Angkor Wat Archeological Park
The world-famous UNESCO site is a historical marvel. Left mostly undisturbed since the 15th century, it’s like stepping back in time. While some areas have succumbed to the jungle, many remain intact or are being rebuilt to their original state. Whether repaired, maintained, or still in disarray, visiting Angkor Wat is a remarkable adventure.
Located close to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the entire complex is made of over 20 structures spanning more than 400Sq. Acres. Commonly referred to as Angkor Wat, for the most significant and famous temple, the archeological park has a lot to see, including Angkor Thom, created as a capital city, Ta Prohm built as a university and monastery and Bayon, with its enigmatic smiling faces and many more. The temples of Angkor Wat are the national pride of Cambodia and draw over 2 million tourists a year.
Angkor Wat
Designed to represent Mount Hera, home to the gods. The five central towers reach high into the sky, represent mountains. The temple has many mythical interpretations, many are carved into the walls in detailed bas-reliefs. Entirely, surrounded by a moat, crossing the bridge into the site, the five central towers beckon you forward. Arriving at sunrise, watching the light backlight the complex casting it aglow. It’s easy to feel the mythical and religious significance, even today.
Planning your visit to Angkor Wat
Your base of operations is Siem Reap; everything is within a 6-mile radius of Angkor Wat. Consider how you want to spend your time after visiting the temples. If you want to unwind and are not interested in nightlife, several resorts are close to the Park. If you’re going to explore more of Siem Reap and the famous Pub Street, the city center is for you. We stayed a few streets away from Pub Street and the night market. Our boutique hotel was on a quiet street with a few restaurants nearby and a short walk to the action. While we traveled during peak season, we paid under $50 a night for excellent accommodation. For the most productive days in the temples, get an early start. With the high temps and crowds, you will be ready to head back to your hotel by mid-day and rest a bit before enjoying Siem Reap. Read our Discover Siem Reap resource for details on activities and accommodations within Siem Reap.
Start planning your trip today!
Itineraries
We spent three days exploring the Angkor Wat Park and managed to see almost all the sites and explore Siem Reap. Depending on your level of exploration and attention span, three days seems perfect. If you want to see all the Park and sites, five to seven days would cover that plan and give you time to explore Siem Reap. Only have one day? You could see the Big attractions and have a great experience. An initial idea to get you started on how to spend your days.
check out our Travel Planning Services.
Learn more about other sites within Angkor Wat – check out our articles – Discover Bayon, Discover Ta Prohm, Discover Angkor Thom, & Discover Banteay Srei.
Know before you go
essential information to help you plan your visit to Angkor Wat.
Guide or not?
It depends on your interest and purpose. If you have done a lot of research, and a good understanding of the significance of the sites, then you probably do not need a guide. But there is so much detail and stories within the sites, to really get a sense of the history and incredible background of bas-reliefs, etchings, and architecture, having a guide would make your visit better. Having a guide for main sites would give you an excellent overview, and in the smaller places, you would be able to take the learnings and recognize similarities.
Angkor Wat Full Day Sunrise Tour – This award-winning tour is a great way to experience Angkor Wat and the significant temples in one day. In the early dawn, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunrises. Your knowledgable guides, stunning history, and the small group size make an unforgettable experience.
Angkor Wat: Small Group Tour with Balloon Ride and Lunch – For a different adventure, try a small group tour with a more personal feeling. End your tour with seeing Angkor Wat from a different perspective – 200 m above the ground in a tethered balloon.
2 Day Small Group Temples Sunrise Tour – this tour explores the main temples, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom on one day. The second day takes you to the outer edges of the park, visiting several of the smaller temples including Banteay Srei – the oldest temple within Angkor Wat.
How to be a respectful visitor.
Dress Code – respectful clothing is encouraged. With any religious temple, bare shoulders and shorts above the knees are prohibited.
Monuments – these are historical and fragile locations. Sitting, touching, or leaning on the foundations and walls can destroy ancient details.
Smoking & Littering – All temples and structures within the Park are smoke-free. It may be hard to find a trash bin, please take any trash with you.
Monks – you will find monks within the Park, please ask before taking a photo. These are active religious sites, be mindful of monks in prayer. Women should be careful to respect their religious beliefs and not attempt to touch them.
Get inspired for your visit to the Temples of Angkor Wat
We found the following informational and inspirational reading helpful as we planned our trip.
- Bayon – Temple of the Smiling Faces
- Ta Prohm – A Magical Experience
- The Angkor Guide by Maurice Glaize
- Angkor Wat: The History Channel
What is your favorite temple? Let us know in the comments!
Booking Resources
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