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Planning a two-week trip to Southeast Asia and dreaming of visiting Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat? You don’t need to dedicate several days to experience this bucket list wonder if you are short on time! With early morning flights from Bangkok to Siem Reap, a one-day trip to Angkor Wat is not only possible, it’s an unforgettable adventure.

During our 13-day holiday to Asia, we knew we couldn’t do both Cambodia and Vietnam justice in the time we had. But Angkor Wat was high on John’s travel bucket list, and I was determined to make it happen. With a little research and a lot of caffeine, we made the dream come true with a whirlwind day trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat.

How to Get from Bangkok to Angkor Wat in One Day

Your best bet for a day trip is to book one of the early morning flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Siem Reap International Airport (REP). We chose a flight departing just before 8:00 AM, giving us a full day to explore the temples and return to Bangkok that night.

We had an early wake-up call at 3:30 AM for a 4:30 AM taxi to the airport. With no luggage to check, security was quick and smooth. And in true Wagner fashion, we had breakfast at Burger King (because trying international fast food is kind of our thing). After boarding via tarmac shuttle, we were off to Cambodia!

Arrival in Siem Reap & Getting Your Cambodia Visa

Our flight landed around 8:25 AM in Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we applied for a visa on arrival ($60 total for both of us) and were through customs in just 15 minutes. Outside the airport, we met our private TukTuk driver, Mr. Keo, holding a “Hello John Wagner” sign that made John’s day!

Angkor Wat Entrance Fees & Tickets

Our first stop was the Angkor Enterprise Ticket Office, just 15 minutes from the airport. A one-day Angkor Pass cost us $72 total. With tickets in hand, we set off for our first stop: the legendary Angkor Wat Temple.

Exploring Angkor Wat: The Heart of the Khmer Empire

Spanning over 400 acres, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and is even more impressive in person than in photos. Intricate carvings, towering spires, and a serene reflection pool made it feel like stepping back in time.

One highlight? Our guide snapped our photo in the same spot Michelle Obama had hers taken two years earlier. Total travel goals.

Ta Prohm: The Famous Tomb Raider Temple

Next up was Ta Prohm, known for its jungle-overrun ruins and cinematic fame from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Giant banyan trees wrap themselves around the temple walls in a magical fusion of nature and architecture. At a fraction of Angkor Wat’s size, it felt more crowded but equally awe-inspiring.

Pro tip: our guide brought cold towels and drinks after each temple visit, which was a lifesaver in the Cambodian heat!

Lunch in Siem Reap: Cambodian Cuisine and Local Beer

For lunch, we stopped at a local restaurant where I had a refreshing mango and papaya salad, and John ordered fish and chips (he’s loyal like that). He also sampled a local Tiger beer, checking off another country on his international beer quest.

Bayon Temple & Monkey Encounters

We continued our tour with Bayon Temple, famous for its many stone faces and...monkeys! This was only our second monkey sighting of the whole trip, and there were dozens… lounging, playing, and even squaring off with a barking dog. It was one of our favorite moments of the day!

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng (Almost!)

As the sun began to set, we hiked up to Phnom Bakheng, a hilltop temple with panoramic sunset views. However, entry is capped at 300 visitors at a time, and with a line already forming, we opted for a quieter trail spot instead. Watching the sunset from the hillside was a peaceful end to our temple-hopping adventure.

Dinner & Departure: A Full Circle Day

We grabbed a quick dinner from a small spot across from the airport with delicious beef stir fry for me and fried rice for John. Then we headed back for our evening flight to Bangkok.

Our guide dropped us off, we breezed through check-in, and were back at our Bangkok hotel by 10:45 PM. It was a long day, but worth every minute.

Is a Day Trip to Angkor Wat from Bangkok Worth It?

Absolutely. While we only scratched the surface of the Angkor Archaeological Park, this one-day journey gave us a taste of Cambodia’s rich culture, ancient history, and warm hospitality. We’re already planning a return trip to explore more of Siem Reap and beyond.

Travel Tips for Your One-Day Trip to Angkor Wat

Book the earliest morning flight into Siem Reap and the latest return to maximize your time.
Use a private guide or TukTuk driver for efficient transportation and local insights.
Bring cash for visas, tickets, and tips.
Wear breathable clothing. Cambodia is hot and humid!
Skip the line at Phnom Bakheng unless you arrive early.
Stay hydrated and pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Need Help Planning a Southeast Asia Adventure?

Whether you want to book a similar Bangkok to Cambodia day trip, add Angkor Wat to your Thailand itinerary, or explore Vietnam and Laos too, I’d love to help! As a travel advisor, I can handle the logistics from flights, guides, visas, and more, so all you have to do is show up and soak it all in.

Ready to start planning? Let’s chat!

Day Trip to Angkor Wat from Bangkok: How to Visit Cambodia in Just One Day