Ankor wat, Siem Reap Province Travel Guide

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Explore Angkor Wat, the magnificent temple complex in Cambodia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Khmer architectural brilliance.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia, is one of the largest religious monuments in the world, originally built as a Hindu temple in the 12th century and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. This architectural masterpiece exemplifies Khmer design and is a symbol of Cambodia.

A brief summary to Ankor wat

Krong Siem Reap, KH

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ankor wat.

Dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees when entering the temples; otherwise, you may be denied entry.
Start your day early, around 4:30 or 5:00 AM, to catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds.
Hire a local tuk-tuk driver for the day to easily navigate between the temples.
Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water, as it can get very hot during the day.
Purchase your Angkor Pass the day before to avoid the ticket line in the morning.

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Explore Ankor wat on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ankor wat, mapped for you.

Getting There

Tuk-tuk

From Siem Reap city center, the most common way to reach Angkor Wat is by tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk ride from the city center to Angkor Wat typically costs around $15 for the day. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Negotiate the price with the driver beforehand to ensure a fair rate. The tuk-tuk will drop you off at the entrance of the Angkor Archaeological Park, where you will need to show your Angkor Pass. From there, it's a short walk to the temple entrance.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Siem Reap and offer a comfortable, air-conditioned ride to Angkor Wat. A taxi from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat costs approximately $20-$25 for the day. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes. Similar to tuk-tuks, negotiate the price before starting your journey. The taxi will drop you off at the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance, where you'll need to present your Angkor Pass.
Bicycle

For a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, consider renting a bicycle. Many hotels and guesthouses in Siem Reap offer bicycle rentals for a few dollars per day. The ride to Angkor Wat is approximately 6.5 kilometers and relatively flat. Be prepared for the heat, especially during midday, and bring plenty of water. You'll need to cycle to the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance to show your pass and then continue to the temple.

Discover more about Ankor wat

Angkor Wat, meaning 'City of Temples' in Khmer, is a sprawling temple complex located near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was first dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist temple by the end of the century. The temple is designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu mythology.Covering over 400 acres, Angkor Wat is enclosed by a 3.6-kilometer outer wall and a moat more than 5 kilometers long. The complex features three rectangular galleries, each elevated above the previous one, and a quincunx of towers at its center. The intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu epics and Khmer history, showcasing the empire's wealth and artistic prowess.Despite being sacked by the Chams in 1177, Angkor Wat was never truly abandoned and remained an important religious site. Rediscovered by the French explorer Henri Mouhot in the 19th century, he proclaimed it as grander than anything left by Greece or Rome, sparking global interest in the site. Today, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Khmer civilization, drawing millions of visitors each year.