While visiting Cambodia, one of the top things to so is to take an Angkor Wat tour. Here, your will experience the majestic temples that legends are made of.
Angkor, the ancient capital city of the Khmer Empire, is home to some of the most magnificent temples in the world. Spanning an area of over 400 square kilometers, the Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, a visit to the temples of Angkor is a must.
I had long heard of these temples, and knew a little about them, but the more I heard, the more I knew I had to travel there and take an Angkor Wat tour. I think I was forever changed due to this visit.
Angkor Wat is a specific structure (“wat” simply means “temple” in Khmer, the language of Cambodia), but actually sits at the center of what is a huge complex of temples, as well as other buildings, such as libraries and government offices.
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
Brief History of the Angkor Temples
A relief sculpture on a wall at Angkor Wat
Angkor was actually a large region in what is today Cambodia and was the capital of the Khmer empire. It was one of the most advanced civilizations on the planet from about 800 AD to 1350 AD. In fact, Angkor means “major city” in the Sanskrit word from which it was derived.
So, when the city was inhabited, there were many more buildings than just the great temple. There were houses, shops, doctors’ quarters, schools, and libraries. But most of these building were made of wood, stone being preserved only for use on temples and government buildings.
Angkor means “major city” in the Sanskrit word from which it was derived.
Thus, most of the buildings long ago ceased to exist, as tropical climates are very unkind to wooden structures. So today, only the temples and other important buildings remain.
Not to worry! There are more Angkor temples still in outstanding condition than you could possibly explore even in a week.
How Old Are the Angkor Temples?
The city of Angkor was already established by the time Angkor Wat began to be constructed. Construction began on the temple in the early 12th century by the king, Suryavarman II.
Interestingly, the temple was originally a Hindu place of worship, but in the late 13th century, it changed from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day. It is the largest religious structure in the world.
Where are the Angkor Temples Located?
A monk walks peacefully through temple ruins near Angkor Wat.
The great temple is located in northwest Cambodia, near the modern city of Siem Riep. Visitors to the Angkor temples actually stay in accommodations in Siem Riep. I always use Agoda to get good rates on hotels. I have used them exclusively for the past four years and have been very pleased with their prices and service.
Taking Your Angkor Wat Tour
An altar inside an Angkor temple
Planning Your Visit
Almost every hotel and guest house offers an Angkor Wat tour and I recommend that you start with your front-desk staff or concierge.
The Angkor Archaeological Park is massive and it’s impossible to see everything in a single day. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance. You can ask your tour guide or do some research beforehand to decide which temples you want to visit. Some of the must-see temples include Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei.
Buying Tickets
To enter the Angkor Archaeological Park, you need to buy a ticket. The tickets for an Angkor Wat tour are sold at the main entrance and cost US$37 for a one-day pass, US$62 for a three-day pass, and US$72 for a seven-day pass. The tickets are non-transferable and you should carry them with you at all times. The park is open from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Visiting the Temples
The temples of Angkor are spread out over a large area and you’ll need transportation to get around. You can hire a tuk-tuk or a bicycle, or rent a motorbike or a car. If you’re planning to explore the temples on your own, make sure you have a good map and carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
The temples can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s a good idea to start your day early to avoid the crowds. Following is a summary of the most magnificent and popular of the Angkorian temples I recommend that you add to your tour.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a breathtaking temple complex built in the early 12th century. It is one of the largest religious monuments in the world and is considered one of the greatest architectural masterpieces ever created.
Originally built as a Hindu temple, it was later converted to a Buddhist temple complex, and it continues to be a place of worship and pilgrimage to this day.
The temples are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple complex covers an area of over 400 acres and is surrounded by a moat over 600 feet wide. The central temple, Angkor Wat itself, is surrounded by four smaller temples, each representing the peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods.
The temples are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, and the walls are covered with beautiful bas-reliefs featuring hundreds of dancing figures.
Bayon
Bayon is a magnificent temple complex built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. This temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate stone carvings.
The temple was built by King Jayavarman VII and is considered one of the most significant examples of Khmer architecture and art.
