The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat (2024)
I recently had the chance to explore a site that I've been obsessed with since I was a child geeking out over History Channel documentaries. Visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia is an experience that will take you to a distant world of religious significance and immense grandeur.
Once consumed by the Cambodian jungle, Angkor Wat is one of the most treasured archaeological and cultural monuments in the world. It's a huge complex, so let me tell you all the details you need to visit Angkor Wat with confidence.
Quick Facts about Angkor Wat
- Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world, with the central temple covering 402 acres.
- It was the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire during the Middle Ages- from 802-1431 AD- before falling into disuse and being consumed by the jungle.
- Angkor Wat was revealed to the world in 1860 and is now visited by 2.6 million tourists each year.
- Angkor is located just outside of modern-day Siem Reap, Cambodia. I recommend booking your hotel in the city.
- Angkor Wat requires a pass to visit. The three-day pass is the most popular and costs US$62. Passes can be purchased at the ticket office or online from Angkor Enterprise.
- The small loop at Angkor can be done in one day. If you want to visit the surrounding temples, you'll need two to three full days.
- Opening hours are 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Angkor Wat (primary temple) is open at 5 am for sunrise.
- While visiting the Hindu/Buddhist holy place, it's important to dress respectfully, covering knees and shoulders.
- Water, sunscreen, and a hat are highly advised!
Confusing Vocabulary
Let's get some verbiage straight. While the entirety of Angkor Archaeological Park is often referred to as “Angkor Wat”, technically, Angkor Wat is the central temple. (Wat means Buddhist monastery or temple in many Indo-Chinese languages.)
While the temple is huge, the park actually includes the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom, immense waterways, walled villages of stone, and more temples than you can count. The full site covers 400 square kilometers.
1. Getting to Angkor Wat
To explore Angkor Wat, it's best to base yourself in Siem Reap. The city is located in the northwest region and has a new international airport called Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI).
It's also six hours by bus from the Phnom Penh Airport.
Siem Reap itself is a very cute town situated on a small river with the same name. It has several high-end restaurants and hotels, a bustling Pub Street with nightlife, innovative public art installations, and great tourist infrastructure overall
Angkor Archaeological Park is located just four miles from Siem Reap. The journey is about 20 minutes by car or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap City Center.
Pro Tip: I highly recommend visiting Angkor National Museum in town, before you head to the site. It's a modern, expertly coordinated museum that gives immense insight into Khmer art and will help you understand the temple carvings—a must if you're not hiring a guide!
2. Ticket Options to Visit Angkor Wat
You must have a valid ticket to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park. The ticket process is a bit more complex than most tourist passes. Let's walk through it.
Types of Angkor Passes
The Angkor Pass comes in three versions. The three-day pass is the most popular choice. However, you can see all the famous temples with a one-day pass.
Seven-day passes are convenient for those who want to see more remote temples or have trouble being on their feet all day.
- One-Day: One day of entry (you can enter multiple times) – US$37
- Three-Day: Three days of entry within a 7-day validity period – US$62
- Seven-Day: Seven days of entry within one month – US$72
You will be asked to show your pass when you come in the West Entrance to the main temple. Keep your Angkor tickets handy because you'll have to show them several more times throughout your visit—each time you enter a different city gate or cluster of temples.
Children under 12 enter free, but they will need to show their passports at all checks in lieu of a pass.
Purchasing Your Pass to Angkor Wat
There are two ways to acquire your park pass. This link will walk you through a step-by-step process to create an account and upload your travel documents, and a headshot. You'll be given a virtual ID badge that you'll need to present during your trip.
The second option is to apply for a hard copy at the Angkor Park Pass Ticket Counters. It's on the corner of Apsara Road and Street 60 and is open from 5.00 am-5.30 pm daily.
The ticket office is 4 km from Siem Reap city center, but any tuk-tuk driver will know exactly where to go.
Pro Tip: Tickets purchased after 4.45 pm are valid for the next day, so you could technically get a sunset visit to Angkor Wat for “free”.
Crowds at Angkor Wat
Angkor has been labeled the “eighth wonder of the world”, so it's busy year round—especially for sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. From there, everyone spreads out, and it's not too bad. Expect to see tuk-tuks, bikes, cars, buses, and elephants roaming the complex.
To save time in the chaos, I highly recommend booking your ticket online before your trip. This especially applies to those who want to catch the sunrise. Booking an organized tour with a guide will also help you navigate the craziness that is Angkor!
3. How to Visit Angkor Wat
Angkor Archaeological Park covers 400 square kilometers including the ancient city of Angkor Thom and several temple complexes. If you want to see all the temples, it will take several days.
However, there are two popular options for touring the Angkor temples that are enough for most tourists.
The Small Circuit
The Small Circuit starts at the West Entrance and covers all the most famous temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat, the ancient city of Angkor Thom and its Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple (tree temple from the film Tomb Raider).
You can easily complete the Small Circuit in one day, and that's at a slow, immersive pace.
The small circuit includes:
Angkor Wat – great if you only have the capacity for one stop, then Angkor Wat is the only temple to consider.
Phnom Bakheng – A good place for sunrise photos of Angkor Wat.
Bayon – Famous face temple inside Angkor Thom – though busy, this was one of my favorite Angkor temples.
Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King
Baphuon – A lesser-known temple inside Angkor Thom – beware of the monkeys.
Phimeanakas
Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda
Ta Keo
Ta Prohm – An incredible temple from the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Banteay Kdei – One of the smaller temples very close to Ta Prohm and similar in style, without all the people.
