Angkor Wat Travel Guide

  Temple
by Wojtek_R
 
  • Temple
      Temple
    by Wojtek_R
  • Dancers at Angkor Wat
      Dancers at Angkor Wat
    by GrumpyDiver
  • Along the walls
      Along the walls
    by tedandtina
  •   Angkor Wat
    by tedandtina
  • Ta Keo
      Ta Keo
    by MarvintheMartian
 

Pro

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 One of the 7 Wonders of the World, amazing cultural experiences 


Con

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 Ubiquitous Saleskids, Poverty, Almost Unbearable Heat, Dust. 


In a nutshell

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 A thousand years of history in one park, go quickly 

 

Explore Angkor Wat

Things to Do  

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat

 222 Reviews  The actual Angkor Wat temple complex itself (which is only one of many in the park,) is amazing. Built early - mid 12th century C.E. by Srryavarman 11 as a Hindu temple. This temple complex is breathtaking with it's three tiered pyramid, topped with 5 towers. 

Sunset at Bakheng Hill

Sunset at Bakheng Hill, Angkor Wat

 40 Reviews  To catch a spectacular sunset, climb the steps leading up to Bakheng hill. The colours are very rich and deep. It feels like a big social event as there will be plenty of other tourists waiting for the magic hour. Just watch your step as you are coming down in the fading light. 

Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat

 120 Reviews  The four tiers of aspara here are incredible. They are more than 700 years old but many are extremely well preserved, likely to be a result of them having been covered over by the front wall. Extraordinary that these figures were simply covered over. It is believed that this was undertaken to... 

Ta Phrom

Ta Phrom, Angkor Wat

 60 Reviews  This temple complex, made famous by the film "Tomb Raider", is indeed unique, due the the different tree growth. Built mid 12th - early 13th century by Jayavarman V11, this was yet another Buddhist monastic complex. The temple was supposed to have been very wealthy with control over 3000 villages. 

Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei, Angkor Wat

 33 Reviews  Almost near the foot of Kulen Mountains, Bantaey Srei stands with its mix pink sandtone and wood temples with exquisite decorative carvings which have miniature resemblance of other Angkor Temples. These decorations represents its name which translates to Citadel of Women/Beauty. These wonderful... 

Lake Tonle Sap

Lake Tonle Sap, Angkor Wat

 21 Reviews  somewhat of a surprise as i heard it was very tourisity,but the lake and flooded forrest is awesome and a highlight of our trip.we went with the recommended way in the lonely planets guide with the tara riverboat and opted for the full day tour including sunset,a guide picks you up from our... 

Prah Khan

Prah Khan, Angkor Wat

 19 Reviews  Constructed late 12th Century C.E. - Buddhist. This is a highly explorable monastic complex. Built by King Jayavarman V11. Lots to see here, you can see buddhist images that have been altered during the resurgence of hinduism 

Neak Pean

Neak Pean, Angkor Wat

 15 Reviews  This is a small island temple, The central Temple sits at the centre of a cross, or lotus pattern of 8 pools. Constructed late 12th century C.E. - Buddhist. You cannot get to the actual temple, just view it from the edge of the pools. 

Restaurants  

Sophea Angkor Pich Restaurant: Apsara dancing

Sophea Angkor Pich Restaurant: Apsara dancing, Angkor Wat

 schurman23 Says:  This is a buffet restaurant. It has a large hotel type dining area and a stage where the apsara dancing is performed. You have to be seated in front if you want a good view of the dancers. The food are nice especially the chicken and the vegetables. Im not particularly fond... 

Nightlife  

Pub Street: Dinner places

Pub Street: Dinner places, Angkor Wat

 schurman23 Says:  We discovered this place on our second day as we stroll along the old market. It consisted of lines of restaurants and bars which cater to most tourists around. The price of the beer are somewhat standard .5$ and the food are reasonably competitive among the restaurants... 

Transportation  

Tuktuk vs Cab: Tuktuk still the best!

Tuktuk vs Cab: Tuktuk still the best!, Angkor Wat

 schurman23 Says:  Getting around the Angkor Temples by riding a tuktuk gives you a unique experience and great view of the surroundings. Tuktuk can take you anywhere even for farther temples such as the Rolous Group, Bateay Samrei or Pre Rup, and Tonle Sap. And the best part is that its... 

Mekong Express

Mekong Express, Angkor Wat

 schurman23 Says:  We travelled from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap by bus. After much research we decided to take Mekong Express as it is the most reliable and safe bus from Ho Chi Minh at 21$. True enough we very much enjoyed the travel and the occasional stops, the bus assistant was very... 

Shopping  

N/A: Street children

N/A: Street children, Angkor Wat

 deeper_blue Says:  You will probably get approached by groups of small children, when you stop for food or outside temples. They are often full of character and can have a decent conversation with you in English. Try not to buy from them as you are creating a circle of dependency. If you want... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Take water

Take water, Angkor Wat

 stevemt Says:  Make sure you take water with you when exploring the temple complexYou walk a long way and climb many steps. With the heat you are going to need the water or suffer the consequences.You can buy water there, but it is more expensive than buying it in Siem reap. 

ALWAYS CARRY PLENTY OF FRESH WATER

ALWAYS CARRY PLENTY OF FRESH WATER, Angkor Wat

 DennyP Says:  When visiting this vast complex area of ANGKOR WAT , make sure that you ALWAYS carry plenty of bottled fresh drinking water .Due to the Extreme Temperatures that you will encounter here make sure that you have sufficient for your needs...Most of the temples and various... 

What to Pack  

Free (and legal) guidebook to the temples

Free (and legal) guidebook to the temples, Angkor Wat

 GrumpyDiver Says:   http://www.theangkorguide.com/This is probably the best guide for the Khymer temples near Siem Reap, and the best news is that it is free. Just download it from the above link, at it's totally legal. It is the English translation of Maurice Glaize's 1944 book. 

Off The Beaten Path  

Bakong III - Rolous Group

Bakong III - Rolous Group, Angkor Wat

 leffe3 Says:  Surrounding the central temple are eight brick and sandstone towers, many of which are still covered with their original plasterwork. The remains were reclaimed from the encroaching jungle from which the new monastery was built. 

Bakong II - Rolous Group

Bakong II - Rolous Group, Angkor Wat

 leffe3 Says:  Originally surrounded by a moat, the temple is a five-tiered affair, with carvings of elephants (some still standing) on the corners of the lower three levels.Equally impressive as the elephants are the lion statues, to be found at the base of the main stairwell leading up... 

Favorites  

Temple Entry Pass

Temple Entry Pass, Angkor Wat

 29 Reviews  An official pass is required for admission to any temple or monument in the main Angkor complex and most other temples and monuments in the Siem Reap area. Angkor passes can be purchased at the sales booths on the main road from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat (~4 km north of the Old Market), at the... 

Siem Riep

Siem Riep, Angkor Wat

 19 Reviews  Hi, Whatever the above 3 VT members said, are absolutely TRUE, believe me... You will just fall in love with the surroundings, and be lost in time. Singapore ? don't waste your time with places that are just competing to get you to part most of your money. Maybe go to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca or... 

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Map of Angkor Wat