From Krong Siem Reap: Angkor Hot Air Balloon Ride w/ Pickup

Trying to capture the magic of Angkor isn’t easy — and that’s where a hot air balloon ride over Siem Reap offers a fresh perspective. This experience promises 30 minutes of drifting high above the temples and countryside, providing a bird’s-eye view of Cambodia’s iconic sites. We’ve looked into what’s on offer, the pros and cons, and what you can realistically expect from this adventure.

What we love about this experience
First, the views are genuinely stunning. Seeing Bakong Temple and the surrounding rice fields from above turns a familiar landscape into an extraordinary scene. Second, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means you don’t have to worry about logistics or navigating busy streets early in the morning. Third, the opportunity to enjoy this at sunrise or sunset adds a poetic touch, with softer light and fewer crowds.

A possible consideration is that, based on reviews, the experience might not always meet expectations for a truly memorable flight. Some travelers found the sights less impressive than hoped, especially if weather conditions limit visibility. Therefore, this tour is likely best for those seeking a unique aerial experience rather than a deep historical exploration.

If you’re in Siem Reap and craving a different way to see the temples and countryside, this could be a worthwhile addition to your trip — especially if you value panoramic views over more conventional sightseeing.

Good To Know

• Stunning views of Bakong Temple and Cambodian countryside from above.
• Convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off included in the price.
• Limited to small groups (up to 10 passengers), creating an intimate experience.
• Flights only twice daily, at sunrise and sunset, highlighting the importance of timing.
• Fly for approximately 35 minutes, offering a brief but memorable aerial adventure.
• Weather-dependent, with full refunds if conditions cancel the flight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Booking and Pricing

At $219 per person, this hot air balloon ride is priced as a premium sightseeing option. While that may seem steep, it’s important to weigh the cost against what you get: a half-hour in a balloon with breathtaking views, hotel pickup, and drop-off. For many, the experience of floating over ancient temples and lush rice fields is worth the price — especially in the context of Cambodia’s high-quality tourism offerings.

Booking is straightforward, with the option to reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to your planning. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight date, preferred time (sunrise or sunset), total passengers, and weights — crucial for safety and planning.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with hotel pickup, arranged by an English-speaking driver, about 30 minutes before flight time. This is a major plus, especially in a town like Siem Reap, where early mornings can be quite chaotic. The transportation is a minivan or car, and the small group size (limited to 10 participants) helps keep things personal and comfortable. Reviewers have praised the pickup process as well-organized and punctual.

The Flight Timing

Flights only happen twice a day — at sunrise (around 6:20-6:30 am) and sunset (around 5:30-5:40 pm). This limited schedule means you have to plan carefully and be flexible with your timing. Many travelers prefer the sunrise option for its peaceful atmosphere and softer light, but sunset can also be magical, especially with the changing sky.

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The Flight Itself

The balloon flight lasts approximately 30-35 minutes, offering ample time to enjoy the scenery. From the air, you’ll gaze upon the Bakong Temple, a significant monument in the Angkor complex, and the surrounding Cambodian countryside dotted with rice paddies, villages, and distant temples.

One review mentioned that during a haze-laden morning, the sunrise was obscured, resulting in a less memorable experience. Another reviewer appreciated the views despite weather limits, noting that “drifting over dry rice fields for about 28 minutes” was still a highlight. The experience is as much about the peaceful, surreal feeling of floating as it is about the sights.

Views and Photo Opportunities

You’ll love the panoramic vistas of the lush landscape stretching below, especially if the weather cooperates. The aerial perspective over Bakong Temple, with its intricate layout, allows for great photo angles you simply can’t get from the ground. The soft dawn or dusk light adds an extra layer of beauty.

However, some travelers have expressed disappointment that the flight didn’t always pass directly over the most iconic temples like Angkor Wat itself — instead, it often focuses on Bakong and the surrounding fields. As one review put it, “we didn’t fly over the most important temples,” which might matter for those seeking that classic Angkor shot.

Safety and Comfort

Safety is a key concern with any balloon ride, and this tour’s small group size helps manage that. The company has a good reputation, and if weather conditions aren’t suitable, the flight will be canceled with a full refund. Weather is unpredictable, so flexibility is essential.

Post-Flight and Return

After landing, the transportation back to your hotel is arranged, making this a hassle-free experience. The entire trip—pickup, flight, and return—takes about an hour and a half, fitting well into a morning or evening slot.

The Review from Travelers

One traveler, Craig, expressed some disappointment, mentioning that the morning flight was marred by haze, and the sights were similar to what you’d see from the airport rather than the temples. He called the experience “expensive and not memorable,” suggesting that if your goal is a truly iconic view of Angkor Wat, this might not live up to expectations.

In contrast, Eleonora found the experience positive, especially appreciating the well-organized pickup and the peaceful flight, even if she wished they had flown over the more prominent temples.

This feedback highlights that weather conditions and flight routes can influence how memorable your experience will be. Yet, the general consensus is that the views of Bakong and the countryside are pleasant, and the convenience of logistics makes it worth considering.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hot air balloon ride in Siem Reap is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, scenic perspective on the Cambodian landscape. It’s especially suited for travelers who value aerial views of temples and countryside, rather than close-up temple exploration.

If your trip’s focus is on photo opportunities or simply enjoying a rare experience in a balloon, this fits the bill. However, if you’re hoping for direct flights over Angkor’s most famous landmarks or a deeply immersive historical tour, you might find the experience somewhat limited.

The small group size, convenient pickup, and the chance to see Cambodia from a different angle make this a unique, memorable addition to your itinerary — just keep in mind the weather dependency and the potential for the sights to be less spectacular in hazy conditions.

FAQs

How long is the hot air balloon ride?
The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the views and take photos without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by car or minivan, and the balloon flight itself. It’s a small-group experience limited to 10 people.

When do flights take place?
Flights are scheduled twice daily — once at sunrise (around 6:20-6:30 am) and once at sunset (around 5:30-5:40 pm). The exact timing depends on the day’s schedule and weather.

What should I wear or bring?
While not explicitly detailed, it’s wise to wear comfortable clothing suitable for early mornings or evenings and bring a camera, sunglasses, and possibly a light jacket if the weather is cool.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling is possible if done at least 2 days prior, with a fee of $25 per person. Cancellations within 2 days are non-refundable unless due to weather issues.

Is this experience suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is small-group and primarily designed for adults, so check with the provider about specific age or health restrictions.

Do I need to provide my weight during booking?
Yes, passengers over 110 kg may be charged double the fare, so weight is a required detail during reservation.

What happens if the flight gets canceled due to weather?
The company will issue a full refund if weather conditions prevent the flight. Safety always comes first.

To sum it up, the Siem Reap hot air balloon ride offers a peaceful, visually stunning way to view Cambodia’s countryside and the Bakong Temple from above. While weather and route limitations mean it might not always provide the most iconic angles, it remains a charming addition to your Angkor experience — especially if you love panoramic vistas and a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. Just remember, patience is key when it comes to weather-dependent flights, and managing expectations about which temples you’ll see from the air will help you enjoy this peaceful adventure to the fullest.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby