World’s Largest Temple Angkor Wat Cambodia Travel Guide | Temples, Tips & Top Attractions

Tripoto
11th Dec 2024
Photo of World’s Largest Temple Angkor Wat Cambodia Travel Guide | Temples, Tips & Top Attractions by Ruchi Punglia

Cambodia is a destination that offers more than just sights – it’s a journey into a rich culture and history that will leave you inspired.

No traveller's bucket list would be complete without a visit to the world famous Angkor Wat Cambodia temple and Angkor Wat is the foremost reason most people travel to Cambodia

This travel guide for Angkor Wat temple will explain how to get there, where to stay, and how to see the best temples on the Angkor Wat circuits.

What Is Angkor Wat? What Is The History?

The Angkor Wat was a group of temples built by the Khmer empire in the 12th century.

Angkor Wat means ‘temple city’ and the name fits, because it’s one of the biggest religious monuments in the world, covering more than 400 acres.

Today, the Angkor Wat is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and millions of tourists visit every year to explore world's biggest temple.

How to reach here

To see this amazing temple area , the nearest city is Siem Reap which has very good flight connectivity from major international destinations as well good road connectivity within Cambodia and Thailand.

Accommodation & Food At The Angkor Wat

The town of Siem Reap is just a 5 minute drive from the Angkor Wat Cambodia temples, and that’s where you’ll want to book a hotel during your stay.

There are lots of great restaurants, hotels, and massage places in Siem Reap for very affordable prices and both Veg/Non-veg options are available.

🎥 Angkor Wat Highlights

Angkor Wat Temple: Stunning sunrise views.

Bayon Temple: Iconic stone faces at Angkor Thom.

Ta Prohm: Overgrown trees in the "Tomb Raider" temple.

Banteay Srei: Exquisite pink sandstone carvings.

Phnom Bakheng: Best sunset views over Angkor.

Preah Khan & Neak Pean: Serene, lesser-crowded temples.

pub street for nightlife

How to explore Angokar Wat temple

Tuk-tuk: The most popular and affordable way to travel between temples. Costs around $15–$25/day.

Bicycle: Rentable for $1–$5/day if you care for a lil adventure and want to do everything at a slower pace, cycling around the complex is much more fulfilling.

Guided Tours (private/shared) : Many companies offer temple tours with knowledgeable guides like Klook , Getyourguide.

Which Angkor Wat pass to buy?

If you're on a whirlwind trip, a one-day pass would suffice, provided you start the day at dawn, go on till sunset and use the tuktuk. However to completely soak in the temples, recommend buying a 7-day pass usable over a week and take your own time in getting to and appreciating the sites.

As of 2024, the Angkor Wat entry fees from the main ticket office are as follows.

1 Day: $37 USD (only valid for the day of purchase)

3 Days: $62 USD (valid for 10 days ,can choose any of those 3 days)

7 Days: $72 USD (valid for a month ,can choose any of 7 days to explore temples)

Children: Free (Under 12)

Visiting The Angkor Wat Temples

Angkor tours are split into two main routes — small circuit or grand circuit. Both are worthwhile, but each of them takes roughly an entire day.

Most tours at the Angkor Wat start by watching the sunrise at the temples. I would highly recommend doing this.

Angkor Wat Itinerary

I would recommend to spend at least 2 days here but based on your trip duration, Here’s a sample Angkor Wat itinerary you can follow in Siem Reap, Cambodia:

Day 1. Reach Siem Reap , after some rest explore Angkor National Museum to understand history of the temples and sleep early for early morning tour.

Day 2. Angkor Wat sunrise + small circuit. Wake up early to see the epic sunrise over the main temple, and then explore sights on the small circuit like Baksei Chamkrong, the Angkor Thom gate, Bayon, Thommanon, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Kdei.

Day 3. Angkor Wat grand circuit. Visit temples like Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup, and Bantei Srei Temple. later enjoy evening at pub street.

Day 4. Day trip to Koh Ker temples and more about 2.5 hours drive from Siem Reap. Then, check out temples along the same route like Prasat Pram, Beng Mealea, and the Roluos group.

Day 5. Floating Villages on the Tonle Sap Lake. visit the Wat Thmey (killing fields), and shop for souvenirs at the Siem Reap market.

Tips

Start early to avoid crowds and heat.

Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat.

Dress modestly to respect the sacred temples.

I will share more general details about Cambodia travel , visa , currency etc in other blog , so stay tuned and let me know if you want any other info :)