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Angkor Wat, also known as Angkor Temple, is located approximately six kilometers (four miles ) north of Siem Reap . It is the best-preserved temple complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park, renowned for its magnificent architecture and intricate relief carvings. It is also the largest temple in the world. In 1992 , it was designated a World Heritage Site. Angkor Wat has become a national symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the Cambodian flag.
Cambodia is also a Buddhist country, with 95% of its people believing in Buddhism. Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world, represents Cambodia's past, the glorious Khmer dynasty and the alternating prosperity of Hinduism.
Angkor Wat is the pinnacle of classical Khmer architecture, combining two fundamental elements of Khmer temple architecture: the altar and the cloister. The altar consists of three rectangular tiers, each rising higher than the last, surrounded by a cloister, symbolizing Mount Sumeru, the center of the world in Hindu mythology.
Atop the altar stand five pagodas arranged in a five-point plum blossom pattern, symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Sumeru. A moat surrounds the temple, symbolizing the Aral Sea surrounding Mount Sumeru.
Cambodia is located in a low-latitude area with a tropical climate. May to October is summer, with temperatures hovering around 33 °C ; November to March is Cambodia's winter, with average temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 32 °C , making it the best tourist season.
Recommended play time: more than 3 days
A one-day ticket is $ 37 ; a three-day ticket is $ 62 , and you can choose to visit for three consecutive days or any three days within ten days; a seven-day ticket is $ 72 , and you can choose to visit for seven consecutive days or any seven days within a month.
Monday - Saturday: 7:00-21:00
Sunday: 12:00-23:59
Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it gradually became a Buddhist temple. Its significance lies not only in its size and architectural splendor but also as a symbol of Cambodia's national identity, appearing on the country's flag.
Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The nearest airport is Siem Reap International Airport, around 20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk to the temple. There are also buses and tuk-tuks that can take visitors directly to the temple complex. Public transportation is limited, so taxis or tuk-tuks are the most common ways to reach the site.
Angkor Wat is open daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning to catch the sunrise, or late afternoon for sunset. The site is less crowded during the early morning hours.
The entrance fee to Angkor Wat varies depending on the type of ticket: 1-day pass ($37), 3-day pass ($62), or 7-day pass ($72). Tickets can be purchased at the Angkor ticket center or online in advance.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the 3-day and 7-day passes. Tickets can be booked online or at the ticket center in Siem Reap. For last-minute trips, tickets can still be purchased at the site without much difficulty.
A visit to Angkor Wat can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, depending on how deeply you want to explore the temple. If you plan to see the surrounding temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, expect to spend the whole day.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and others. Audio guides can also be rented at the site in various languages. It’s recommended to hire a local guide to fully understand the history and symbolism of the temple.
Start by entering through the main entrance and walking along the causeway. Explore the first gallery before heading up to the upper levels for the best views. Take your time to explore the carvings and bas-reliefs before finishing your visit at the central tower.
Angkor Wat does not offer night visits, but it is a popular spot for sunrise. There are no light shows, but special guided tours for sunset photography are available.
Angkor Wat can get very crowded during peak tourist seasons (November to February). The least crowded times are early in the morning, especially during sunrise or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
There are toilets near the entrance and rest areas. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and refreshments. However, there are limited food options within the temple grounds, so it’s better to bring your own snacks or visit nearby restaurants.
While Angkor Wat is generally accessible, the temple has steep steps and uneven surfaces, making it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. For families with young children, strollers may be difficult to use in some areas.
Cash is primarily needed for purchasing tickets and souvenirs. Cards and mobile payments are not commonly accepted inside the temple complex, but there are ATMs and shops in nearby Siem Reap that accept cards.
While there are no specific vegetarian or vegan restaurants inside the temple complex, many restaurants in Siem Reap offer vegetarian and vegan options. Halal food can also be found in Siem Reap, catering to Muslim visitors.
Souvenir shops are available near the entrance, selling a variety of items such as carved wooden statues, jewelry, traditional clothing, and postcards. Popular souvenirs include small replicas of Angkor Wat and other religious artifacts.
