Hot Air Balloon
The temples of Angkor cover 400 square kilometres. From the ground you experience them one at a time, moving between sites by tuk-tuk, piecing together the scale of the complex gradually. From the air, you see it all at once. The forest stretching in every direction, the moats catching the early light, the towers of Angkor Wat rising above the canopy. It is a different kind of understanding and worth experiencing at least once.
There are two ways to do it. A tethered balloon that rises above the temple complex for 10 to 15 minutes, and a free-flight hot air balloon that takes you over the Cambodian countryside at dawn or dusk for around 30 minutes. They are different experiences at different price points and worth understanding before you book.
The Angkor Balloon
Located about one kilometre west of Angkor Wat, the Angkor Balloon is a large tethered helium balloon that ascends to approximately 120 metres and floats for 10 to 15 minutes before descending. It operates from sunrise to sunset daily, weather permitting, and can carry up to 30 passengers. On a clear day the views take in Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, the West Baray, and on very clear days the Tonle Sap Lake and Phnom Khrom in the distance.
It is brief. It rises, floats, and descends in 10 to 15 minutes. But the aerial perspective on the temple complex and surrounding landscape is genuinely striking in a way that ground-level visits cannot replicate, particularly at sunrise when the light is low and the mist sits over the forest. Multiple reviewers describe it as one of the highlights of their trip despite the short duration. It requires no Angkor Pass and works well as an add-on to a sunrise temple visit or as a standalone activity.
Prices are $20 per adult for a standard flight, $25 for sunrise. Children under 12 pay $10, children under 6 fly free. Book in advance for sunrise slots as these fill quickly.
Cambodia Balloon Adventures
For a full free-flight hot air balloon experience, Cambodia Balloon Adventures runs morning and evening flights over the Cambodian countryside around Siem Reap. Flights last approximately 30 minutes, reach heights of around 200 metres, and cover the rice fields, villages, and rural landscape surrounding the city. The Roluos Group temples are visible from the air on the flight path.
The experience is quieter and more immersive than the tethered balloon. You move with the wind rather than floating in one spot. The pilot narrates as you go. Landing is in a field somewhere in the countryside, followed by transport back to your hotel. Balloons are EASA type-certified and pilots are licensed and experienced.
Prices run around $125 to $130 per adult, around $60 for children. Private charter from $700. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Book directly through Cambodia Balloon Adventures or through your hotel.
What to Know
Both experiences operate weather permitting only. Flights can be cancelled at short notice due to wind, rain, or cloud cover. Operators will offer a rescheduled flight or a full refund in these circumstances. Check conditions the evening before and confirm your pickup time directly with the operator.
For the tethered balloon, arrive early for sunrise slots. The basket on free-flight balloons is small and can get warm during the flight. Wear light clothing, closed shoes, and bring a camera. Neither experience requires an Angkor Pass.
A full list of balloon operators and current pricing is in the Activities listings on SiemReapLife.com.
