Angkor Wat is one of the top destinations for travelers. Whether you’re a fan of ancient history or ancient cultures, Angkor Wat in Cambodia will not disappoint. Exploring the crumbling temples and walking where people from 10 centuries before once lived is a dream come true.
The area where Angkor Wat sits is called the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is actually the name of the main and largest temple in the complex but almost everyone just refers to the entire place as Angkor Wat. This Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat will tell you everything you need to know to visit this once in a lifetime destination.

A brief history of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is located in the Northwest Central area of the country of Cambodia. It sits just a few miles outside of the city of Siem Reap in Southeast Asia. It’s the largest religious structure in the world.
Angkor Wat means “Temple City” and there are 72 major temples in the complex and many more outside of it. Construction of these temples started in the 9th century during the Khmer Empire until the 15th century. Angkor was the center of the Khmer Empire and was once home to close to a million people.
The main temple, Angkor Wat, took over 28 years to build and was originally built as a Hindu temple under King Suryavarman II. About 27 years after his death, Angkor was attacked and a new king, Jayavarman VII, established a new empire and converted the site into a Buddhist temple. Buddhism is still the main form of worship in Cambodia today.
By the 13th century Angkor Wat fell into ruin, although it was never abandoned. Construction of the temple used mainly sandstone but also wood and other materials. War, earthquakes, and the jungle have contributed to the site’s damage.
In 1992 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, restoration of the temples is taking place on many of the temples in the complex to preserve what is still left.
Cambodia Travel Info
In this Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat, you’ll find everything you need to know about traveling to Cambodia. From how to travel to Angkor Wat to what you need to do before visiting Angkor Wat. I’ll give you all the best information in this Angkor Wat Guide.
Cambodia Visa
Most people visiting Cambodia will need a Visa. You can apply online for an e-visa at the official Cambodia Governement site. This is probably the easiest way to get your Visa. You just fill out the online application, pay $36, and you’ll get an email with your Visa approval.
Cambodian Tourist Visas are valid for 3 months, meaning you must be arriving within three months of getting your visa. Once in Cambodia you can stay for up to 30 days at a time.
If you’re crossing the border from neighboring Thailand or Vietnam, you’ll stop at the customs office at the border to get your passport stamped and visa paperwork processed. There are four border crossings and three airports where you can go through customs.
If you are arriving at an airport you do have the option of getting a visa upon arrival for $30. You can still get the e-visa even if you are arriving at an airport.

Getting to Angkor Wat
It’s not too difficult to travel to Angkor Wat, although it might take some time. About 2.5 million tourists visit the site every year so there are plenty of ways to get there. Most people fly to either Thailand or Vietnam first since Cambodia does not have any international flights.
With Southeast Asia being a long flight from the United States and Europe, many people will visit Thailand or Vietnam as part of their Cambodia itinerary. If you have the time, consider tying in a trip to either (or both) of those countries.
Once in either of those countries, you can then fly directly into the Siem Reap Airport. Siem Reap is the main city just outside of the Angkor Archeological Complex.
Another option is to travel by bus from either Thailand or Vietnam. From Bangkok, it’s about a 6 hour bus ride. You can also travel by bus from Phom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, which is also about 6 hours by bus.
If you feel comfortable, you could rent a car and drive from either Bangkok, Thailand or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, but it will be a more expensive option by the time you factor in gas. It’s much easier to travel by plane or bus.
Guide to Angkor Wat: Navigating Cambodia
If this is your first time in Southeast Asia I highly recommend my article on 9 Things you might not expect when visiting Southeast Asia. Visiting Asia for the first time can give you some major culture shock and this article tells you all about things you can expect to experience in Southeast Asia, including Angkor Wat.
Currency in Cambodia
The Cambodia currency is the Riel, however, they do use the US dollar as well. ATMs are everywhere so you won’t have any issue finding one and it will disperse money in both the riel and the US dollar. You do need to check your money carefully to make sure it isn’t counterfeit. Cambodia has had some issues with that.
Also, if there is ANYTHING wrong with the money you want to pay with, such as having a small tear, really dirty, looking too old, etc…, the store will not accept it. I had that issue while there. I pulled money out of the ATM, went to the store across the street, and they would not accept one of my bills because it had a small tear. It’s kind of irritating but that’s just how it is.
Electricity
Cambodia operates on 230 Voltage. You will need an adapter for small items but most hotels will have hair dryers so you only need a small adapter for other items such as your phone.
There are different types of plugs in Cambodia: type A, type C, and type G. Your best bet is to get a travel adapter that has all the different plug types. You can find one on Amazon, Walmart, Target, or any other large store.
Language
Cambodians speak the Khmer language but we found almost everyone spoke some English. Many Cambodians speak very good English. You won’t have a problem communicating while you’re visiting Angkor Wat.
Weather in Cambodia
Cambodia has a tropical climate so expect it to be mostly hot and humid throughout the year. There are better times to visit though where the humidity will be lower than the rest of the year.
The ideal time to visit where the weather is at its best is between November and February. During that time the humidity is low and the temperatures aren’t too high. It’s still hot but not horrible. We visited in late November and went swimming every afternoon at our hotel’s pool.
From March through May, expect it to be extremely humid and very hot. The first time I went to Cambodia, I went in April and I thought I was going to suffocate. The humidity was so bad.
From May through October is the rainy season at Angkor Wat. It will still be hot and humid but you can expect some rain almost daily. If you’re looking to visit but you’re on a very tight budget, this is the time to go. However, the rain could interfere with visiting the temples.
Clothing – What to pack for Angkor Wat
You will definitely need summer clothing no matter what time of year you visit. Shorts, skirts, lightweight pants are all good items to wear. Avoid jeans. It’s just too hot and sticky for jeans.
It’s important to remember that when you visit the temples there will be a strict dress code. You will not be allowed in if you don’t have the correct clothing. You need to have your shoulders and knees covered when entering the temples and there will be people throughout the temples letting you know if you aren’t in compliance.
FYI, it definitely seems that the dress code is enforced more against women than the men. Something about women’s knees I guess. ๐ There are inexpensive wraps (around $3) sold throughout the Archeological Park.
You can wear shorts and a shirt and when it’s time to go in a temple, put the wrap on over it. For men, just dress respectfully. No tank tops are allowed and wear longer shorts or lightweight pants.
Best Time To Visit Angkor Wat
If you’re wanting to visit Angkor Wat at the best time of year, that will be November through February. It will still be hot and humid but not as bad as the rest of the year. However, this is also the most crowded.
Apparently everyone likes to visit Angkor Wat during the best weather! ๐ Now, if you’re on a strict budget and want to save money then April through September will be the best time. As long as you can deal with super high humidity and don’t mind exploring the temples in the rain, then this is when you should go.

