Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s biggest tourist attraction, a UNESCO world heritage site and the world’s largest religious structure. With this being said a guide to Angkor Wat is very handy to have in your back pocket. Below we have listed all of the essential, must see temples within this magnificent area.
Types of Ticket
Unless you are a Cambodian citizen you will have to to pay an entry to see these awesome temples. Here are the three different ticket options:
- Recommend: 1 Day: $37 USD
- 3 Day: $62 USD
- 7 Day: $72 USD
Getting Around
At just $2 USD per day, renting a bike is the cheapest option of getting around but bare in mind – it can get pretty hot here. We would personally recommended renting a Tuk Tuk for the day which will cost around $15 USD. The drivers tend to have a set route sticking to the main temples which makes for an easy pre planned trip. Finally, if the heat is too much you can opt for an air-conditioned private car. This can likely be arranged through your accommodation at a cost of around $40 USD.
Essential Temples
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the most magnificent and largest of all the Angkor temples. The structure is situated on an enormous site of nearly 200 hectares. It is over 200 feet high and divided into several layers. The central part has four towers in the shape of a lotus flower. The temple is regularly maintained and remains in excellent condition which is why it’s the most popular temple for both tourists and the monkeys that surround it. If you’d like to visit for the spectacular sunrise then this is where you’ll be going.
Bayon Temple
Bayon temple features a sea of 54 towers and 216 massive stone faces looking in all directions. The temple is built on 3 levels; the first 2 levels are rectangular, while the 3rd is circular. You will have an awesome time exploring the maze of corridors whilst constantly being surprised by the many giant stone carved faces surrounding you.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm makes it easy to imagine how the whole complex looked when it was re-discovered in the 19th-century. The temple was home to more than 12,500 people, including 18 high priests. The temple is the location where the blockbuster ‘Laura Croft – Tomb Raider’ was filmed back in 2001. It really is quite amazing here, trees grow on top of the temples, you’ll find yourself wandering around an astonishing maze of ancient ruins.
Banteay Srei
Located 32 kms from the main group of temples, Banteay Srei is one of the smallest sites at Angkor. The name means “Citadel of the Women” and refers to the size and delicacy of the decoration in the complex. It is extremely popular with tourists and considered a jewel of Khmer art.
Elephant Terrace
No guide to Angkor Wat would be complete without the 1000 foot terrace of elephants. Historically it was used as a giant viewing platform during public ceremonies and royal ceremonies. Many lions decorate this enormous path as well making the attraction all the more dramatic.
Types of Tours
The main two tours are the ‘small tour’ and ‘big tour’. Both cost $15 USD (entry ticket not included), which is for the Tuk Tuk for the day. The small and big refer to the distance you’ll be travelling. Both have a pre-planned itinerary and a private driver. The big tour includes much of the smaller lesser known temples. The small tour includes all of the best and famous temples. If you going for the 1 day ticket, we recommend going for the small tour. If your instead opting for the 3 day ticket then why not enjoy them both!
Note: This is not a guided tour inside each of the temples. This is an optional extra that will be offered at each respective temple upon arrival at an additional cost of $10 USD per temple.
A Guide to Angkor Wat
Let us know how this guide to Angkor Wat helped you? If you’d like to recommend anything in addition to our guide to Angkor Wat then please leave a comment below. More information on Cambodia can be found right here.
