Most visitors book a 2-3 day itinerary. Two days covers the main park temples plus one outlying site like Beng Mealea or Phnom Kulen. Three days lets you do both the small and grand circuits inside the park, then branch out to more distant temples like Koh Ker or Banteay Srei, and still have time for Tonle Sap or a Battambang day trip.

Yes, especially for the first day. The temples are sprawling and the historical context matters - a guide stops you from wasting time at tourist queues and explains what you're actually looking at. Many people book a private guide for 1-2 days, then do a small group tour for variety.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat is famous for a reason - fewer crowds and soft light. That said, the temple is genuinely stunning any time. Some tours combine sunrise at the main temple with a full day exploring quieter sites, which beats rushing back after dawn.

For mid-range travel season (November-February) and popular private tours, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is smart. For off-season visits or standard group tours, a week or two usually works. Check before you go if you want a specific guide or language.

Private tours usually include pickup from your hotel, the guide, and site entrance fees. Lunch is sometimes included; check the details. Some tours add boat rides or specific experiences like the Tonle Sap village visit or waterfall stops, so confirm what's covered.

You can rent a motorbike or hire a driver for the day, but most first-time visitors book a guide tour because the park layout is confusing and getting lost eats into sightseeing time. If you're comfortable navigating and don't mind missing historical details, self-guided works.

November to February is coolest and driest - ideal if you can manage it. March to May is sweltering and crowded. June to October brings heavy rains but fewer tourists. Waterfall tours like Phnom Kulen are best during or just after the rainy season when water flow is strong.