Angkor Wat: Small-Group Tour With Balloon Ride and Lunch

Angkor Wat, the magnificent 12th-century temple complex in Cambodia, has long captivated travelers worldwide. Now, visitors can experience its grandeur in a unique way – through a small-group tour that includes a thrilling tethered balloon ride and a delicious Khmer-style lunch. With an expert guide leading the way, this 7-hour adventure promises to unveil the captivating history and culture of the Khmer empire. From the awe-inspiring sights of Angkor Wat to the lesser-known gems of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, this tour offers a chance to explore the archaeological wonders like never before. What secrets might the aerial perspective from the balloon reveal?

Good To Know

• This small-group tour of Angkor Wat lasts 7 hours and costs $111 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, bottled water, a Khmer-style lunch, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide to provide insights on Khmer history and culture.
• Highlights include exploring Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, the Terraces of the Elephants, the Leper King, and the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm Temple.
• An optional tethered helium balloon ride offers a unique aerial perspective of the Angkor Archaeological Park, weather permitting.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to moderate walking involved, and a dress code of pants or knee-length skirts/dresses is enforced.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Angkor Wat small-group tour provides a comprehensive 7-hour experience, priced at $111.00 per person.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Alternatively, they can opt for the reserve now and pay later option.

The tour includes roundtrip hotel transportation, bottled water, a Khmer-style lunch, entrance fees, and a professional English-speaking guide to provide insights on Khmer history and culture.

Participants can expect a small-group format, ensuring personalized attention throughout the day’s activities.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel at 8:00 AM, departing at 8:30 AM to visit one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Southeast Asia – Angkor Wat.

Guests will then explore Angkor Thom, including the South Gate and Bayon Temple with its 200 carved faces.

Next, they’ll visit the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King.

In the afternoon, the group will tour the tree-covered ruins of Ta Prohm Temple.

Guided Experience

A professional local English-speaking guide provides valuable insights on the rich Khmer history and culture throughout the tour. They’ll explain the symbolic meanings of the intricate carvings and impressive architecture at each site. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, allowing you to ask questions and engage with the guide. Their knowledge and passion for the region will bring the ancient ruins to life, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What You’ll Learn	How You’ll Learn It
The historical significance of Angkor Thom and its key landmarks	Through guided commentary and on-site explanations
The architectural and engineering feats of Angkor Wat	By exploring the temple’s unique design features
The role of Buddhism and Hinduism in Khmer culture	By examining the symbolic carvings and statues

Inclusions and Exclusions

This small-group Angkor Wat tour includes shared air-conditioned transport, cold bottled water, a Khmer-style lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees.

The tour excludes drinks during lunch, personal expenses, and tips/gratuities.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

The dress code requires pants or knee-length skirts/dresses, with no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or drones allowed.

The tour involves moderate walking and isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the balloon ride is subject to weather conditions.

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Important Recommendations

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The tour has a moderate level of walking, so these items are essential.

Plus, the dress code prohibits shorts, sleeveless shirts, and drones – only pants or knee-length skirts/dresses are permitted.

Here are some other important recommendations:

1. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
2. The tethered balloon ride is subject to weather conditions.
3. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
4. Visitors should refrain from bringing personal expenses and tips/gratuities, as these aren’t included in the tour.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing visitors with a convenient and seamless experience.

Guests are picked up from their hotel at 8:00 AM and depart for the tour at 8:30 AM. After the full-day excursion, travelers are returned to their original hotel.

This door-to-door service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on exploring the magnificent Angkor Wat site without the logistical concerns of transportation.

The included hotel transfers contribute to the overall ease and comfort of the small-group tour, making it an accessible and enjoyable option for visitors to Cambodia’s renowned archaeological wonder.

Tethered Balloon Ride

Although weather permitting, the tour offers an optional tethered helium balloon ride that provides a unique aerial perspective of the Angkor Wat complex and surrounding jungle.

This 10-minute balloon ride allows you to:

1. Soar above the iconic Angkor Wat temple and appreciate its massive scale from above.
2. Gaze out over the lush, verdant jungle canopy that envelops the ancient ruins.
3. Capture stunning panoramic photos of the entire Angkor Archaeological Park.
4. Witness the breathtaking sunset colors cast over the landscape, if timing aligns.

The balloon ride is subject to weather conditions and must be booked in advance as part of the comprehensive small-group tour.

Khmer History and Culture

An expert local guide leads the small group through the remarkable Angkor Wat complex, sharing insights into the rich Khmer history and culture that shaped this architectural wonder. Travelers learn about the symbolic meanings behind the iconic carved faces and intricate temple designs, rooted in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The guide highlights how the Khmer Empire, which ruled Cambodia for centuries, left an indelible mark on the region’s art, architecture, and spirituality. A table below outlines key facts about Khmer history and culture:

Khmer Empire	Angkor Wat Complex	Khmer Culture
Ruled Cambodia 802-1431 CE	Constructed in early 12th century	Influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism
Powerful, expansionist kingdom	Largest religious monument in world	Intricate stone carvings, bas-reliefs
Constructed many grand temples	Dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu	Unique Khmer architectural style
Declined due to invasions, climate change	Showcases Khmer artistic mastery	Endures in modern Cambodia

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch option for this tour. The tour provider accommodates dietary requirements with advance notice. Just let them know your preference when booking the tour.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounted rates for children and seniors. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount, while seniors over 65 enjoy a 20% reduction in the tour price.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add More Sites?

Customers can extend the tour duration or add more sites, but this may incur additional fees. Contact the tour provider to discuss customization options and availability.

How Reliable Is the Balloon Ride Schedule in Rainy Season?

The balloon ride schedule can be less reliable during the rainy season as weather conditions are more unpredictable. However, the tour operator will make every effort to accommodate the balloon ride, weather permitting.

What Is the Group Size Limit for This Small-Group Tour?

The tour has a small-group format, though the exact group size limit is not specified. The tour provides personalized attention from the guide and a more intimate experience compared to larger group tours.

Sum Up

This Angkor Wat small-group tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring temples, learn about Khmer history and culture from a knowledgeable guide, and enjoy a thrilling tethered balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views. With hotel pickup, a delicious Khmer-style lunch, and personalized attention, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the majesty of one of Cambodia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You can check if your dates are available here: