Exploring the temples of Angkor

Very few places match the magic and mysticism of the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Undoubtedly one of Asia’s most recognizable sites, it’s also one of the busiest – receiving over two million adventurers a year with the aim of visiting Angkor Wat – its crown jewel.

Walking through its more than 900 years of history is one of those “pinch me” moments that define a trip to an ancient city. While the site’s beauty and vastness, combined with immense crowds, can seem intimidating, it’s relatively straightforward to escape the crowds and have a unique experience of its famous temples. We share our top tips, best advice, and unique insights in this ultimate guide to making the most of your time at Angkor.

A brief history of the Angkor temples

Whatever your reason for visiting the iconic Angkor Wat, knowing a bit (or a lot) about its history is a sure-fire way to take your trip from good to great. Easily, one of the biggest mistakes people make when thinking of the site is an assumption that there’s only one temple.

Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, but it is only one of more than 1,000 surrounding temples that permeate the landscape. Built during the 12th century for King Suryavarman II, the city of Angkor was the seat of power for the Khmer Empire.

Officially, Angkor is the largest pre-industrial city in history, with prominent historians estimating that it could have been home to as many as one million people. Strangely enough, the city was mysteriously abandoned around 431 AD, and there are few clues as to why. The forest eventually reclaimed it until repair processes started in 1907. These were stopped during the Cambodian Civil War.

Thanks to restoration efforts resuming after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1993, the Angkor Archaeological Complex quickly became one of the most famous sites in Southeast Asia. As the largest religious monument in the world, more than 2.5 million people visit each year.

Note: The names for the city of Angkor and the temple of Angkor Wat are often used interchangeably. Remember that Angkor means city and Wat means temple, to help you differentiate when planning your trip.

Essential travel advice for Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Considering that Angkor Wat is on almost everyone’s bucket list, the finer details of reaching the site are pretty easy to plan out. Let’s get into the basics.

How to get to Angkor Wat

Luckily, there are several ways to get to the Angkor complex from Siem Reap. First, you can hire a tuk tuk, which many consider the best option. You’ll have a local tuk tuk driver, knowledgeable of the area, who you can hire for an entire day with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Alternatives include getting a taxi from Siem Reap, which you can typically organize through your hotel, or renting a scooter. Keep in mind, though, that driving a scooter in the city can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced.

Finally, another excellent way of reaching the complex is on guided Angkor Wat tours. As transportation to and from the site is included, it takes a lot of stress off your shoulders.

The best time to visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Ideally, the best time to explore Angkor Wat is from November to February, during the dry season. This window of time is perfect as it doesn’t get too hot, and there’s almost no rainfall. That said, you’ll likely encounter more tourists.

Aside from choosing the best time of year, the best time to visit is when the sun rises, generally between 5.30 and 6am. The Angkor Archaeological Park is open from 5am until 6pm daily, but most temples only open at 7.30am, with a special exception for Angkor Wat and Phnom Bakheng, which open earlier.

Temples to visit in Angkor

With more than 1,000 temples dotted throughout the archaeological park, dozens of other temples alongside Angkor Wat are worth visiting. Each bursts with striking Khmer architecture, intricate carvings, and captivating Khmer art.

• Angkor Wat: The most famous temple within the complex, it’s characterized by a trio of spires that represent the temple mountain of Mount Meru, the mythical home to Hindu deities.
• Angkor Thom: Also known as the city-within-a-city, Angkor Thom is home to the Terrace of Elephants, a viewing platform overlooking the temple, the Bayon temple, and Angkor.
• Bayon: Located within Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple was built by King Jayavarman VII and showcases 54 Gothic towers, each with huge stone faces carved into the sides.
• Pre Rup: Resembling a miniature version of the Angkor Wat temple, Pre Rup is a lesser-known temple that is an absolute joy at sunset thanks to its atmospheric look and feel.
• Ta Prohm: Swallowed by the jungle, Ta Prohm is famous for featuring in the movie Tomb Raider, thanks to its stuck-in-time appearance, with massive tree roots encasing much of its structure.
• Preah Khan: Comprising a labyrinthine grid of identical chambers, Preah Khan is both breathtaking and slightly unsettling. This monastic complex has remained largely untouched by restoration efforts.
• Banteay Srei: Perched roughly 25km (15.5 miles) northeast of the main temples of Angkor, Banteay Srei is known for its delicate and inspiring, complex red sandstone carvings. It is mostly only visited on Angkor Wat tours.

Top tips for trips to Angkor Wat

Give yourself enough time. We’d suggest three days to explore beyond the ‘big ticket’ temples; the less time you spend there, the harder it is to escape the crowds. Our in-destination experts will also be able to advise you based on your personal needs and requirements, so be sure to reach out to them.

• Don’t just visit the ones you’ve heard of: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon are the most famous ones – how about Preah Khan or the Roluos group? These are as spectacular and easily visited – it’s just that they’re not a favorite with tour groups.
• Come back at a different time of day: In the morning and afternoon, the Bayon is teeming with visitors, but come back at sunset and there will likely only be a handful of people – plus, it’s an incredibly atmospheric time of day.
• Consider a temple safari: It’s thought that Angkor was part of the largest pre-industrial city in the world, covering 390 square miles. Therefore, it is possible to go off the beaten track and discover structures deep in the jungle on a temple safari.
• Respect the dress code: Angkor Wat is a religious site and therefore, you’ll need to dress appropriately. Wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, and behave respectfully.
• Beware of monkeys: You’ll easily spot them wandering throughout the Angkor complex, but it’s best to stay cautious as they can bite. If you’re carrying food or drinks, they might also try to steal them.
• Chat to our local experts! They have a few more secrets up their sleeves to enliven a visit to Angkor…

FAQs about visiting Angkor Wat

Still stuck with a few questions? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked ones about the temples of Angkor.

Can you visit Angkor Wat on your own?

While it is possible to explore Angkor Wat on your own, it’s not recommended. The site is massive, and navigating it without a guide and transportation is challenging. There are plenty of price points for guides in Angkor to suit your budget, with guided tours from Siem Reap offering the best all-in-one option.

Is Angkor worth visiting?

Yes, you should definitely visit Angkor. Considered one of Southeast Asia’s most important temple sites, its historical significance is beyond comparison, giving you incredible insights into Cambodia’s past.

How do you avoid crowds at Angkor Wat?

There are several excellent ways to avoid crowds when visiting. Plan your trip for the off season (November to February). Always try to arrive at the complex early in the morning. Include lesser-known temples in your itinerary, or book guided park tours.

Make it happen

Explore our Cambodia trip ideas for inspiration to help you put together your own trip. Each itinerary is private and can be customized according to your preferences and schedule.