Guide To Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is one of the most famous and well-preserved ancient temple complexes in the world. It is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia and is a must-visit for any traveler visiting Southeast Asia. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit to Angkor Wat.

Travel Guide

1. Plan your visit: It is best to visit Angkor Wat early in the morning, around 5-6 am, to avoid the crowds and heat of the day. You can also visit in the late afternoon, around 4-5 pm, to see the temple in a different light.
2. Ticket options: There are two options for purchasing tickets – a one-day pass or a multi-day pass. A one-day pass costs $37 and allows you to visit Angkor Wat for one day, while a multi-day pass costs $62 and allows you to visit for three consecutive days.
3. Getting around: Angkor Wat is located about 6 kilometers from Siem Reap, and the easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks can be arranged through your hotel or by hiring one for the day.
4. What to see: Angkor Wat is the main temple in the complex, but there are many other temples to explore. Some of the other must-visit temples include Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Baphuon.
5. Dress code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly while visiting Angkor Wat. This means covering your knees and shoulders.
6. Photography tips: Angkor Wat is a photographer’s paradise, but be respectful of the temple and the people visiting. Avoid taking flash photography, and try to capture the temple in the best light.
7. Hiring a guide: Hiring a guide is highly recommended to make the most of your visit to Angkor Wat. Guides will give you a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the temple complex.

In conclusion, Angkor Wat is a unique and fascinating place that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With a little planning, you can make the most of your visit and experience the beauty and wonder of this ancient temple complex.

History

Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century by the Khmer King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It was later converted to a Buddhist temple in the late 12th century and became the center of the Khmer empire for over 400 years.

The temple was built on a massive scale, covering an area of about 162 hectares and featuring five central towers, a moat, and a vast system of galleries and courtyards. It is considered one of the largest religious monuments in the world and is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

During the 15th century, Angkor Wat was abandoned and was gradually overtaken by the jungle. It remained largely forgotten until the late 19th century when French archaeologists rediscovered the temple and began a major restoration project.

Today, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Cambodia’s top tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors every year. Despite the crowds, the temple remains one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient temple complexes in the world, and a visit to Angkor Wat is a must for any traveler visiting Southeast Asia.

Things to do

1. Explore the temple complex: Angkor Wat is the main temple in the complex, but there are many other temples to explore, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Baphuon. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of each temple.
2. Watch the sunrise: Arrive at Angkor Wat early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the temple complex. It is a magical experience and one of the best times to take photos.
3. Take a bike tour: Rent a bike and explore the temple complex and the surrounding area. You will be able to see many temples and other interesting sights along the way.
4. Climb to the top: Climb to the top of one of the central towers to get a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding area.
5. Visit the museum: Visit the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap to learn about the history and culture of the Khmer empire.
6. Take a cooking class: Learn how to make traditional Cambodian dishes in a cooking class. You will be able to try local food and learn about the culture of Cambodia.
7. Enjoy a traditional dance performance: See a traditional Cambodian dance performance to experience the culture and music of Cambodia.
8. Visit local villages: Visit local villages in the area to learn about the daily life of the people in Cambodia.
9. Relax at a local spa: After a long day of exploring the temple complex, relax at a local spa and enjoy a traditional massage.
10. Go shopping: Shop for souvenirs, including traditional textiles, silk, and jewelry, at the local markets in Siem Reap.

Overall, there are many things to do at Angkor Wat and in the surrounding area, so make sure you plan ahead and make the most of your time in Cambodia.

How to reach

Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, about 6 kilometers from the city center. Here are the different ways to reach Angkor Wat:

1. By flight: Siem Reap International Airport is the nearest airport to Angkor Wat, and it is well connected to major cities in Southeast Asia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat.
2. By bus: There are several bus companies that operate regular services from Phnom Penh and other cities in Cambodia to Siem Reap. From Siem Reap, you can take a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat.
3. By car: If you are driving, you can rent a car or hire a driver to take you from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. This is a convenient option if you want to explore the temple complex and the surrounding area at your own pace.
4. By boat: If you are traveling from Phnom Penh, you can take a boat along the Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap. From Siem Reap, you can take a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat.

Regardless of how you get to Angkor Wat, it is best to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance to avoid any hassle or confusion.

Temple Timing

Angkor Wat is open daily from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm. It is recommended to visit the temple in the early morning to avoid crowds and to see the sunrise over the temple complex.

The temple complex can be busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it is best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to explore the temple complex. A day pass for Angkor Wat costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days, and $72 for seven days.

Visitors are required to dress modestly when visiting Angkor Wat and other temples in the complex. This means covering your shoulders and legs, and removing your shoes before entering the temples.

It is also important to respect the cultural and religious significance of Angkor Wat and to follow the rules and guidelines set by the temple authorities. This includes not touching or climbing on the temples, not littering, and not taking any items from the temple complex.