CAMBODIA
The Complete Guide To Traveling To Angkor Wat
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Complete Guide to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Welcome to the ultimate Angkor Wat Travel Guide, your gateway to exploring Cambodia’s iconic temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends history, spirituality, and architectural grandeur. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, captivates with its lotus-shaped towers, intricate carvings, and mystical aura, set amidst the lush jungles of Siem Reap.
This guide unveils the rich history of the Khmer Empire, highlights the top six must-visit temples with detailed insights, and provides practical advice on how to visit, the best times to go, and essential etiquette. From the serene sunrise at Angkor Wat’s reflection pond to the tree-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, discover the heart of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. With tips on costs and navigation, your journey through this ancient wonder begins here!
History of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, was the heart of the Khmer Empire, which ruled Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later transitioned into a Buddhist site, reflecting Cambodia’s evolving religious landscape. Spanning 162.6 hectares, the complex symbolized Mount Meru, the cosmic center in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
At its peak, Angkor was a sprawling city, possibly housing over a million people, with advanced water management systems to harness monsoon rains. The empire’s decline in the 14th century, possibly due to invasions by the Ayutthaya Kingdom, climate changes, or internal shifts, led to the city’s abandonment, with jungles reclaiming the temples. Rediscovered by French explorer Henri Mouhot in the 19th century, Angkor Wat underwent extensive restoration in the 20th century, preserving its intricate bas-reliefs and towering spires for today’s 2 million annual visitors.
Today, Angkor Wat remains a living spiritual site, with Buddhist monks offering blessings and its iconic silhouette adorning Cambodia’s flag, a testament to its enduring cultural significance.
Top 6 Temples to Visit in Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Location: 6 km north of Siem Reap, central Angkor Archaeological Park.
Main Sections:
Central Towers: Five lotus-shaped towers symbolizing Mount Meru, with the central tower reaching 65 meters. Climb steep stairs for panoramic views (limited access).
Bas-Reliefs: 1,200 meters of intricate carvings in the outer gallery, depicting Hindu epics like the Ramayana and scenes of Khmer life.
Moat and Causeway: A 190-meter-wide moat surrounds the temple, crossed by a grand causeway, ideal for sunrise photos with reflection ponds.
Tips: Arrive by 5 AM for sunrise. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Expect crowds at the northern reflection pond.
Bayon
Location: Center of Angkor Thom, 1.5 km north of Angkor Wat.
Main Sections:
Stone Faces: Over 200 serene faces on 54 towers, possibly depicting King Jayavarman VII or Avalokiteshvara, gazing in four directions.
Bas-Reliefs: 1.2 km of carvings showing daily Khmer life, battles, and religious rituals, blending Hindu and Buddhist themes.
Inner Galleries: Narrow corridors and steep stairs leading to the upper terrace, offering close-up views of the faces.
Tips: Visit late afternoon for golden-hour lighting on the faces. Explore nearby Tonle Om Gate for iconic stone statues.
Ta Prohm
Location: 12 km from Siem Reap, east of Angkor Thom.
Main Sections:
Tree-Entwined Ruins: Giant fig and silk-cotton trees growing through stone walls, creating a mystical, unrestored atmosphere.
Central Sanctuary: A maze of courtyards and corridors, partially collapsed, with Buddhist and Hindu carvings.
Photography Spots: Iconic tree-root doorways and crumbling galleries, popular for their jungle-reclaimed aesthetic.
Tips: Visit early (6:30–7 AM) to avoid crowds. Watch your step on uneven terrain. Ongoing restoration may limit access to some areas.
Banteay Srei
Location: 40 km northeast of Siem Reap, outside main park.
Main Sections:
Carvings: Exquisite bas-reliefs of Apsara dancers and Hindu myths, carved in pink and yellow sandstone, among the finest in Angkor.
Central Sanctuary: Compact, with three towers and ornate lintels, dedicated to Shiva.
Moat and Entrance: A small moat and causeway lead to the temple, framed by lush countryside.
Tips: Visit early or late to avoid heat. Requires extra tuk-tuk fare (~$5–10). Photography best in soft morning light.
Preah Khan
Location: North of Angkor Thom, 2 km from Bayon.
Main Sections:
Hall of Dancers: Features Apsara carvings and a large linga, once a Buddhist university.
