Ultimate Angkor Wat Travel Guide: Explore Cambodia’s Iconic Temple

No traveler’s bucket list would be complete without a visit to the world famous Angkor Wat Cambodia temple. It’s a profound and heavy experience.

Exploring Angkor feels a bit like stepping into The Jungle Book. These massive Hindu temple ruins are almost 1,000 years old, and you can tell it.

Everywhere you look, the once fantastic buildings have been shaped by time and nature — with broken walls, caved in ceilings, and huge tree roots and jungle foliage slowly consuming the temples.

This travel guide for Angkor Wat temple will explain how to get there, where to stay, and how to experience the best temples on the Angkor Wat circuits, along with an Angkor Wat map and everything else you need to know before you go!

What Is Angkor Wat? What Is The History?

The Angkor Wat was a group of temples built by the Khmer empire in the 12th century.

Angkor Wat means ‘temple city’ and the name fits, as it’s one of the biggest religious monuments in the world, covering more than 160 hectares (400 acres).

Constructing the temple (in what is now the country of Cambodia) took more than 30 years and involved 300,000 workers and over 6,000 elephants!

Originally a Hindu temple, Angkor Wat was transformed into a Buddhist temple near the end of the 12th century.

It was neglected and eventually rediscovered in the 1800s by a French explorer, who described it as:

One of these temples, a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michelangelo, might take an honorable place beside our most beautiful buildings.

It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome, and presents a sad contrast to the state of barbarism in which the nation is now plunged.

Explorer Henri Mouhot

Angkor Wat temple has faced damage over the centuries from earthquakes, plant growth, looting, and wars. There were even shootouts at Angkor during the Khmer Rouge control in the 1970s; only the ruins remain now.

Today, Angkor Wat is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of tourists every year.

It looks completely epic, doesn’t it? King Louie would feel right at home.

Where Is Angkor Wat?

The Angkor Wat is located on the outskirts of Siem Reap, in northwest Cambodia.

The closest airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), which is served by a range of budget-friendly airlines. Flights from various destinations like Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (DMK), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Siem Reap can be as low as $40 USD. You can shop for flights to Siem Reap at Skyscanner.

Additionally, traveling overland from Thailand to Angkor Wat is an option.

Best Angkor Wat Tours

If you’re seeking a knowledgeable Siem Reap driver/guide, Klook offers shared day tours starting from $12 USD.

For those planning to experience the stunning sunrise tour, I highly recommend the options available: a private Angkor Wat sunrise tour by tuk-tuk for $19 USD or the shared sunrise tour for $12 USD.

Klook has proven to be excellent for several tours and activities globally, and I recommend it.

Angkor Wat Map For Cambodia

Here’s a rough Angkor Wat map showcasing the temples around the Siem Reap area in Cambodia.

Angkor Wat is situated about 6.3 kilometers (4 miles) — or a quick 15-minute drive — from Siem Reap, which can be located at the bottom of this map.

You’ll find plenty of food and drink shacks scattered throughout the Angkor park, making it easy to stay hydrated.

The only dehydration I experienced was during the rush to reach the sunrise spot in the morning, so it’s wise to bring at least one bottle of water to kickstart your day.

Visiting The Angkor Wat Temples

Most Angkor Wat tours commence at the ticket office, where all foreign visitors must purchase tickets.

The next stop is usually sunrise watching at the main temple, unless you choose to skip this experience.

After sunrise, Angkor tours are divided into two main routes — small circuit or grand circuit. Both routes are worthwhile, consuming roughly an entire day each. More details to follow.

You can explore Angkor Wat by car or tuk-tuk. A car with air conditioning is more comfortable and arguably safer on the road, while tuk-tuks are more economical and considerably more enjoyable.

Regardless, prepare for substantial walking in the Cambodian heat, which can be intense — so bring some $1 US Dollar bills for drinks at the various stands scattered throughout the park!

Hours of Entry

• Angkor Ticket Office: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
• Angkor Wat: 5 AM – 5:30 PM
• Phnom Bakheng & Pre Rup: 5 AM – 7 PM
• All Other Temples: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Tickets & Entrance Fees

As of 2024, the Angkor Wat entry fees from the main ticket office are as follows:

• 1 Day: $37 USD
• 3 Days: $62 USD
• 7 Days: $72 USD
• Children: Free (Under 12)
• Cambodians: Free

These fees are very high by Cambodian standards, however, it’s certainly worth it!

