Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon

Bakong’s temple towers, rice fields, and village rooftops take on a different scale from a balloon basket. This short flight gives you a bird’s-eye view of Siem Reap Province at sunrise or sunset, with the countryside spread out below rather than framed by a temple doorway.

I like two things in particular: the choice of sunrise or sunset, and the chance to see Bakong, Preah Ko, and Lolei from above. Hotel transfers are included, too, which makes an early start less of a puzzle.

The main caveat is weather. Flights can be canceled when conditions are unsuitable, and communication about a cancellation has not always been prompt. The balloon can carry 18 to 25 passengers, so expect a shared flight, not a private ride.

• A short flight with a wide view: Plan on about 30 to 35 minutes in the air.
• Two daily departure windows: Sunrise flights take off around 6:20 to 6:30 am; sunset flights around 5:30 to 5:40 pm.
• Bakong is the main landmark: The flight is based near Bakong Temple, with views of the surrounding countryside and nearby temples described as highlights.
• Hotel transport is included: A car or minivan takes you from your Siem Reap hotel to the flight location and back.
• A shared basket: The balloon holds 18 to 25 passengers.
• Check the cancellation terms: The published policies do not agree, so confirm the terms directly before paying.

Bakong from the air, not from the temple path

Bakong is the center of this flight. From the ground, you take in a temple one courtyard and stone stairway at a time. From the basket, you get a broader sense of its place in the countryside, with rice fields, villages, and other historic sites in view.

The tour also names Preah Ko and Lolei as sights to explore. That does not mean the balloon follows a fixed route over all three temples. Balloon flights depend on conditions, and the description does not promise a close pass over each site. Treat them as possible parts of the view, not a checklist you are guaranteed to tick off.

The countryside is a real part of the appeal. You may see the pattern of cultivated fields and small settlements that can be hard to notice while traveling by road. The view is less about ticking off landmarks and more about understanding how the temples fit into the wider region.

Sunrise or sunset: choose the light that suits you

The operator schedules flights twice daily. The sunrise flight takes off around 6:20 to 6:30 am, while the sunset flight takes off around 5:30 to 5:40 pm. Your pickup time is confirmed after booking, so the stated takeoff time is not the time to leave your hotel.

Choose sunrise if you want the early start and morning light over the countryside. It can also work well if you have a full day of temple visits planned afterward. The trade-off is simple: you need to be ready early, and any delay in transport or communication will feel sharper before dawn.

Sunset gives you a later start and a different quality of light. It may suit you better if you prefer not to set an alarm before sunrise. Since the flight is short, the sunset option is not a long evening outing; it is a brief aerial view before you return to town.

The most praised parts of the flight have been the sunrise views and the pilot’s handling of the balloon. One account describes the Cambodian countryside in morning light as the highlight, while another singles out a skilled pilot’s smooth maneuvering. Those details help explain the appeal, but they are not a promise of the exact light, route, or pilot you will get.

From your hotel lobby to the launch area

Pickup is included from your hotel in Krong Siem Reap, with transport by car or minivan. You are asked to wait in the hotel lobby ten minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Since the pickup time is confirmed later, check your messages and confirm the details before the flight day.

The drive takes you from the city to the balloon location near Bakong Temple. The available information does not give a reliable drive duration, so leave room in your morning or evening plans rather than building a tight connection around the flight.

After the flight, the vehicle returns you to Krong Siem Reap. That round-trip service is useful for a dawn departure, when arranging transport yourself could add needless friction. The included service is transportation and an English-speaking driver; other services are not included unless separately confirmed.

What 30 minutes in a balloon actually gives you

The stated flight duration is about 30 to 35 minutes. That is enough time for a memorable change in perspective, but it is not a long aerial tour. Think of it as a focused view of Bakong and the countryside, not a substitute for spending time on the ground at the temples.

The basket is shared, with capacity listed at 18 to 25 passengers. You will be experiencing the flight alongside a group, and the number of people on your date may affect how much room each person has at the basket edge. If you want a private flight or a small group, this option is not described as offering one.