Tips For Exploring Angkor Wat
I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here talking about the heat and humidity but you cannot underestimate it. Make sure you put sunscreen on several times a day and carry water at all times. I don’t think I’ve ever drank more water in my life than when I was in Cambodia.
Luckily, bottles of water are sold everywhere. Don’t drink the tap water. Not even at restaurants. Bottled water only. You can get large bottles for $1.
You might want to wear a hat or bring an umbrella to help shield the sun. Also have something to fan yourself throughout the day. It’s really hot.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, something that will allow you to climb up on rocks. If it’s raining, it will be slippery on the stones and walkways and muddy as well. Definitely don’t wear heels or fancy shoes because they will get dirty.
There are places in the park that sell food so you won’t have to worry about where to eat. You might want to bring some snacks like granola bars to eat. Exploring ancient temples can be exhausting!
Most temples open at 7:30am so try to get up early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Safety In Cambodia
Cambodia is a very safe country but you’ll still want to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you keep track of your items and keep all important items where they can’t be pick pocketed.
Unfortunately there will always be scammers. From someone trying to charge you to park your scooter to someone telling you you owe more money than you really do.
There are even border scams where the bus driver will tell you that you need to pay an extra $5 (or whatever) to get through customs quickly. Don’t fall for it. Opt to walk through customs and take care of everything yourself. Never pay money to anyone that promises something if you pay more money. If it doesn’t feel right trust your gut.
How To Get To Angkor Wat
Once you arrive to Siem Reap, you’ll need to find transportation to get around Siem Reap and back and forth to the park.
First thing you should know is the Angkor Archeological Park is MASSIVE. It’s not going to be possible to walk the park from temple to temple. Even bicycling isn’t a good option.
Siem Reap is about 5 miles from the Angkor Wat Temple and some of the temples in the park are miles apart from each other. You could rent a vehicle but I think that’s the most expensive option and you’ll have to worry about finding parking at each temple. There are other options for getting around the park.
Hire A Driver at Angkor Wat
You can hire a driver to take you around to all the places you want to see. You won’t have a problem finding a taxi because they hang outside of the hotels all the time. If you don’t see one just walk a little ways and they will find you.
You can hire a taxi for the entire day for around $30. What’s nice about this option is that they will know exactly where everything is. Just tell them where you want to go and they’ll take you there.
Tuk-Tuk Driver
This is just like hiring a taxi or private driver for the day, except it will be a little cheaper. It will cost you around $20 for the day for a tuk-tuk driver. Same as the taxi, they hang around outside the hotels and they know where everything is.
The only downside is that most tuk-tuks will only seat 2-3 people. So, if you have 4 people then the taxi will be the better option.

Rent a Scooter In Siem Reap
Renting a scooter is always our favorite way to get around when we travel. You can rent one for about $6-10 a day and you’ll have the freedom to drive wherever you want and take breaks as often as you want.
Don’t confuse the scooter with a motorcycle. A motorcycle will have gears and you’ll need experience to drive one. A scooter is much easier. Push the start button and go. No worry about shifting gears.

