Guide to visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Today I'm going to tell you about the visit I made to one of the most epic from my trip through the Southeast Asia, the tour of the ruins of Angkor Wat, in Siem Riep, Cambodia.

When I was planning my trip to Southeast Asia months earlier, Angkor Wat was among the must-see attractions. That mix of jungle and giant ruined temples reminded me of adventure films that shaped my childhood, like Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

That desire to live my own adventure that I had since I was a child, was partly responsible for motivating me to organize this trip through this region of Asia, and particularly to get to know the famous temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

In this article, you'll find a combination of a tour guide and my travel diary, so you can learn about the complex and the sensations I felt in this wonderful place.

How to get to Siem Reap

• From Bangkok: It can be by plane or van. It's a four-hour journey to the Cambodian border, where they drop you off to cross and complete the paperwork. Then you have to take a van that takes another four hours to reach Siem Reap.
• From Phnom Penh: It can be by plane or bus. The latter takes approximately 9 hours due to poor road conditions (which was the option I took).

Arriving in Siem Reap, the closest city to the temples

I arrived in the city of Siem Reap After spending 9 hours on the bus from the capital of Cambodia, Phnom PenhIt was supposed to take 6 hours, but the trip was very slow, partly because the road was in terrible condition.

Siem Reap It's the perfect city to base yourself, stay, and tour the temples. It's prepared to receive thousands of tourists year-round, so it has a sufficient level of tourist infrastructure to meet that demand.

I stayed at the Hostel Green Town guesthouse $5 a night in a shared room. It's conveniently located, they rent bikes, and they have a bar inside.

It's a very pleasant city to be in. It has a beautiful State Park with lots of trees and a very picturesque downtown area to explore, both day and night.

It's clear that the main attraction here is Angkor; everything revolves around the temples. Shops are filled with paintings by local artists, souvenirs everywhere. Restaurants and accommodations for all tastes. Massages and karaoke bars to relax—there's a little bit of everything.

The paintings are fantastic. There are many and varied to see, although most tend to feature the main temple and the sunrise as their co-star.

I liked them so much, and they were so affordable, that I bought one for $30 to bring home. They give you the canvas in a tube for easy transport (I had to carry it for 20 days until I finished my trip :D).

How to visit the temples of Angkor Wat

There are usually two circuits to visit the different temples in the Angkor complex.

The first, of red on the plane, it is called “Small Circuit” and consists of 25 km in total. On this tour you can see the most famous temples of the complex, such as Angkor Wat, Phonm Bakhen, Bayon, Ta Prohm inter alia. If you only have 1 day to be here, this tour is recommended.

The second, of green color on the plane, it is called "Circuit Long either Big", and consists of 35 km in total. We pass by some temples of the short circuit again, but we also add others that are further away, such as Pre Rup, Ta Som, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and others.

How to get to Angkor Wat

To visit the different temples in the Park, taking any of the circuits, you can use the following transportation options:

• BicycleYears ago, it cost $1 to ride a bike all day. While it's the most economical way to travel and, in my opinion, the one that gives you the most freedom, it's also the most tiring due to the number of kilometers you'll have to travel (combined with the excessive heat that tends to be present in the area).
• Tuk Tuk: They charged between $10 and $20 for the entire day a few years ago, and they'll take you wherever you want. If there are several of you, you can split the cost (I think up to four can take). It's more expensive than using a bike, but you save time and effort.
• Motorbike: You can rent motorcycles in the city and tour the park at your leisure (I don't know the price).
• Private tours: There are different ones to reserve. There are exclusive ones or ones with several people on air-conditioned buses, and they leave you at each temple for a certain amount of time.

In my case, I decided to rent a bike from the hotel where I was staying. I wanted to enjoy the ride on my own terms and at my own pace.

Entrance fees and opening hours for Angkor Wat

Prices and Types of Tickets

We have three types of tickets depending on the number of days you plan to visit the complex. You can pay in cash or by credit card.

• 1 day access to the complex: $37
• 3 days access to the complex: 62 dollars
• 7 days access to the complex: 72 dollars

Prices are updated to 2025, but just in case, always check the official site to know the latest values.

Schedules

The complex is open from 5:00 am (ideal for going to see the sunrise) until 5:00 p.m. approximately. At that time, they don't let anyone in, but if you're inside, you can stay until the sun sets.