Payment is accepted in cash (US Dollars, Cambodian Riel, Thai Baht, Euro) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB, Discover and Diners Club).

Ticket Durations

It’s important to note that the 1 day Cambodia temple ticket is only valid for the day of purchase and cannot be used later.

However, the 3 day ticket is valid for 10 days from the date of purchase, allowing you to choose any of those 3 days to visit the temples — making it easy to schedule rest days in between visits if necessary.

The 7 day ticket is valid for a month from the date of purchase, permitting you to select any 7 days for temple visits during that calendar month.

Dress Code

As Angkor Wat is a temple and sacred site in Cambodia, there is a modest dress code enforced for both men and women.

Attire should cover your knees and shoulders; otherwise, entry may be denied. They’re serious about this. Shorts are acceptable as long as they extend below the knees.

Sunrise At The Angkor Wat

Many tours at Angkor Wat commence with watching the sunrise at the temples. This is a highly recommended experience, and I wrote a mini-guide for it here detailing the best photo spots and navigation tips.

Prepare to navigate through crowds of tourists to secure a prime viewing spot, as this is one sunrise you don’t want to miss!

It’s considered one of the most beautiful sunrise locations globally, with the sun rising directly behind the main temple, creating a fantastic scene.

Small Circuit vs Grand Circuit

All tours of Angkor Wat are divided into two routes — small circuit or grand circuit.

Contrary to what the names imply, both routes take a roughly equal amount of time and visit a similar number of temples. You can spend a full day exploring either route, and it’s challenging to do both in one day.

Which circuit is superior? That’s a subjective question. It’s primarily a matter of personal preference and your specific interests.

For example, the ‘Tomb Raider temple’ (Ta Prohm) is included in the small circuit, while the grand circuit also boasts impressive sites. If I had to choose, I’d slightly favor the small circuit, despite its name.

Below, you’ll find highlights of both Angkor Wat circuits for you to decide which appeals to you more. If time permits, experience both!

Small Circuit – Things To See

• Angkor Wat

Both circuits commence at the stunning Angkor Wat temple. Experiencing the sunrise here is epic, and the temple itself is vast, making it worth at least an hour of your exploration time.

• Baksei Chamkrong

This temple is one of my favorites in Angkor Wat. It’s a small, lesser-known pyramid temple near Angkor Thom. You may need to request your driver to stop here, as most tours overlook this hidden gem.

• Angkor Thom Gate

This gate lies on the south side of Angkor Thom’s temple complex. Although it’s in poor condition, you can still traverse it by vehicle or on foot, providing some fantastic photo opportunities.

• Bayon

Bayon ranks among the most significant temples in Angkor Thom, showcasing some of the finest wall carvings in the area. This is also where you can observe the renowned stone faces featured in many photographs.

• Thommanon

Thommanon is one of the less frequented temples in Angkor Thom, and it appears that most tour groups do not visit it. The carvings and doorways are worth exploring.

• Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is famously known as the ‘Tomb Raider temple’ featured in the 2001 Angelina Jolie film, where she explores the temple ruins and suddenly the floor gives way beneath her.

This striking temple is particularly photogenic, thanks to a spectacular tree growing atop the ruins. It’s easy to understand why it was chosen for the film, given its fantastic atmosphere.

Visitors can marvel at ancient Buddhist carvings and crumbling walls, which nature has slowly reclaimed, dominated by gigantic jungle roots.

Once, over 10,000 Khmer people lived at Ta Prohm; however, it was abandoned in the 15th century after the fall of the Khmer empire and remained deserted for centuries.

Today, Ta Prohm stands as one of the most visited sites within the Angkor complex, attracting thousands of tourists daily; so you may need to navigate crowds to capture those memorable photos!

• Banteay Kdei

More incredible trees and temples await in Angkor Wat Cambodia! The tree roots at Banteay Kdei are genuinely massive, as they continue to overpower the structures.

Grand Circuit – Things To See

• Angkor Wat

Both the small circuit and grand circuit initiate at the iconic Angkor Wat temple. Witnessing the sunrise here is epic, and the temple itself is immense, warranting at least an hour of your time to explore.

• Preah Khan

Much of the main temple is in ruins, yet it is fascinating to observe how nature is gradually reclaiming the remnants. This locale is one of my favorite stops on the grand circuit.

• Neak Pean

This is an island temple situated in the midst of a small pond. It is particularly lovely to see right after the rainy season; however, late in the dry season, the water level diminishes significantly (as depicted).