Do You Need A Guide At Angkor Wat
There are travel services where you can pay for a guide to take you to the temples and they will even tell you a little bit about each place. This is the most expensive option to get around but if you really want someone to give you information about the temples then this will be a good choice.
A tour guide at Angkor Wat will start around $15 per person and goes up depending on how many days you choose. A few places you can book a guide is through Viator or Get Your Guide.
Where To Stay In Siem Reap
The closest town to Angkor Wat is Siem Reap. This is where all the hotels are and where everyone stays. There are almost 500 hotels to choose from and you the accommodations range from budget to luxury. Here are some examples of what you can get from $10 a night to $240 a night.
Luxury Hotel
An example of a luxury hotel is Jaya House River Park. It’s in a tropical oasis setting and away from the center of town. It’s about a 30 minute walk to Pub Street from this hotel but you’ll likely want to take a taxi or tuk-tuk. Rooms there run about $240 a night.
Mid-Range Hotel
We stayed at the Royal Crown Hotel and Spa and the location was amazing. It was just a 5 minute walk to Pub Street and the main shopping market. We also had a grocery store right across the street from our hotel. The hotel was around $50 a night but it was a pretty nice hotel.



Budget Hotel
You can get a no frills budget hotel for about $10 a night at Smiley’s Guesthouse. You still get a private room and bathroom and it’s just a few minutes away from restaurants, bars, and the market. And, it has a pool. Wherever you decide to stay you will definitely want to have a pool.
Pub Street
I’ve mentioned Pub Street several times so I should probably explain what it is. Pub Street is where a lot of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants are. You can find any type of food here from traditional Khmer food to Italian.
Be warned, if you’re looking for somewhere quiet, this is not it. It’s a party atmosphere with lots of competing loud music. But you definitely want to go there at least once!

What to do in Siem Reap
The main attraction to this area is Angkor Wat but there are plenty of other things to do that don’t involve visiting ancient temples. I always love an ancient site but after awhile they do tend to look a lot alike and sometimes you need a break.
So if you’re looking for something else to do in between temple hopping, keep reading.
Support local artists by attending the Phare Circus show. Artists draw upon their lives and culture to perform a show through dance, music, and acrobats.
You can take a small group cooking class with a local in their home cooking traditional Khmer food.
After all that walking around ancient temples all day, head over to the street adjacent to Pub Street for a massage. Get a full body massage or maybe just a foot massage. It’s very affordable at around $10.
Next to Pub Street is a market where you can find food stalls, clothing, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle. It’s expected.

How To Visit Angkor Wat
Now that we’ve got all the information about what you need to know about the area out of the way, it’s time to read about visiting the park. From buying your Angkor Wat Ticket to visiting the temples, keep reading for all the information.
Purchasing Your Entrance Ticket
First things first, you will have to buy an entrance ticket to see all the sites. To do this, you’ll need to head over to the official ticket office or purchase your Angkor Pass online at the official Angkor Enterprise website. Do not buy your entrance ticket from anywhere else. The only valid tickets are from the official ticket office.

The ticket office is open from 5am to 5:30pm every day. If you purchase your ticket between 4:45pm to 5:30pm, the ticket will be valid starting the following day. And yes, there are checkpoints throughout the Angkor Archaeological Park and they do check that your ticket is valid. If it’s not, you won’t be allowed in.

Angkor Wat Hours
The Angkor Archaeological Park is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week with the exception of the following sites.
*The Angkor Wat Temple and Srassrang Temple opens at 5am for sunrise visits. It closes at 5:30pm
*Phnom Bakheng and Prerup Temple are open from 5am to 7pm for sunrise and sunset visits.
What To See In Angkor Wat
There isn’t a right or wrong way to explore the temples in the Angkor Archeological Park but there are a few ways that are popular with travelers. Many people visit temples based on the circuit they lay on. The big or grand circuit and the small circuit.
Choosing to visit the temples based on the circuit or road they are on makes it more efficient. The only downside to this is that there are certain temples that are more busy than the others and you’ll want to visit those particular temples first thing in the morning.
So if you do chose to see the temples based on the circuit they lay on, then start with the most popular one first.

Map of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap
In this Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat I’ve included a map below of where the temples are, the Angkor Wat Ticket Office, Pub Street, a few restaurants in Siem Reap that we liked, and the place where we rented a scooter if you choose to do that.
Angkor Wat Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide in Angkor Wat
No, you can visit Angkor Wat on your own without a tour or a guide. All you need is your Angkor Wat Ticket and a way to get around.
How many days do you need for Angkor Wat?
You can view 3-4 temples in a day but if you want to see more then you need several days there. I would suggest no less than 5 days at Angkor Wat.
Is Angkor Wat open every day?
Yes, the Angkor Wat Complex is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas, Angkor Wat is open.
Final Thoughts on the Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a fascinating place to visit not only for the historical aspect but also for it’s beauty. There’s something beautiful about nature overtaking these ancient sites and photos do not do it justice. You have to see it in person! If you want more information about some of these temples, read my Top 9 Temples to see at Angkor Wat.
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