5 day Angkor Wat private driver itinerary
Discover the best way to explore Angkor Wat with a private driver and fully customized 5-day itinerary.
This tour is designed for travelers who want:
- Comfortable private transportation
- Flexible schedule
- Sunrise and sunset temple visits
- Hidden temples beyond the main circuit
- Local insights from an experienced driver
Based in Siem Reap, this itinerary covers the most iconic temples and countryside experiences in Cambodia.
Importance notes ( read first )
Entrance ticket NOT included (buy at official Angkor Pass center)
Beng Mealea, Koh Ker and Boat ticket Not included
No tour guide included (driver only speaks basic English usually)
Private car with driver only (flexible timing)
You must buy:
-
- 1-day / 3-day / 7-day Angkor Pass depending on your plan ( Should buy 7 days )
Day 1: Beng Mealea & Koh Ker Temple Adventure
Begin your adventure early in the morning with a beautiful drive through the Cambodian countryside toward the remote temples northeast of Siem Reap.
Your first destination is Beng Mealea, one of Cambodia’s most fascinating jungle temples. Surrounded by dense forest and partially reclaimed by nature, the temple is covered with giant trees, twisting vines, and massive sandstone blocks scattered throughout the ruins. Its untouched atmosphere makes visitors feel like they are exploring a hidden lost city deep in the jungle. Because much of the temple remains unrestored, many travelers compare Beng Mealea to an “Indiana Jones” adventure site.
Lunch break (near temple area) Local Restaurant
Continue your journey to Koh Ker, the remote former capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 AD during the reign of King Jayavarman IV. Located deep in the Cambodian countryside, Koh Ker was once one of the most important royal cities of the ancient Khmer civilization.
The highlight of the complex is Prasat Thom, a remarkable seven-tier pyramid temple rising above the surrounding forest. Unlike the flat temple layouts found in Angkor, Prasat Thom resembles a giant stone pyramid and offers a unique architectural style rarely seen in Cambodia. As you explore the area, you will also discover ancient shrines, sandstone carvings, and quiet temple ruins hidden among the jungle trees.
Far from the crowds of the main Angkor temples, Koh Ker provides a peaceful and authentic archaeological experience where visitors can truly appreciate the beauty, history, and atmosphere of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire.
Day 2: Small Circuit (Sunrise + main temples)
4:30 AM – Hotel pickup: Sunrise At Angkor Wat Temple – Best reflection view at lotus pond – Explore inside after sunrise (bas-reliefs, corridors).
- Angkor Thom – Enter through South Gate – Giant stone faces + ancient city walls, Bayon Temple ( Famous smiling ston faces, Central temple of Angkor Thom, Baphuon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King )
Lunch break (near temple area) Local Restaurant
- Ta Promh Temple – “Tomb Raider” jungle temple, Tree roots growing over ruins . (3:30 PM – Return to hotel / rest)
Day 3: Grand Circuit (less crowded temples)
8:00 AM – Departure:
- Preah Khan Temple (Large atmospheric ruins, Less tourist crowds)
- Neak Pean (Small island temple in a water reservoir, Peaceful and photogenic)
- Ta Som Temple – Famous gate with tree growing over it
Lunch break (near temple area) Local Restaurant
- East Mebon – Elephant statues + brick temple
- Pre Rup Temple – Best “sunset-style” temple in Grand Circuit – Great panoramic views. (3:30–4:00 PM – Return to hotel)
Day 4 : Outside Temples (Banteay Srei + countryside)
Banteay Srei & Countryside
8:00 AM – Drive to countryside
- Banteay Srei Temple (Known as “Pink Temple” – Finest carvings in Cambodia)
- Local village / sugar palm stops (Palm sugar production- Rural Cambodian life)
- Banteay Samre Temple (Quiet, restored temple- Less crowded alternative stop)
Lunch break (near temple area) Local Restaurant
- Bakong, built in 881 AD by King Indravarman I, it is considered the first major sandstone mountain temple.
- Preash Ko, meaning “Sacred Bull,” was built in 879 AD and dedicated to the king’s ancestors.
- Lolei, was constructed in 893 AD by King Yasovarman I on an artificial island in a large reservoir known as the Indratataka.
Day 5: Tonle Sap Lake
- Tonle Sap Lake (floating village)
- Boat ride (Kampong Phluk offers a quieter and more local experience. During the boat trip, you’ll pass giant stilt houses, fishing boats, floating schools, and flooded forests depending on the season). Note: We Flexible Start Time ( morning or afternoon )
Price ranging from $350-$420 for 3 days trip.!
SUV (1-3 people)
Minivan (1-8 people)
Business Class Van (1-5 people)
* Tips for your tour (important)
Why Choose a Private Driver in Siem Reap?
- Always confirm:
- AC car
- Parking, Tolls and Fee
- waiting time included
- Start early every day (Siem Reap heat is strong)
Temple Pass Info
Read Our Phnom Phnom to Siem Reap Private Transfer
Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Taxi – Private Car with Driver
Here’s my review in Tripadvisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293940-d33970998-Reviews-Cambodia_Guide_Trip-Phnom_Penh.html