Srah Srang
Pro Tip: Ask your driver to take you to Preah Khan as well. It's just off the circuit and is mostly destroyed by encroaching trees. It allows you to see what most of the temples looked like upon rediscovery and features a beautiful walk through the jungle.
The Grand Circuit
The Grand Circuit is obviously much larger. It encompasses 40 km, showcasing several lesser-known temples. It will take a full day to complete this circuit.
The Grand Circuit includes:
Angkor Wat
Srah Srang
Prea Rup – A 10th-century temple best visited at sunset.
Eastern Mebon
Ta Som – Small temple that is encompassed by a tree.
Neak Poan
Prasat Preah Khan
Angkor Thom Northern Gate
Bayon Temple
Pnom Bakhen
Other Temples to Consider Visiting
The Roluos Temples are outside the loops but within the Angkor Temple Complex. Roluos includes four temples that are some of the oldest in the region: Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei, and Prasat Prei Monti.
Banteay Srei is located north of the Angkor and is a beautiful temple. It features a delicate look with exquisite decorations.
It's known as the Citadel of Women and some scholars even think it was designed by women. It's my favorite temple outside of the circuits and definitely worth a visit!
4. Tour Options for Angkor Wat
You will need some form of transport to visit Angkor. There are numerous options fit for every kind of traveler and budget.
Most guided tours of Angkor begin in the early morning before sunrise with typical pickup times at 4.30 am and stop at the ticket office to get your pass.
Full Guided Tour With Private Car
For the ultimate ease, book a full guided tour from your hotel or a travel agency. Private tours range from budget to luxury.
Budget private tours are about US$60 which includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, and English-speaking tour guide, and water. It doesn't include food or entrance fees.
Group Tours
Small group tours are available online or through every hotel. They are similar to the private ones except your van will be shared with a group of tourists. These typically cost around US$20.
Explore by Bicycle or Scooter
You can also visit Angkor Wat on a bicycle with a guided tour or on your own. Guided tours range from US$40-$75 depending on the number of temples and meals included. To do your own tour, several guesthouses in town offer rentals, and there are wonderful bike rental shops in town.
Cavar Biking offers new mountain bikes with helmets, locks, hotel delivery, and an air pump for US$8/day.
Electric scooters are available in Siem Reap for US$8-$15/day.
On-Site Tour Guides
If you choose to visit Angkor predominantly on your own, you can still hire a local guide for part of the journey. Knowledgeable tour guides are available at most of the major temples.
The going rate is US$40 for the entire day, but they're negotiable, and you can ask for the price for one temple if you want.
Self-Exploration with Tuk-Tuk Drivers
Hiring a tuk-tuk is the most economical and flexible way to visit Angkor. The going rate is US$15-20 for the entire day. Tuk Tuk drivers are very familiar with the route.
They'll pick you up from your hotel at your chosen time and spend the day with you. While they may have information to help you, they are not tour guides but primarily drivers.
5. Need to Know Info for Angkor Wat
Hours of Operation: Most temples in Angkor are open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Angkor Wat, Srah Srang, Phnom Bakhen, and Pre Rup open at 5.00 am for sunrise. Phnom Bakeng and Pre Rup are open until 7.00 pm for sunset tours.
What to Bring: Your guide or tuk-tuk driver will likely provide water. Pack a hat for shade, sunscreen, snacks, and cash for souvenirs or food. Keep your pass on you at all times. Cameras are welcome for personal use, but no drones.
Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear suitable for walking long distances and climbing uneven surfaces, as exploring the temples often involves a lot of walking and stairs.
The Dress Code: Dress in Cambodia is fairly modest. You need to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting any Buddhist temples, the Angkor complex, and the Royal Palace. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing to survive the Cambodian heat.
6. The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season from October to April. March and April are the hottest months, so many tourists avoid.
If you want to escape the crowds, it's the best time. December and January are consistently the busiest months.
7. Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Luxury Option: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor – 5-star hotel in the city center with all the amenities, from US$251/night
Mid-range Option: The Elephant – 4-star hotel with excellent location, room service, and pool, from US$32/night
Budget Option: Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker – Combination budget guesthouse and hostel with an on-site restaurant, bar, and swimming pool, from US$9/night
Need more options? You need only ask – here is the full guide on all accommodation options in town!
Book Your Trip To Cambodia
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to Cambodia.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Cambodia, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Cambodian Riel. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more!
Get the Best eSIM
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Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
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Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can you visit Angkor Wat on your own?
You can visit Angkor Wat on your own by hiring a tuk-tuk for US$20 per day. The driver will escort you to any of the Angkor temples you choose. Just preapprove the temples you want to visit and agree on a price.
📅 How many days do you need to visit Angkor Wat?
You can see the Small Circuit of Angkor Wat, which includes all the must-see temples, in half a day at a leisurely pace. To complete the Grand Circuit, you'll need two days. To visit the outer temples like Banteay Srei, you'll need 2-3 full days.
✔️ What is the best way to visit Angkor Wat?
There are many ways to see Angkor Wat. Most travelers choose a guided tour or an excursion by tuk-tuk. If you don't know much about the history of Angkor Wat, I highly recommend booking an option with a guide.
Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat – Final Words
For me, Cambodia is one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Asia, and the Angkor Temples certainly contribute to that in a big way! Visiting Angkor Wat is a must for any culture vulture, history buff, or traveler interested in checking off those big ticket items.
Just remember, if you're visiting approach this site with utmost respect. Angkor is a treasure historical and religious monument to locals, and it should be explored with a combination of wonder and reverence.
If all this temple hopping and religious artistry has got you feeling spiritual, check out this list of the best yoga retreats in Cambodia.
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