Map of the temples to visit in Angkor Wat

Day 1 at Angkor Wat: Start exploring the Short Circuit

Chico Circuit

I start the day very early to make the most of the sunlight. My plan is to explore the short circuit on the first day, the long circuit on the second, and spend the morning at Angkor Wat on the third day.

To reach the resort from the center of Siem Reap, take the Charles de Gaulle route, which starts next to the State Park, and continue straight ahead for about 6 km.

Halfway there, we'll find the park office, where we'll need to buy tickets to enter (if we haven't bought them beforehand). There's usually a bit of a queue due to the number of people who visit the park every day of the year.

Angkor Wat

Once we've purchased our tickets, we continue along the route. Upon entering the park, we can begin the short circuit by taking two paths: to the left, we begin by exploring the complex's most famous temple, Angkor Wat. On the other hand, if we take the right, we will see the rest of the temples on the circuit, leaving Angkor Wat for last.

My anxiety made me take the one on the left…and yes. I wanted to see the complex's emblematic temple first. The one I'd seen in so many photos, documentaries, and in my imagination. I couldn't wait to see it.

The temple is surrounded by a lake and a few trees, so we have to go around to enter from the front. As I pedaled around, one of the temple's domes could already be seen.

I left my bike outside the city and started walking. I was so excited, and with every step I took, my enthusiasm grew even more intense.

Just as you cross the bridge and then the entrance, you can see this marvel of Khmer architecture. Wow, it's impressive. It's a true marvel.

I can't understand why this site isn't among the 7 modern wonders, but Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is. Not to belittle it, but they're unmatched. I believe this citadel with its ancient temples is on par with wonders like Machu Picchu or Petra.

It's not just a Hindu temple, but rather a mini-citadel where, centuries ago, the epicenter of an entire civilization developed. It's truly gigantic. To give you an idea, read what the first Westerner to discover the temple wrote in 1586 (a Portuguese civil servant and historian named Diogo do Couto):

“…a construction so extraordinary that it is impossible to describe it in writing, especially unlike any other building in the world. It possesses towers, decoration, and every refinement that human genius can conceive.”

Diogo do Couto

History of Angkor Wat

You can find a lot of information about the history and architecture of Angkor Wat at Wikipedia , but to avoid overwhelming you, I will summarize the parts that I consider to be the most interesting.

First goodbye…but I'll be back

I spent hours entering and exiting each part of the temple. It has several galleries and staircases to climb for better views of the front courtyard.

It was very difficult for me to leave, but the day was passing and this was just beginning. I knew I would return, and I had to see the rest of the temples, so I decided to continue the tour.

– Phnom Bakheng Temple

We continue along the route and come across another beautiful temple that is worth stopping and visiting.

You have to climb some steps to reach the terrace of these ruins.

Phnom Bakheng It is a Buddhist and Hindu temple in the form of a mountain temple, dedicated to Shiva, built in the late 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman I (889-910). It is a structure composed of a terraced pyramid located on the summit of a hill and surrounded by 108 sanctuary towers.

– Ancient City of Angkor Thom

We continued along the street, surrounded by trees and vegetation, until we came across a huge, Indiana Jones-style gate. This is one of the four entrances to the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom.

The city of Angkor Thom was built by Jayavarman VII, king of the Khmer Empire, at the end of the 12th century, after Angkor was conquered and destroyed by the Chams. It covers an area of 9 km², following the almost square shape of 3 km on each side, surrounded by a well and an 8-meter-high wall.

As I ride my bike toward the city center, I see how a huge temple with Buddha faces everywhere gradually grows larger.

– Bayon Temple

At the center of Angkor Thom is the Bayon, which was the temple of Jayavarman VII. It is known for its towers, with the face of Buddha on all four sides; the walls were covered with reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the king and the people.

Its size and architecture are very impressive. We can enter and exit at will, as in almost all temples.

This temple is another marvel. In my opinion, it's among the finest in Angkor Wat. Its architecture, its carved details, its size, and its importance in Khmer history are key.

As we continue, we will find many other ruins throughout the ancient city of Angkor Thom, as well as vegetation and trees everywhere.

Among the most important temples in the city, we can mention:

– Baphuon Temple, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants

Baphuon It consists of an immense pyramidal mountain temple with five floors and about 25 meters high, which represents Mount Meru and was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

Phimeanakas It is a Hindu temple, which was part of the royal seat of the monarch, occupying an area of 14 hectares.

The Terrace of the Elephants It is an archaeological site named after the reliefs of these animals that appear at its base. It was often used as a stage for royal ceremonies after achieving victory in a battle.

