The ultimate guide to Angkor Wat
Let´s go on a trip back in time. For fans of history, ancient cultures and religion, temples are an absolute highlight. They invite you into a time travel a few centuries back to where the world was completely different. They make you feel like entering a whole new world, a place where times seems to stand still. If you love to visit temples on your trips, then how does visiting a whole temple city sound like? This guide is all about what to know about visiting Angkor Wat.
Welcome to Angkor Wat, one of the most popular and biggest temple cities in the world. Located near the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia, it attracts countless tourists from all around the world each year. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage which every traveller should have at least seen once in his life. And even if your heart does not beat for the ancient times and history, Angkor Wat will leave you speechless. Can you actually imagine, that in the 19th century a French explorer literally just discovered the giant temple city? What must that feel like!
This guide contains all the must-knows you need to have before visiting Angkor Wat.
How to get to Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is in close distance to the Cambodian city Siem Reap. Siem Reap is located in the North-Western part of the country and can either be reached by bus from different locations in Cambodia or by plane. Most travellers come from cities such as Phnom Penh or the islands in the south and choose the bus.
For your time exploring Angkor Wat you should get an accommodation close to the city center of Siem Reap. The temples are not in walking distance and in order to get around, you can always hire a tuk-tuk. It is highly recommended to hire a driver for your full time of exploring the different temples.
What do you need to access the temples?
When it comes to what to know about visiting Angkor Wat, this is most important. Angkor Wat is not just one temple. There are countless different complexes in the area. To be allowed to enter them, you need an official Angkor Wat Pass. There are three different options:
- 1 day pass for 37 $
- 3 day pass for 62 $
- 7 day pass for 72 $
The most popular option is the three-day pass.
Notes-from-a-traveller´s tip:
Buy your ticket after 5pm. Doing so, your ticket will automatically be valid for the next morning but you are already allowed to enter the Angkor Parc for free to watch the sunset. This gives you some extra time and you can already tick off the sunset before you are too tired in the following days.
Apart from the official entry ticket, you will as well need the right clothing. The regulations in the whole Angkor Area are very strict and you definitely want to cover both your shoulder and your knees. For the ultimate temple outfit, check out the nearby shops, they have some beautiful and cheap options!
What you need to know before visiting Angkor Wat and the temples
Your days in Siem Reap will probably start very early. Therefore, you want to plan your days ahead to make sure you are not missing out on anything. Make sure to keep the following points in mind:
- The temples are quite distant to each other
Going from one temple to the other might take some time, depending on where you are going. Most of the temples have quite some distance in between and you need to calculate approximately 10-25 minutes of driving.
- Arrive early at the temples to avoid the masses
You won´t be the only one strolling through the temple paradise. The best way to avoid the crowd of tourists is to arrive very early in the morning. Plan your exploration in the morning and take some time off in the afternoon.
- The sunrise over Angkor Wat is a must-do
Yes, you will be one of thousands to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat, but it still is a unique experience. Make sure to arrive way before the sunrise to get a good spot with a beautiful view on the lake and the temple. The reflection on the lake and the colors of the sky are a one-of-a-kind moment which you will never forget.
- Bring some snacks and drinks
Exploring can be quite exhausting. Especially on a hot day, you need to make sure, you got enough water to drink and some small snacks to enjoy in between the temples. You can store them in the tuk-tuk.
- Respect the regulations
You can move pretty much free on the temples. And yet, there are some areas where you are not allowed to enter. Neither are you allowed to enter with the wrong clothing showing too much skin. The Number 1 rule for all of your time in Angkor Wat: respect the regulations!
What to know about visiting Angkor Wat: The most stunning temples you cannot miss
It seems nearly impossible to visit all the temples in the area. Especially as some are not as spectacular as others. It is therefore good to know which temples are worth the visit and which you absolutely cannot miss when being in Siem Reap. Of course, knowing which temples are worth the visit is the main part of this guide on what to know about visiting Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat Temple
Of course, you can never miss the main temple. The Angkor Wat temple is the biggest and the most impressive temple in the whole area. Walking through the hallways, you will really feel like in a different time. The enormous site is about 200 hectares and calls for a big adventure. You could spend a whole day just walking around and exploring all different corners. If you plan on hire a guide, this is your chance!
Make sure to climb up the stairs to the very top to get the best view. But not only the inside of the Angkor Wat Temple is impressive. The view from the outside turns you speechless of how big and massive this building is. And only imagine when it was built. It leaves you in awe of the work.
The Bayon Temple
You might have seen pictures of the Bayon Temple before. The Bayon is also known as the temple of the thousand faces. Millions of faces are chiseled into the stones. 200 faces all looking in different directions and all in different sizes. This truly is an extraordinary piece of art!
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is actually the main temple of the complex and was the main city of the ancient town. It is located directly next to the Bayon and can be reached by walking. For most visitors, this temple is one of the absolute favorites due to its impressive architecture and the great structure. But see for yourself!
Ta Prohm Temple
Is there anyone not knowing this place? The Ta Prohm Temple became famous due to Tomb Raider, a film which was filmed in the temple. Ta Prohm is probably the most natural and photogenic temple of all of Angkor. The Fig, banyan and kapok trees spread their gigantic over the old stones and make it look majestic and incredible at the same time.
Ta Keo Temple
Ready for another amazing temple? The Ta Keo Temple is known as a “temple mountain” due to its building technique. You can “climb” up all the way to the top of the temple mountain and enjoy a great view from above. What amazes visitors most about the Ta Keo Temple is its completely different appearance. It is different to the other temples and therefore absolutely worth a visit!
Pre Rup Temple
Some might say, the Pre Rup Temple looks like a mini version of the main Angkor Temple. The impressive structure is made out of sandstone and even though it is slowly falling apart, you can still explore it safely. Compared to others, this temple is pretty small but still absolutely amazing and interesting to see what its purpose was back in time!
The Banteay Srei Temple
This is another favorite for travellers and a must-do temple during your time in Siem Reap. It takes quite a long drive in the tuk-tuk to reach the temple, but it is all worth it. The first you will notice is the sand stone in a light pink color, which makes the temple complex look very colorful and lively. In the temple itself you can spot a beautiful floral design and impressive sculptures!
Ready for your temple adventure in Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is a must-do when travelling in Cambodia or South East Asia. Especially due to the fact that some parts of the temples are already falling apart and might be closed in the next years, this is your call to go. It is a chance to dive into the history of Cambodia and get to know the live of the ancient folks better. After reading this full guide on what to know about visiting Angkor Wat, you´re best prepared. This is an extraordinary experience which you only have once in your life. Get your Angkor Wat Pass and let´s go!
Fell in love with Cambodia? Check out the ulimtate guide on Where to find a tropical paradise in Cambodia and how to reach it.
