Angkor Wat & Tonle Sap Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Dreaming of gazing upon the majestic Angkor Wat at sunrise and drifting through the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake? Perhaps, that 2-Day Angkor Wat Small Group Tour paired with a Tonle Sap Cruise at Sunset seems like the ideal way to make those dreams real. That’s precisely what grabbed my attention. But is it a memorable experience, or, as a matter of fact, does it leave you feeling shortchanged? Stick around because I’m here to give you the complete rundown, based on my experience and what I learned. After all, finding that certain trip isn’t always easy, it takes a bit of thinking, wouldn’t you say?

Unveiling Angkor Wat: Day One

Okay, so the first day starts bright and pretty early, you see, and it’s completely dedicated to the temples of Angkor. Get ready to embrace the awe. Very quickly after getting collected from your accommodation, that group makes its way to Angkor Wat as that sun begins its rise. Honestly, watching those colors paint those ancient stones, reflecting in those surrounding moats… Well, it is breathtaking. The experience does feel peaceful and profoundly spiritual, more or less.

Your tour guide, presumably, should really be a wealth of knowledge. That person would walk you through all of those complex bas-reliefs, basically explaining stories from Hindu mythology and those events in Khmer history. To be honest, the carvings have something to say, that I know! Beyond Angkor Wat, that tour will likely take you to Angkor Thom, which is that ancient city that has the smiling faces of Bayon Temple. Pretty unforgettable if you ask me, and yet those tree roots intertwined with those stones at Ta Prohm (the Tomb Raider temple) is equally memorable.

A thing you may find useful: Those small group sizes often let for a more personal experience. Also, those questions can be asked, and, you see, you can engage a bit more with that guide and other travelers too. You tend to find a more deeper connection with those temples and its history that way, as a matter of fact.

Tonle Sap Lake: A Glimpse into Floating Life

Day two provides that stark, really stark, contrast with a trip to Tonle Sap Lake, you see. This, arguably, is Southeast Asia’s biggest freshwater lake, so that place throbs with activity and there are ecosystems. A trip really offers a close look at that everyday life of that communities who are, after all, living on those waters. Let’s explore this more a bit!

That cruise is more or less supposed to take you through those floating villages. Those colorful houses, schools and markets are constructed on stilts. Arguably, what really stands out isn’t those structures on their own, you see, it is watching people carry out those daily routines on that water, after all. As a matter of fact, it is pretty humbling.

The sunset over that lake… honestly, that’s just a special sight. You may see those colors stretch across that sky and mirror those tranquil waters is that special. No picture quite captures that beauty, not one at all! Anyway, for that matter, if you want photographic memories, make sure to bring one or two cameras with great image stabilization for a great snapshot.

What’s Included and What’s Not

So, those inclusions matter a whole heap when planning a tour, basically. Make sure you understand what is paid for up front, and what comes at your expense later. The price should clearly show what is in there; you can’t assume, right?

Typically Included: Air-conditioned transport is always the expectation and a knowledgeable local tour guide is usually also added, and some entry fees in most cases. Also hotel pickup and drop-off and maybe breakfast!

What to Ask About: Lunches are sometimes covered (find out!) and those Angkor Passes must often be bought separately so you may want to have those details. Find out! Beverage, all those tips, or, actually, personal expenses would, typically, also have to come out of your own pocket, and other things to note are add-ons, if the tour guide expects gratuity for those things done as included tasks, extra hidden taxes or, who knows, maybe any type of fee they just throw at you!

Is That Small Group Tour the Right Choice?

Okay, so when thinking about whether or not to take a small group tour like this one, it’s good to consider those benefits and drawbacks that might apply, arguably. Those tours are appealing for a good reason, or that could just be for reasons! Basically, weigh it all up as you think about that preference and style.

Pros: Small groups typically foster more personalized attention. With just a few people that enables more engagement. You also may get better access during the visits themselves because the group size might fit easier. It might actually create community, for this very reason. And traveling to any new city solo can cause anxiety for this reason; it also reduces the overall carbon footprint (if that matters!). Also hotel pickup and drop-off and maybe breakfast!

Cons: Small group tour is very well dictated and follows someone else’s script and also pace which can make it tough to go-it-alone at times when inspiration strikes. It really also is harder to have intimate deep reflections amongst a small group setting where you may feel under pressure to show up. All those shared costs across tour buses still rack up which can feel too commercial sometimes, too.

What To Take On This Adventure

A great packing list to make an adventure really fun goes further when thought about. It should always include clothing choices! Also what gadgets would make your life easier?! In this section lets cover both, a bit!

Clothes Given it’s gonna be sweltering during a large portion of that visit, ensure loose clothing is chosen. Breathable cotton or, arguably, linen is all so beneficial. Think tops that prevent shoulder burn as this really may not feel comfortable at some temples or just for all day protection in that Cambodian sun.

Things: Bring sunscreen! Bring a hat and eye protection (or buy them there to save some space). If sensitive to mosquitos consider getting repellent with deet! If a big photography enthusiast bring all your lenses that will fit but for beginners stick to an easy to operate smartphone to capture simple wide scenic memories.