If we are doing the short circuit, we must turn right and exit the walled city, crossing the eastern gate, called Victoria.

Chau Say Tevoda, Thommanon, Ta Keo

Just outside the city, we came across other ruins and temples about which there is not much information.

Ta Keo: Its construction began between 975 and 985 by order of the Khmer king Jayavarman V, and continued during the brief reign of his successor Jayaviravarman. However, after his overthrow by Suryavarman I, work came to a standstill and the temple was given to a cleric, who did not use the central towers because he considered himself unworthy of such an honour. As a result, the temple was never finished and has little decoration.

Ta Prohm

If we continue along the route, we will find another iconic place of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, also known for being the temple that appears in the Tomb Raider movie.

The landscape before us is otherworldly, unique. Centuries-old trees emerge majestically from the depths of the ruins, as if time had planted them there. Their roots embrace doors and windows, tangling with the stone, silently reclaiming what was always theirs.

Fortunately, their state of preservation is good, and they decided to leave the ruins as they found them, so we can witness how nature took over as the temples were abandoned.

History of Ta Prohm Temple

The temple served as a Buddhist monastery, hosting at least 12,640 people. It was commissioned in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII, who dedicated it to his mother, a few years after the construction of the Preah Khan Temple, dedicated to his father. The temple's main image represents the wisdom goddess Prajñāpāramitā, and was modeled after the king's mother.

– Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang

Banteay Kdei It is a Buddhist temple and its construction took place during the reign of Jayavarman VII (1160-1219) and his successor, Indravarman II (1219-1243).

Srah Srang It is a reservoir measuring 700 by 350 meters. Perhaps there was a temple there, erected on an artificial island in its center, as suggested by the discovery of a cellar.

Returning to Angkor Wat to watch the sunset

After touring all the ruins and temples on the shorter circuit, completely exhausted after walking for hours and hours in 30/35 degree temperatures, I decided to return to Angkor Wat to lie down in the park, rest, and watch the sunset from there.

That place had a very strong attraction for me. Each of the three days I was at the complex, I wanted to revisit the main temple of Angkor Wat.

The sun sets on the opposite side of the temple, not behind it. But it's still a beautiful sight. Also, between 3:00 and 5:00 PM, the temple's reflection in the lake in front of it is best seen. It's the ideal time and place to take as many photos as you want.

Already very tired after so much walking, I return to the city of Siem Reap, traveling again the 6 km along the Charles De Gaulle route.

At night I go out to eat and stretch my legs in the beautiful city, but my body is exhausted; I need to rest. Tomorrow, another challenge awaits me: 35 km of the long circuit :D.

Second day in Angkor Wat: Grand Circuit

Today it's time to do the Grand Tour. I rent the hotel bike again and start riding bright and early. I was already imagining the grueling day it was going to be for my legs, with about 35 km in full sun and 35-degree temperatures torturing me (be careful, though it's exhausting, but it's also enjoyable :P).

This time, as you pass through the entrance to the complex, instead of turning left (which leads to Angkor Wat), turn to the right.

If you look at the map at the beginning of the article, going a few kilometers to where the temples were Banteay Kdei and the reservoir Sras SrangThere's a fork. If we turn left, we'll follow the same route as yesterday, but turning right, we'll see the other temples further away from the complex.

The most important attractions of the Grand Circuit are:

– Pre Rup

Shortly before, Rajendravarman II had already built the Eastern Mebon temple, in the middle of the large, now drained, water reservoir known as the Eastern Baray, which provided water to the capital. This second temple was built in the south of the Baray.

Being a state temple, it is certain that it had an outer wall that encompassed this building, the palace, and living quarters, reaching as far as the Baray itself, some 500 m away. A true city, which some sources call the "City of the East." But virtually nothing of it has been found.

– East Mebon

Built during the reign of King Rajendravarman, it stands on what was once an artificial island in the center of the now dry East Baray Reservoir.

The sculpture in the Eastern Mebon is varied and exceptional, including two-meter-high elephants at the corners of the first and second levels. Among the religious scenes, the god Indra atop his three-headed elephant Airavata and Shiva riding his sacred bull, Nandi, are particularly noteworthy. The lintel carving is particularly elegant.

– Ta Som

The temple consists of a single sanctuary located on one level and surrounded by laterite enclosure walls. Like the nearby Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, the temple was left almost unrestored, with numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins.

