Category Archives: Sunet / Sunrise Tours

Street View Sunset Cambodia

Phnom Bakheng at Sunset

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Seeing the sunset in Angkor Wat proper is a little difficult but in Phnom Bakheng, minutes away, it is welcomed. There is a hike involved but the breathtaking view will make it all worth it. Bring your video camera for this one!

🏞️ Phnom Bakheng at Sunset – Quick Background

🛕 What is Phnom Bakheng?
  • Built in the late 9th to early 10th century by King Yasovarman I.
  • It was the first major temple built at Angkor, and originally the state temple of the capital city Yasodharapura (before Angkor Wat existed).
  • Constructed on a hill, it symbolizes Mount Meru, the spiritual center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
    • 🌇 Why Sunset?
  • Because of its hilltop position, Phnom Bakheng offers one of the best panoramic views of Angkor—including a distant view of Angkor Wat surrounded by jungle.
  • It’s famous for sunset viewing, so much so that the number of visitors allowed up at one time is capped to 300 people to preserve the site and avoid overcrowding.
    • 🚶‍♂️ Access
  • It requires a moderate uphill walk of about 15–20 minutes.
  • Along the way, you’ll often spot elephants (though that practice is now being phased out for ethical reasons).

    • 🌇 Phnom Bakheng Sunset Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    • Hilltop temple with panoramic views
    • Stunning sunset overlooking Angkor Wat
    • Chance to experience one of Angkor’s oldest temples
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    Your evening journey begins with a walk up Phnom Bakheng, a 9th-century temple-mountain located just northwest of Angkor Wat. As you climb the wooded hill, you’ll be retracing the steps of ancient pilgrims headed for one of the earliest temples in the Angkor region. At the summit, the temple’s five tiers rise to mimic the mythical Mount Meru. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sunset view—golden light washing over Angkor Wat in the distance, jungle stretching endlessly around you, and the ancient stones glowing with warmth. Entry to the summit is capped at 300 people, so timing and pacing are key to this peaceful and spiritual experience. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes for this one!

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Three – Four Hours*

    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Hotel pickup, return transport, temple access guidance, and a chilled bottle of water for the hilltop climb.

    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Angkor Archaeological Park Pass Fee ($37 USD 1 Day / $62 USD 3 Day); required for all Angkor area temples
  • Meals or snacks

    • 💵 Tour Cost:
    Tuk Tuk $20 USD
    Car $35 USD
    Buddhist Temple At Lolei Roluos Group

    Roluos Group of Monuments

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    The Roluos Group are some of the oldest monuments in Cambodia dating back over 900 years. There are Male and Female monuments and much of what you will see is original to the towers. Because the towers were built close together there are some fantastic carvings to be seen. We recommend going in the morning as the suns angle will compliment your photos.

    🏛️ Roluos Group – Quick Background

    📜 What is the Roluos Group?
  • The Roluos Group refers to a set of three early Angkorian temples — Lolei, Preah Ko, and Bakong — located about 13 km east of Siem Reap.
  • These temples date back to the late 9th century and mark the beginning of the Angkor era under King Indravarman I and his successor Yasovarman I.
  • Part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya, one of the first capitals of the Khmer Empire, before Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom were even imagined.
  • Roluos Monuments represent the transition from brick construction to the sandstone and laterite style that defines Angkor’s later temples.
    • 🌟 Why Visit the Roluos Temples?
  • These temples are quieter and less touristy than their Angkor counterparts, allowing for peaceful exploration and photography.
  • Bakong is considered the first large-scale sandstone temple mountain, a prototype for Angkor Wat.
  • Preah Ko has six intricate sanctuary towers lined in two rows, with incredibly well-preserved carvings.
  • Lolei was originally built on an island in a baray (reservoir), an early example of symbolic water features in Khmer architecture.
  • Modern-day monks still live and worship at Lolei, giving visitors a sense of Cambodia’s living spiritual heritage.
    • 🧭 Insider Tip
  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and a chance to witness monks chanting at the pagoda near Lolei.
  • If you’ll appreciate seeing the evolution of Khmer temple design begin here at The Rolous Group.

    • 🏛️ Roluos Group Temples Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    • Lolei
    • Preah Ko
    • Bakong
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    This half-day tour will give you an insight into the frequently overlooked Roluos group of monuments in Siem Reap. First on your journey will be a stop at Lolei, a small but exquisite temple. Marvel at the detail on the four brick temple towers, then head next door and peek inside the modern-day Buddhist pagoda.

    After you have finished discovering Lolei, we will take you to Preah Ko, the oldest temple in the Roluos group. Featuring six sanctuary towers with depictions of Garuda, Nagas and warriors, you will want to spend some time taking in the intricate detail and workmanship.

    You will then travel a few minutes down the road to the magnificent Bakong temple. Walk over an ancient bridge surrounded by a moat, and step into another time. You can easily lose yourself in your thoughts whilst exploring this glorious sandstone temple. Challenge yourself by climbing the five-tiered pyramid and arriving at the central sanctuary, where the view will take your breath away.

    We will then drop you back in Siem Reap town where you can spend the remainder of the afternoon shopping to your heart’s delight!

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Half-day

    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Transport to and from the Roluos Temples, a cold bottle of water and fresh fruit

    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Angkor Archaeological Park entry fee ($37 USD)

    • 💵 Tour Cost:
  • Tuk Tuk $15 USD
    *Add Beng Mealea $30 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD

  • Car $25 USD
    *Add Beng Mealea $50 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD
    • Small Outer Temple Beng Melea

    Beng Mealea

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    Beng Mealea is one of the more interesting stops. Much of the Temple has fallen in but there are many hidden treasures to be seen.

    🏯 Beng Mealea – Quick Background

    🛕 What is Beng Mealea?
  • Beng Mealea is a largely unrestored Hindu temple located about 70 km east of Siem Reap. Its collapsed galleries and towers, overgrown with trees and thick brush, create a captivating, adventurous atmosphere.
  • Originally built in the 12th century, it was later converted for Buddhist use. The moss-covered sandstone blocks and sprawling ruins make it a must-see for exploration lovers.
    • 🌿 Why Visit Beng Mealea?
  • Unlike the restored temples of Angkor, Beng Mealea offers a raw, untouched temple experience with plenty of hidden treasures.
  • Adventurous visitors can explore slippery swimming spots behind the temple and enjoy peaceful picnics surrounded by bushland.
    • 🚶‍♂️ Access
  • The temple is approximately 70 km from Siem Reap, reachable by tuk tuk or car.
  • Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water, as the site is less developed and can be humid and slippery in places.

    • 🌿 Beng Mealea Adventure Tour

    🗺️ Tour Highlights:
    📖 Tour Walkthrough:

    The drive to Beng Mealea is long but rewarding. Explore the collapsed galleries and moss-covered sandstone blocks, wander among the dense vegetation, and soak in the historic ambiance of this 12th-century temple. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the slippery swimming area behind the temple.

    After your visit, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant near the temple entrance or pack a picnic to savor in the peaceful bushland surroundings.

    ⏳ Estimated Tour Time:
  • Full Day
    • ✅ Tour Includes:
  • Hotel Pickup And Drop Off, Transport To Beng Mealea, A Cold Bottle Of Water And Fresh Seasonal Fruit
    • ❌ Tour Excludes:
  • Angkor Archaeological Park Entry Fee ($37 USD 1 Day / $62 USD 3 Day)
    Entry Fee To Beng Mealea ($5 USD)
    Meals
    • 💡 Suggestions:
  • Wear Comfortable Sandals Or Shoes Such As Keen Or Teva
  • $20-$50 For Meals, Extra Water, Souvenirs Etc.
    • 💵 Tour Cost:
    Tuk Tuk $40 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD

    Car $50 USD
    *At Sunrise Or Sunset Add $5 USD

    Location: Beng Mealea

    Time: 8 hours

    Description: Beng Mealea is an amazing place to see ruins directly in a jungle settings. All around you will see carved reliefs on the ground for easy close up pictures.