The absolute highlight of a trip through Cambodia are the temples of Angkor. This magnificent world heritage site, located near Siem Reap, is the largest religious complex in the world and will make for an unforgettable experience. Located in the Cambodian jungle, we found this to be one of the most imposing structures we have ever seen! In this complete travel guide you will read everything you need to know to be well prepared to go out: what are the most beautiful temples, how best to visit and tips to avoid the crowds. Get ready to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world: Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
What is Angkor (Wat)
The city of Angkor was the capital of the then Khmer empire from the 9th to the 15th century. They then dominated much of Southeast Asia and were one of the most advanced civilizations. At its peak, nearly 1 million people lived in this city. Because the houses were built of wood and the temples of stone, only the latter remain intact. The temples are both Buddhist and Hindu inspired. As a result of political unrest in the region, the then king decided to leave Angkor in the 15th century and Phnom Penh as the new capital.
The abandoned city was completely overgrown by jungle until 400 years later, in 1900, French explorers rediscovered Angkor. In 1992, the complex was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, Angkor is the world’s largest religious structure and Cambodia’s main attraction, with nearly 3 million visitors a year.
Note: Before you read on, it is important to emphasize that “Angkor Wat” is used to refer to one specific temple in the Angkor temple complex. In fact, many use the term Angkor Wat to refer to the entire area, which is actually incorrect.
How many days in Angkor
Whether you are a culture buff or not, it is quite a challenge to visit all the highlights of Angkor in one day. The temple complex is spread over 162 acres and is really huge. Taking into account the hot temperatures and the large area, we recommend taking at least 2 days for this. This will give you enough time to combine the most beautiful temples and enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset and do so at your own pace. A visit to Angkor can also be easily planned into a tour of Cambodia.
Best travel time to visit Angkor
Cambodia, like most countries in Southeast Asia, has a monsoon climate. This means that temperatures average around 30°C throughout the year, with some months slightly warmer than others. So the temples are best visited early in the morning or late afternoon, as it can get incredibly hot during the day. The rainy season runs from May through October. Therefore, the best time to travel in Cambodia is during the dry season, which runs from November to April . However, do not be discouraged by the rainy season. The rain often falls in shorter periods and in the afternoon, allowing you to visit Angkor year-round. Just don’t forget to bring a raincoat then!
What does it cost to visit Angkor
You can visit Angkor only with a valid entrance ticket. Here you have a choice between a day ticket, a 3-day pass or a 7-day pass. There is a ticket check at almost every temple, so always keep this handy. There is only one ticket office and it is located between Siem Reap and the temple complex. The day you buy the ticket counts as the first day of your visit. Unless you buy a ticket after 5 p.m. in the evening, then validity only starts from the next day. Below is a price chart (2024):
- Day pass: $37
- 3-day pass: $62 – it is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase
- 7-day pass: $72 – it is valid for 1 month from the date of purchase
So with the multi-day passes, you don’t have to visit Angkor on consecutive days. In addition, children under 12 are allowed in for free. Make sure you always have a passport with you to prove this because this is also checked. If you do not have much time you can also buy a ticket online. These will be delivered to your hotel the evening before your visit, saving you time the next morning. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to queue for a ticket.
How to visit Angkor
You can visit Angkor in Cambodia in a variety of ways. From independently by bicycle to guided group tours. Find out what the different options are here. The temple complex opens from 5 am and closes around 7 pm. However, most temples only open from 7:30 am and close around 5:30 pm, with the exception of the main temple Angkor Wat which you can visit from 5 am before sunrise.
By tuktuk
The best (and most enjoyable) way to visit the temple complex Angkor is by tuktuk. These motorized three-wheelers fit up to four people, so the price depends a bit on how many you are with. In Siem Reap, you can easily speak to a tuktuk driver on the street or you can arrange one through your hotel. Agree a clear price in advance, how long you want to visit the temple complex and which temples. You have a short route and long route you can follow, which cost around $15 and $20 respectively. The drivers know this area like no one else and can help you avoid the crowds by changing the order of the “standard day tour,” but indicate this clearly at the start of your tour. If you want to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat (which we highly recommend!), then this tour is ideal!
TRAVEL TIP: Look carefully at your tuktuk and driver to avoid “Where’s Wally” situations. Often you leave together before dawn and have to find him among the several, dozens of tuktuks that all look alike.