– Neak Pean

It is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island in Jayatataka Baray, which was associated with the temple of Preah Khan, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

Neak Pean was originally designed for medical purposes (the ancients believed that entering these pools would balance the elements in the bather, thus curing illness); it is one of the many hospitals built by Jayavarman VII. It is based on the ancient Hindu belief of balance. Four connected pools represent water, earth, fire, and wind. Each is connected to the central water source, the main tank, by a stone conduit.

– Preah Khan

Preah Khan was built on the site of King Jayavarman VII's victory over the invading Chams in 1191.

It was the center of a major organization, with nearly 100,000 employees and servants. The temple is single-story, with a basic plan of successive rectangular galleries around a Buddhist sanctuary mixed with small additions from Hindu temples and several later additions. Like the neighboring temple Ta ProhmPreah Khan has been left largely as it was found, with numerous trees and other vegetation growing among the ruins.

On the way back through the city of Angkor Thom

If we follow the circuit, we will enter through the north gate of the walled city of Angkor ThomWe didn't go through here yesterday, because we had left through the east gate (Victoria Gate).

From here, the long circuit merges with the short one, and we pass by the Bayon Temple again, standing so imposingly in the center of the citadel.

If you've been wanting to see any of the temples again, this is a great opportunity.

Back to the beginning, Angkor Wat

Dusk was falling, so I took advantage of the last bit of energy I had to return to Angkor Wat again and spend a few hours resting in its front courtyard.

For hours I watched and listened to the crowd of tourists passing by. I saw in their expressions how happy they were to be seeing this wonder.

It took me several minutes to get my mental photographs of the temple. Those that are not revealed, but that we always keep with us. They are those images that years later, when we close our eyes, appear as if we were traveling back to that particular moment.

It's a practice I usually do in places that impress me a lot, and it works for me :D.

Sunset had ended, and it was time to head back. While I would return the next day to see the sunrise, I wasn't going to be as relaxed as I was this second day. Even though it's longer, the best temples, in my opinion, are on the shorter circuit.

Third day: Sunrise at Angkor Wat

My last day in Seam Reap and Cambodia. At noon, I had to leave for Bangkok on a trip that would take me 8-9 hours in total by minivan.

I wasn't sure exactly what time sunrise would be, so I got up at 4:30 a.m. to get there on time.

As I was cycling toward the complex, in the dark along Route Charles de Gaulle, I saw that many of us were doing the same. Tuk tuks, buses, motorcycles, all coming to see this moment.

When I arrive, I see a crowd of people huddled near the front lake. What an original idea I had, haha.

The truth is I was very sleepy, but with each passing minute, small rays of light began to appear.

The climax comes between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. At that moment, we see a ball of fire appear behind the temple, dyeing the sky the reddish color I had seen so often in paintings around the city.

I must say it was worth all the effort. I'm taking with me many unforgettable images that remain etched in my memory.

Around 9am I went back to the hotel, my eyes half-open from sleep, and said goodbye to Siem Reap.

I LOVED this place, and I hope to return in the future. See you next time. ANGKOR WAT, thanks to life and the universe for giving me the chance to meet you :D.

What is the best time to travel to Angkor Wat in Cambodia?

Peak season

From November to March, what is called the dry season Cambodia. These months are the best time to travel to Angkor Wat, with daytime temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius. Tourists are very busy during this time.

Low Season

From April to October we find ourselves with the wet season or rainy. Storms occur more frequently, with the risk of monsoons from time to time.

Other temples that I did not mention in the article

There are several minor temples that I saw during the long circuit that I did not include in my story so as not to make it even longer, such as Banteay Srei, Prasat Prei, Krol Romeas, Banteay Samre.

There are also interesting temples to visit if you have more time in Siem Reap, but since they are outside the circuits I mentioned, they are not as popular.

The Bakong, Preah Ko and Prasat Prei Monti temples They are also part of the Angkor complex, but are located on the outskirts of Seam Riep, going along Route 6 to the southeast.

Bakong It is the first sandstone mountain temple built by the rulers of the Khmer Empire.

Top 5 Temples of Angkor Wat

This section is purely marketing and subjective, because each temple has its importance and reason for being, but if I had to go by the impressions I had when seeing them, this would be my Top 5 most striking temples in Angkor Wat:

1. Angkor Wat (undisputed)
2. Bayon Temple
3. Ta Prohm
4. Baphuon
5. Preah Khan

If you like the images, I have a section of Fotografías -> Camboya that you can visit.

Thank you for your time, and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to write to me below. I promise to respond as soon as I can.

See you on the next adventure!

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