A small human detail from one flight is worth keeping in mind, though it is not a standard feature: a pilot handed unsweetened candies to children at a school as the balloon passed overhead. It offers a glimpse of how a balloon can be part of the local scene as well as a sightseeing ride. Do not count on the same moment happening on your flight.

Is $175 a fair price?

At $175 per person, this is a special-occasion activity rather than a budget way to get around Siem Reap. The fare buys a short flight and round-trip hotel transport, so the value rests mainly on how much you want the aerial perspective and how much the timing suits your plans.

The ride’s brevity matters. If you are comparing it with a longer excursion, remember that the flight itself lasts around half an hour. On the other hand, the view is something a temple visit from the ground cannot provide. For someone who values a sunrise or sunset flight, that difference may justify the price.

Check the weight surcharge before booking. Passengers weighing more than 110 kilograms are charged double the fare. That is a substantial increase, so ask the provider to confirm the total cost for your party in advance.

Weather and booking terms need a clear answer

Weather can prevent the flight from operating. The stated policy says that if the flight is canceled because of weather, or because authorities do not allow it to fly, the full amount is refunded. A cancellation is still disruptive, especially if you have planned your day around an early pickup.

Prompt notice is important. There has been a case in which a passenger waited for an early pickup and learned by phone that strong wind had canceled the flight. Communication afterward was also slow. To reduce uncertainty, make sure the provider has a working contact method for you and ask how you will be told if conditions change.

There is a mismatch between the general offer of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the more detailed cancellation terms. Those detailed terms say a cancellation more than two days ahead incurs a 50 percent charge, while a cancellation within two days receives no refund; they also say a cancellation under 47 hours is fully charged. Because these statements do not line up, get the exact policy in writing before paying.

Rescheduling is also restricted under the detailed terms. It says a change made more than two days before the flight costs $25 per person and can be made once; within two days, rescheduling is not permitted. Confirm these rules directly rather than relying on the broad free-cancellation message.

Who will enjoy this flight most?

I would consider this ride if you want a memorable view of the countryside and are comfortable paying for a short, shared activity. It suits people who enjoy seeing a familiar place from a new angle, especially those who like the idea of Bakong and nearby historic sites appearing in a wider view of fields and villages.

It may be less suitable if you need a fixed schedule, are uncomfortable with an early start, or would be disappointed by a weather cancellation. It is also not the right choice if you expect a private basket or a long flight. The balloon carries a fairly large group, and the time aloft is limited.

Families may find the flight appealing, but the provided information does not specify age limits or other passenger restrictions. Ask the operator about any requirements for children before booking. The English-speaking driver and instructor can help with communication, though no individual pilot or guide is named.

Should you book the Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon?

Book it if the view from above is a priority and you can treat the flight as a weather-dependent highlight rather than a guaranteed part of your schedule. The sunrise and sunset choices, hotel transport, and prospect of seeing Bakong amid the Cambodian countryside make it an appealing change from temple visits on foot.

Before you pay, confirm your total fare, pickup time, weight surcharge if relevant, and the exact cancellation and refund rules. If the provider gives clear answers and the price fits your budget, this can be a memorable half-hour. If you need certainty or want a longer experience, keep your money for another part of your Siem Reap trip.

FAQ

How long is the hot air balloon flight?

The flight lasts approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

What time do the flights take off?

Sunrise flights take off around 6:20 to 6:30 am. Sunset flights take off around 5:30 to 5:40 pm. Your hotel pickup time is confirmed after booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Krong Siem Reap are included, with transport by car or minivan.

How many people can ride in the balloon?

The balloon has capacity for 18 to 25 passengers.

Which temples may I see from the balloon?

Bakong is the main temple associated with the flight. Preah Ko and Lolei are also named among the temple sights, but the route is not guaranteed to pass directly over each one.

What happens if the flight is canceled because of weather?

The stated terms say you receive a full refund if weather or an official restriction prevents the flight. Contact the provider to confirm the procedure and how you will be notified.

Is there an extra charge for passengers over 110 kilograms?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 110 kilograms are charged double the fare.