Two-Story Pavilion: A unique structure with circular columns, rare in Khmer architecture.
Overgrown Corridors: Moss-covered walls and tree roots, similar to Ta Prohm, with fewer visitors.
Tips: Spend 1–2 hours exploring the labyrinthine layout. Enter from the east, exit west for efficient tuk-tuk pickup.
Phnom Bakheng
Location: South of Angkor Thom, 1.2 km from Angkor Wat.
Main Sections:
Summit Temple: A five-tiered pyramid with seven levels, dedicated to Shiva, with distant views of Angkor Wat.
Hill Path: A 20-minute hike to the top, surrounded by jungle and minor ruins.
Sunset Platform: A crowded spot for sunset, limited to 300 visitors at a time.
Tips: Arrive 2–3 hours early for sunset (open until 7 PM). Wear sturdy shoes for the climb. Less crowded for sunrise.
How to Visit the Temples
Angkor Wat is located 6 km north of Siem Reap, accessible by tuk-tuk (~$15–25/day), bicycle (~$2/day), or private car (~$30–50/day). The Angkor Pass (1-day: $37, 3-day: $62, 7-day: $72) is required for entry, purchased at the ticket office on Apsara Road or online. Tickets include a photo and are checked at major temples.
Small Circuit (1 day): Covers core temples (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang). Ideal for short visits, best by tuk-tuk.
Grand Circuit (2–3 days): Includes Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup. Combines with Small Circuit for a 3-day pass.
Remote Temples (3–7 days): Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, or Roluos Group require extra travel time and cost. A 7-day pass allows leisurely exploration.
Tips: Hire a licensed guide (~$25–40/day) for historical insights. Start at 5 AM for sunrise and to beat heat. Arrange tuk-tuk routes in advance, noting pickup points (e.g., east/west exits).
When to Go
Best Time: November–March (cool, dry season, 20–30°C). Ideal for comfortable exploration, but expect crowds, especially at sunrise spots.
Shoulder Seasons: April–May, September–October (hot or rainy, 25–35°C). Fewer tourists, lush jungle scenery, but prepare for heat or sudden showers.
Best Time of Day: Start at 5 AM for sunrise at Angkor Wat or quieter temples like Pre Rup. Midday is hottest; visit shaded galleries then. Sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Angkor Wat is popular but crowded.
Tips: Avoid April’s extreme heat. Bring rain gear in rainy season. Book hotels early for peak season (November–March).
Top Tips & Etiquette
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfy shoes for uneven terrain.
Respect Sacred Spaces
Avoid touching carvings or climbing restricted areas. Be quiet near monks and worshippers.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle (~$1) and sunscreen. The Cambodian heat is intense, especially midday.
Avoid Scams
Beware of unofficial guides or children selling trinkets. Use licensed guides and don’t buy from kids to discourage exploitation.
Plan Tuk-Tuk Routes
Confirm temple order and pickup points with your driver to avoid confusion. Take their photo for easy identification.
Beat the Crowds
Visit Ta Prohm at 6:30 AM or Bayon at dusk. Reverse the Small Circuit route to avoid tour groups.
Costs
Angkor Pass: 1-day: $37, 3-day: $62, 7-day: $72. Covers all temples except Koh Ker and Kbal Spean. Buy at Apsara Road ticket office or online.
Transport: Tuk-tuk: $15–25/day (Small/Grand Circuit), +$5 for sunrise. Bicycle: $2/day. Private car: $30–50/day. Banteay Srei adds $5–10.
Guides: Licensed guide: $25–40/day. Group tours: $20–50/person. Photography tours: $50–100.
Other: Water: $1/bottle. Meals at stalls: $2–5. Siem Reap accommodation: $10–50/night (budget), $50–150 (mid-range), $150+ (luxury).
Your Angkor Wat Adventure Awaits
Angkor Wat transports you to the heart of the Khmer Empire, where towering spires, intricate carvings, and jungle-clad ruins tell stories of a vibrant past. From the iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat to the serene faces of Bayon and the wild beauty of Ta Prohm, this UNESCO gem captivates the soul. With practical tips and respectful etiquette, your journey through Cambodia’s ancient wonders will be unforgettable. Sawasdee!
For more inspiration and detailed travel tips, visit our Cambodia Travel Guide.