping for photos or extra exploration whenever you wish. Keep in mind that admission tickets are separate—$37 for a 1-day pass—and you’ll need to budget for that.

The tour is not guided, which means you’ll be exploring on your own, but your driver will be there to navigate, wait at each site, and provide local insights if asked. The early start might be a challenge for some, but it’s the best way to enjoy Angkor without the mass of travelers.

If you’re someone who values authentic, quiet moments, and is eager to see both the famous highlights and secret corners of Angkor, this tour offers a fantastic balance of adventure, flexibility, and value.

The Sum Up

This private tuk tuk tour of Angkor Wat and surrounding temples delivers an immersive, flexible, and comprehensive experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic sites. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to avoid guided tours and prefer exploring at their own pace, with the added benefit of a dedicated driver. The inclusion of hidden temples and a scenic hike makes it stand out from more standard offerings.

While the cost is low and the itinerary packed, you should prepare for a long, active day, with some extra costs for tickets and meals. It’s best suited for those with a curiosity for lesser-known ruins as well as the main attractions, and who don’t mind an early start for the best photos and least crowds.

The experience offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and discovery, making your visit to Angkor truly unforgettable.

FAQ

Are transportation and driver included in the tour price?
Yes, you will have private transportation with an English-speaking driver throughout the day, which allows for flexible timing and personalized stops.

Does the tour include guide services?
No, this is a guide-free experience; you’ll explore each temple on your own with the driver waiting at each site. If you want a guide, you’ll need to arrange that separately.

Are admission tickets to Angkor included?
No, the tour price does not include the entrance fee. You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket, which costs $37 for a 1-day pass.

Can I customize the lunch location?
Yes, the tour includes a stop at Srah Srang with several restaurants, but the driver can drop you elsewhere if you’re willing to pay extra for the additional kilometers.

What’s the best time to take photos?
Early morning at Angkor Wat and late afternoon at the temple are perfect for capturing stunning images, especially with the softer light and fewer visitors.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops involve walking and some uneven surfaces, like the 3.5 km hike along Angkor Thom’s walls. It’s best for those comfortable with active exploring but manageable for most travelers.

This private tuk tuk tour strikes a fantastic balance between iconic sights and hidden treasures, making it a smart choice for travelers seeking a flexible, authentic, and memorable Angkor experience.