Bayon is famous for its massive stone faces that adorn the temple towers. The faces are thought to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism.
The temple is also adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from everyday life, as well as mythical creatures and battles.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a temple that’s famous for its overgrown trees and roots. Built in the late 12th century, it was left untouched for centuries and rediscovered by French archaeologists in the 19th century.
As you walk through the temple’s crumbling corridors, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a world of ancient mystery and wonder.
The temple has been partially restored but still retains its mystical atmosphere. The trees growing out of the ruins give the temple a unique and haunting appearance.
As you walk through the temple’s crumbling corridors, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a world of ancient mystery and wonder.
Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei is a temple located about 25 kilometers north of the main temple complex. Built in the 10th century, it’s considered one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia, thanks to its intricate carvings and pink sandstone walls.
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and features detailed depictions of Hindu mythology. While it’s not as large as some of the other temples in Angkor, it’s well worth the trip to see its exquisite craftsmanship.
Other Temples
While Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei are the most famous temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, there are many other temples worth visiting as well. Some of these include Preah Khan, Pre Rup, Baphuon, and Phimeanakas.
Each temple has its own unique history and architecture, so it’s worth taking the time to explore as many as you can.
Tips for Visiting During Your Angkor Temple Tour
Here are a few additional tips to help you make the most of your visit to the temples of Angkor:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks. The temples can get hot and humid, so it’s important to stay hydrated and nourished.
- Respect the local culture. The temples are still used for religious purposes by the local population, so it’s important to dress modestly and behave respectfully.
- Watch out for scams. Unfortunately, there are some scammers in the area who may try to take advantage of tourists. Be wary of anyone offering you a “special deal” or trying to sell you something you don’t need.
A visit to the temples of Angkor is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. From the awe-inspiring majesty of Angkor Wat to the haunting beauty of Ta Prohm, these ancient temples offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cambodia.
A visit to the temples of Angkor is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your visit and come away with memories that will last a lifetime.
For more information on this spectacular place, please see the Sacred Sites website.
Getting to the Angkor Temples
The temples of Angkor are located about 7 kilometers north of Siem Reap, a popular tourist town in Cambodia. Siem Reap is easily accessible by air, road, and rail.
There are daily flights offered by Angkor Air from Phnom Penh. Also available are regular flights from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane, Laos. Visas are available on arrival at the Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports.
You can find very reasonably priced flights to Siem Riep from many other Southeast Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and even Phnom Penh. Be careful using little known or small airlines, as their safety ratings may not be very high. An excellent resource for reading up on the safety ratings of airlines can be found at Airline Ratings.
Please be aware that for the Siem Riep airport, there is an arrival and departure fee of US$6 for domestic flights and US$25 for international flights.
Another alternative is the bus. Siem Riep is about 200 miles (320 km) from Phnom Penh and as the road is almost always under construction, it takes about seven hours to arrive there by bus.
You can find very reasonably priced flights to Siem Riep from many other Southeast Asian cities, such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and even Phnom Penh.
But it’s not as bad as it may seem and actually, you can take in some great scenes of the Cambodian countryside. If you are into photography, this is a great opportunity to get some cool photos.
If you are really adventurous, you can travel between Phnom Penh and Siem Riep by boat. Boats depart from Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh at 7am daily. The return from Siem Riep back to Phnom Penh also at 7am from the dock at Chong Khneas. Tickets are up to US$25.
You should purchase tickets for your Angkor Wat tour one day in advance through your hotel, as it’s cheaper than at the boat office ticket counter.
Please note that though boats are generally safe in Cambodia, they are local transport and have experienced breakdowns, groundings, and other issues.
Finally, if you enjoyed this and my other posts on travel advice, you may like my book on Southeast Asia travel. It’s a convenient all-in-one resource full of tips to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. You can get it as an eBook or paperback on Amazon.
Wes is originally from Florida, but has been living and working in Vietnam since 2008. He has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and enjoys taking photographs and writing about his experiences in order to share with others. See his story or feel free to contact him.