With a guide
When you visit Angkor by tuktuk it is not guided. The drivers drop you off at the temples but do not have the authority to go inside with you and give you explanations. If you would like more explanation during temple visits, a guided tour is recommended. This two-day private tour takes you around the main temples of Angkor with the English-speaking guide telling you everything you want to know! You can also opt for your own tuktuk and take one of the guides who are waiting at the entrance of the temple Angkor Wat, but these guides are not at all temples. Such a guide costs about 15$ for a whole day.
With a bicycle tour
If you like a sporting challenge, you can also explore the temples by bicycle. In Siem Reap, you can rent a good bike for a few dollars and hit the road. If this sounds like something for you, keep in mind that you’ll be cycling about 40 km in total and in tropical temperatures. Guided bicycle tours can also easily be booked book online and this one itself includes breakfast and lunch.
The most beautiful temples
Angkor is a beautiful and gigantic complex with an awful lot of temples. It can therefore be overwhelming to make choices about which ones to visit. At your hotel or with your tuktuk driver you will be recommended some sample itineraries of temples. Below are our favorite temples of Angkor!
AngkorWat
Angkor Wat is the main temple of Angkor and is the absolute showstopper! This temple is the showpiece of the entire complex and is considered one of the most extraordinary religious structures ever built. Watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most popular things to do and highly recommended! Be sure to secure a spot at one of the two small ponds in front of the temple around 5am. This makes for great photos, where you can see the sun appearing behind the towers and the temples reflected in the water. Afterwards, walk on quickly so that you get to the back of the complex, where it is much quieter.
Bayon
Bayon is a very special temple because of its 54 towers, each containing 4 faces. The total of 216 faces smiling at you are those of the former Khmer king Jayavarman VII. We thought this was perhaps the most beautiful temple of all. After sunrise, head straight to this temple with your tuktuk or bicycle. Most people linger at Angkor Wat for a long time and therefore Bayon is still fairly quiet.
Angkor Thom
The Bayon temple is located in the Angkor Thom section, a kind of mini-city in the Angkor temple complex. This area is completely walled and you enter through one of four beautiful entrance gates. In addition to the Bayon temple, you will find other impressive temples here. For example, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Baphuon temple and the Terrace of the Leper King are worth visiting. You can walk from one temple to another through the jungle. These are easily skipped by most people, so chances are you will also have these temples all to yourself!
Ta Prohm
At Ta Prohm you can unleash your inner Lara Croft, as this is the world-famous temple from the movie Tomb Raider. Here you can clearly see how the jungle has taken over the temples. Over the gigantic structures wind roots of the giant Ceiba Pentandra trees which makes for beautiful pictures. This temple is very large and you can easily spend several hours here. We recommend visiting this temple first on your second day. Since most people are at Angkor Wat at that time, it will not be so crowded and you can take pictures and explore Ta Prohm in peace.
Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng is one of the oldest temples in the complex. This temple consists of several layers you can climb up and is especially popular during sunset. Come towards this temple around 5pm, bring some drinks with you when you go up and find a nice spot. From here you have a fantastic view of the jungle where you can see the different temples among the trees. This view gives you a good idea of how big this area is.
Where to stay
Siem Reap is the base for your visit to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. This cozy town has become a real tourist destination because of its location just 6 km from the temple complex. You will find plenty of cozy restaurants, souvenir shops and especially in the evening there is a lively atmosphere here. The hotels are of good quality and affordable, and there is plenty of choice for every budget.
- Budget (€): Rithy Rine Residence
- Comfort (€€): The Community
- Luxurious (€€€): Shintana Saya La Maison
Tips for your visit to Angkor
With this travel guide, you’ll be ready to make the most of your visit to Angkor in Cambodia! We’ll give you a few final tips so you’re well prepared to hit the road:
- Attire: Angkor is still a religious complex and for this you must dress appropriately. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. For men, this matters a little less. Due to crowds, this is sometimes less checked, but out of respect for the culture, we recommend you take this into consideration.
- Sun Protection: Once the sun is out it gets incredibly hot and there is limited shade between the various temples. So be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself. Also, drink plenty of water between visits. At the complex you will find several stands and restaurants where you can buy drinks or eat something.
- Souvenirs: Around the temples, you will often see children selling souvenirs. It looks cute, but if you buy something from them, you are contributing to perpetuating the fact that these children are sent out instead of going to school.
- Angkor National Museum: If you have time to spare the day before your visit to Siem Reap, be sure to visit the Angkor National Museum. Here you will get the necessary background information on the origins of Angkor, the Khmer Empire and the synergy between the different religions that ruled at the time.
Do you have any questions about your visit to Angkor? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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