Solo Trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Small and Large Circuit Itinerary Guide

1. Core Itinerary: High-Value "Small Circuit Highlights Tour" This one-day tour is efficiently designed, covering the most classic and photogenic key sites of Angkor Wat. Itinerary Highlights at a Glance · Essential Coverage: The itinerary includes the core "small circuit" highlights of Angkor Wat. · Unique Atmosphere: Travel with backpackers from around the world, a perfect chance to practice English and share stories. · Excellent Value: At $6, it solves the two major issues of transportation and guide service, a backpacker’s dream. · Flexible and Convenient: Daily departures, ready to go anytime, ideal for travelers with flexible schedules. Sample Itinerary · Early Morning: Watch a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise at Angkor Wat (Small Angkor). When the first ray of sunlight illuminates the five temple towers and their reflections in the pool appear dreamlike, you’ll know all the early rising was worth it. · Morning: Deeply explore the main Angkor Wat complex, follow the guide’s explanations, find stories from Indian epics in the “Gallery of Bas-Reliefs,” and feel the traces of time on the “Stairway of Love.” · Afternoon: Head to the grand Angkor Thom city, gaze up at the 216 “Smiles of Cambodia” on the famous Bayon Temple, and feel the millennia-old gaze. Then visit Ta Prohm, the filming location of Tomb Raider, where giant trees and temples intertwine. · Evening: Return to Siem Reap city after the tour. 2. Advanced Guide: Three Ways to Match Your Travel Pace Besides the great-value group tour I experienced, you can choose from the following richer options based on your time and interests. 1. Classic Three-Day In-Depth Tour This is the most common and comprehensive way to experience the different layers of Angkor. · Tickets: The 3-day pass ($62) is the most suitable. · Itinerary: · Day 1 (Small Circuit): Angkor Wat sunrise → Angkor Thom (Bayon, Baphuon, etc.) → Ta Prohm → Banteay Kdei. · Day 2 (Large Circuit): Start a bit later, visit Preah Khan → Neak Pean → Ta Som → Pre Rup (great for sunset). · Day 3 (Outer Circuit): Requires a private car. Highly recommend the Queen’s Palace (exquisite red sandstone carvings) and Beng Mealea (primal and stunning ruins), both offering very different photo styles and extremely photogenic. 2. Photography Enthusiast Route If you’re here for photography, remember these golden times and spots: · Sunrise: In front of the lotus pond on the north side of Angkor Wat, capturing the temple towers and their reflections. Arrive at least 1 hour early to secure a spot. · Morning (8-10 AM): The “smiling” bas-reliefs at Bayon Temple have the strongest three-dimensional effect under soft side light. · Afternoon: Ta Prohm, where sunlight filters through tree gaps creating exquisite light and shadow. · Sunset: Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng are classic choices. You can also try Phnom Krom Temple to enjoy the sunset over Tonle Sap Lake. 3. Budget Independent Travel If you want to control your own pace, consider these tips: · Transportation: TukTuk is the best choice within Siem Reap or to small and large circuit sites. Be sure to negotiate a full-day price in advance (usually $15-20/day for the small circuit). · Guide: Official Chinese guides are limited and expensive. You can download a voice guide app beforehand or, like me, choose a reliable English group tour. 3. Pre-Trip Must-Reads: 2025 Latest Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. Safety First, Avoid Restricted Areas: Most tourist areas in Cambodia are safe, but strictly avoid Pailin Province’s Phnom Bokor, Bavet City, and Poipet City, which are officially restricted zones in 2025 with high risks. 2. Visa Preparation: Strongly recommend applying for an e-visa in advance (about $36), cheaper and faster than visa on arrival, avoiding airport queues and “tip” requests. 3. New Ticket Rules: Angkor Wat tickets require “one person, one code, one fingerprint.” Fingerprints are recorded when purchasing and checked at each site. Do not buy any scalped tickets. 4. Dress and Gear: All temples require wearing pants or skirts that cover the knees and tops with sleeves. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, mosquito repellent, and plenty of drinking water. 5. Valuables and Spending: Mainly use US dollars, carry a small amount of small bills. Keep important valuables and your passport safe. 4. Gains for Solo Travelers The $6 group tour I joined was worth far more than the price itself. We were strangers from seven or eight countries in one vehicle, taking photos of each other under the “Smiles of Cambodia,” sharing travel stories on the bumpy TukTuk ride. That morning, standing together by the lotus pond at Angkor Wat, waiting for the sunrise, no words were needed—a wonderful connection had already formed. So, if you’re an adventurous solo traveler, don’t hesitate to try this group tour. It’s not just a sightseeing activity but a ticket to a global circle of friends. The stones of Angkor Wat will sleep for thousands of years, but the vivid encounters on your journey will stay in your memory forever.