Why Angkor Wat Belongs on Every Asia Itinerary
Built in the early 12th century by the Khmer king Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a staggering achievement of human ambition and architectural genius. Covering more than 400 acres and surrounded by a 190-meter-wide moat, it was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before gradually transitioning to Buddhism. Today it appears on Cambodia's national flag — a symbol of national identity and pride — and draws visitors from every corner of the world.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, within which Angkor Wat sits, encompasses over 400 square kilometers and contains dozens of significant temple complexes. A single visit barely scratches the surface of what's here.
Getting There
The nearest city is Siem Reap, which has an international airport with direct connections to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major Asian hubs. From Siem Reap's city center, the main Angkor Wat temple is about 6 km away. Transportation options include:
- Tuk-tuk — the most popular option, typically arranged through your guesthouse or hotel. Drivers wait outside the gates and can take you around the park all day.
- Bicycle — a rewarding way to explore at your own pace, though the distances between major temples can be significant.
- Car with driver — more comfortable in the midday heat and allows you to cover more ground.
Tickets and Entry
Entrance passes to Angkor Archaeological Park are purchased at the official ticket office, not at the temples themselves. Passes come in three options:
| Pass Type | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One-day pass | 1 day | $37 |
| Three-day pass | Within 10 days | $62 |
| Seven-day pass | Within 1 month | $72 |
Note: Prices are subject to change. Always check the official Angkor Enterprise website for current rates before visiting.
Must-See Temples Beyond Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the centerpiece, but the wider park contains equally remarkable sites:
- Angkor Thom & the Bayon — a vast walled city dominated by the Bayon temple, famous for its towers carved with hundreds of serene, smiling stone faces.
- Ta Prohm — the jungle temple where enormous silk-cotton and strangler fig trees grow directly through the ruins. One of the most atmospheric sites in Asia.
- Banteay Srei — a smaller, older temple about 25 km from the main complex, renowned for its incredibly intricate pink sandstone carvings.
- Pre Rup — a state temple built from brick and laterite, excellent for watching the sunset from its upper terraces.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Angkor is during the dry season (November to April). November is particularly lovely — the surrounding landscape is still green from the rains, but the weather is cooler and skies are often clear. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is a iconic experience — arrive before 5:30 AM to secure a good spot at the reflection pool. Crowds are heaviest from December to February, so consider visiting in November or March for fewer people.
Practical Tips
- Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered to enter temple sanctuaries. Lightweight linen works well in the heat.
- Bring water. The Cambodian heat is intense, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM. Stay hydrated.
- Hire a licensed guide. The history of Angkor is extraordinarily rich — a knowledgeable guide transforms what you're looking at from beautiful ruins into a living story.
- Budget at least two days. One day is not enough to see the major temples without rushing. Three days allows a more relaxed and rewarding experience.
- Respect the sacred space. Many temples are still active places of worship. Be mindful, quiet, and considerate.