• Ta Som

While this temple is smaller, the highlight here is the stone doorway, which is being consumed and held in place by a strangler tree.

• East Mebon

This temple isn’t in the best condition compared to some others in Cambodia; however, the standout features here would have to be the elephant statues positioned at each corner of the temple.

• Pre Rup

This significant temple is situated near the end of the Angkor Wat Cambodia grand circuit. Historically, it was a site for funerals, which could explain its somewhat eerie appearance. The structures atop the pyramid are the most well-preserved, so be sure to check there.

Beyond Angkor Wat – More Temples To See

• Koh Ker Temple

This group of isolated temples is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Siem Reap, making it a viable option for a day trip. The main structure features a 7-tier pyramid ensconced in the forest, accessible via a stairway that reveals an impressive view of the surrounding area.

• Prasat Pram Temple

This site is part of the Koh Ker area; however, Pram Temple is so incredible it deserves individual mention. These ancient temples are being enveloped by colossal strangler trees, and visiting them is a must if you have the time for a day trip from Siem Reap. This may be my favorite site in Cambodia, second only to Angkor Wat itself.

• Bantei Srei Temple

This temple is about a 1 hour drive from Siem Reap and can be combined with a grand or small circuit tour if you compensate the driver a bit more. The striking red sandstone colors are lovely, and this temple is recognized for having some of the finest stone carvings among all Khmer temples.

• Beng Mealea

This temple, located about a 1.5 hour drive from Siem Reap, can be included with a visit to Koh Ker as a full day exploration. While mostly in ruins, its current state contributes to its intrigue!

• Roluos Group

This group of temples is only a 30 minute drive from Siem Reap, making it convenient to combine with a full-day itinerary. The Roluos temples date back to the 9th century, rendering them some of the oldest Khmer structures in Cambodia.

Hotels At The Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, located just a 5-minute drive from the Angkor Wat Cambodia temples, is the ideal base for your stay during your exploration.

This vibrant town offers numerous excellent restaurants, hotels, and massage establishments at remarkably reasonable prices.

Angkor Wat Itinerary

Here’s an illustrative Angkor Wat itinerary for spending up to 4 days in Siem Reap, Cambodia:

• Day 1: Angkor Wat sunrise + small circuit. Wake up early to see the epic sunrise over the main temple, then explore sites on the small circuit including Baksei Chamkrong, the Angkor Thom gate, Bayon, Thommanon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei.
• Day 2: Angkor Wat grand circuit. Visit temples like Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup, and Bantei Srei Temple.
• Day 3: Day trip to Koh Ker temples and more. Hire a driver for the day to head over to Koh Ker, a group of isolated temples about 2.5 hours from Siem Reap. Explore additional sites like Prasat Pram, Beng Mealea, and the Roluos group along the way.
• Day 4: Spend the day in Siem Reap town. Sample a tarantula at the Bugs Cafe, visit Wat Thmey (killing fields), and shop for souvenirs at the Siem Reap market.

For further detailed suggestions, refer to my comprehensive Angkor Wat itinerary guide.

Is Cambodia Safe?

Yes, I believe Cambodia is a safe destination, as I have visited the country numerous times.

It is one of the world’s poorest countries, yet violent crime and terrorism are not prevalent issues in recent years.

However, one concern in Cambodia is the incidence of bag or phone snatchings, particularly in Phnom Penh, albeit occasionally in Siem Reap as well. To mitigate this risk, carry your bag across your chest to make it more challenging to swipe, and store your phone away while traversing traffic in a tuk-tuk.

While nowhere in the world is completely devoid of safety risks, Cambodia welcomes millions of tourists each year, with most visiting Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Angkor Wat?

• Holidays

To steer clear of the peak seasonal crowds at Angkor, be cautious around the Chinese New Year, which occurs in January or February annually.

• Weather

The climate in Cambodia is tropical, resulting in hot and humid conditions year-round.

The rainy season extends from May to November (most notably in September and October), while the sunny season spans December to April.

Visiting Angkor Wat during the rainy season is possible, but allowing extra time as a buffer for adverse weather conditions is advisable.

I have visited Cambodia multiple times in May, and the weather was consistently bright and sunny, with no rainfall.

• Time of Day

To avoid the heat and crowds, aim for an early start in the morning.

Make sure to dedicate at least one morning for the remarkable Angkor Wat sunrise experience at the temples.

Happy travels!