Angkor Wat is an architectural and artistic marvel that should be experienced by everyone. If you’re already traveling to Southeast Asia, plan a couple days to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This once in a lifetime experience is worth the time and won’t cost much since Cambodia is a cheap travel destination. We answer all of the common questions people have before visiting Angkor Wat.
Angkor History
Angkor was the capital city of the Khmer Empire which thrived from the 9th-15th century. The city has many temples including the largest Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple. It is widely considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. When you visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia you catch a glimpse of the architectural and artistic history expressed within the ancient empire.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world by land area, covering an impressive 402 acres. It was originally built as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century, but converted into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century. To top it off, the massive temple is surrounded by a giant moat making it a sight to behold.
For more background on who built Angkor Wat and why Angkor Wat was built, please see our Angkor Wat history post.
I’ll save the rest of the history as something to learn and explore on your visit.
When is the best time to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia?
The best time to visit is in the dry season between November and early April. During this time the temperature ranges between 72°F (22°C) to 95°F (35°C). Note that this is the peak season to visit, so you’ll likely experience crowds.
It’s possible to go in the offseason to avoid crowds but you’ll have to contend with rain and possible flooding.
How to get to Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is the largest nearby city to Angkor Wat and includes an international airport. This makes it convenient to fly directly there if the temples are your main point of interest in Cambodia.
Otherwise, if you are coming from Phnom Penh you can take the bus or a private car. The bus is a really budget friendly option, but if the idea of a public bus isn’t for you then a private car is a valid option. The drive is approximately 5 hours long.
See our article about traveling from Bangkok to Angkor Wat, if you are coming from Thailand.
Where to stay when you visit Angkor Wat?
Siem Reap boasts a variety of options in regard to accommodations. They have hostels, mid-level hotels, and even luxury hotels to match any budget.
Remember the U.S. dollar is accepted currency in Cambodia and you can stretch it pretty far. This means delicious meals and cozy hotel rooms at a cheap rate. We tried a couple of different hotels when we visited.
Grand Venus La Residence – Grand Venus was located a few miles outside of central Siem Reap. If you’re looking for something away from the hustle and bustle of the city this hotel is a good choice. It had spacious rooms, good food, and a pool to cool off after exploring ruins all day.
Mony Reach Angkor – Mony Reach Angkor is located near the center of Siem Reap. It’s nice if you want to be close to a lot of restaurant choices and interact with more locals. It has similar amenities to Grand Venus and was also a good choice for the price.
Both of these options are mid-level as far as pricing goes. There are certainly cheaper and more expensive options. See our guide on finding cheap hotels below.
How to book a tour of Angkor Wat?
There are a number of tour companies that will help you schedule a tour. We found it easiest to just work with our hotel as they had a tour concierge that made it very easy. Either way it’s as simple as deciding which type of tour you want and they’ll line everything up. We were able to schedule everything shortly after checking into the hotel.
Types of Tours
There are lots of options when it comes to touring Angkor Wat. You can take a specialized photo tour, bike tours, car tours, tuk-tuk tours, and more. Typically, your guide will take you to the ticket office at the start of a tour if you haven’t pre-purchased tickets.
We opted to take the tuk-tuk tours, as it was far too hot for biking. This included an extremely kind and knowledgeable driver that drove us around all day to countless temples. Bring water! Our driver brought lots of water for us, but just incase they don’t have enough you’ll want some of your own. The sun takes a toll when you’re trekking around all day.
The tuk-tuk tour came with the option to see a sunset or sunrise. We opted for a sunset which was a beautiful way to end the day. We enjoyed it so much we requested the same driver the next day to continue exploring. Even after two full days it feels like we barely scratched the surface.
Which temples should we see when we visit Angkor Wat?
Simple answer, as many as you can. There isn’t enough time on a standard trip to see the countless temples that surround Angkor Wat. Below are a few key temples to see in addition to Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the center of attention and the main reason people travel across the world to see these temples. It’s surrounded by a large moat and includes multi-levels. Visitors are allowed to ascend to the upper levels to take in the intricate design and breathtaking views. Angkor Wat is so iconic that people often don’t realize it’s surrounded by many other impressive temples.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is one of the most famous temples due to it’s appearance in the Tomb Raider movies. The temple is surrounded by a small wall structure and includes trees that are over 500 years old. It’s a great way to see the beauty of the environment taking the city back as the roots and branches intertwine with the structures.
Bayon
Bayon is set at the center of Angkor Thom. The inner and outer galleries are filled with artwork etched into the stone depicting historical and mythological events. The temple’s signature feature is the smiling stone faces on the many towers.
Terrace of the Elephants
Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom. This long terrace was used by former Khmer rulers for public ceremonies like viewing a returning army. The name however comes from the detailed carvings of elephants along the length of the wall. Look closely and you’ll also find carvings of lions and the elephant’s mahouts.
What to bring to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia?
Make sure you have a good experience by bringing everything you need when you visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This list will vary depending on when you go. We went during the dry season when the weather is better (November-early April).
Consider the items below:
- Water – It’s really hot and easy to get dehydrated. Your driver will likely bring some, but it’s best to be prepared.
- Camera – Come prepared to take tons of pictures. You’ll want lots of photos for your album to show family and friends.
- Sarong – It’s important to remember that as a religious site there are some rules and that includes a dress code. Exposed shoulders and short shorts are generally not going to be accepted. A sarong is a great option to cover up before entering a temple, and is lightweight so you won’t get too hot. Note: We only noticed this being enforced when trying to go to the top level of Angkor Wat. It doesn’t hurt to show respect in the other temples.
- Good Walking Shoes – The temples are endless and we walked a lot each day. Bring comfy shoes if you want to see every nook and cranny without sacrificing your feet.
- Sunscreen – Apply generously because you’ll get lots of sun exposure.
- Hats – Same reason as sunscreen. You’re probably going to get a lot of sun!
For more ideas of what to pack, see our article about what we pack to travel.
Is Angkor Wat worth the trip?
Absolutely! If you appreciate history, architecture, art, religion, culture, or archaeology, then Angkor Wat is worth the trip. The biggest surprise to me was the number of temples around Angkor Wat. The city of Angkor is full of so many beautiful structures, both small and large. Plus, the inexpensive food and lodging make it a cheap trip overall.
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