Ancient Wonders Unveiled: A Comprehensive Guide to Angkor Wat

Visiting Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is one of the most mystical, captivating experiences in Southeast Asia. Picture a towering temple emerging from the darkness into a smoky tangerine sunrise, the colossal stone faces of Bayon, and the temple of Ta Prohm, slowly succumbing to the jungle’s serpentine roots and vines. Step foot into this vast ancient temple complex, one of the most important religious archaeological sites in the world, and it’s easy to see why it’s the crown jewel of Cambodia.  

Although widely known as Angkor Wat, the Angkor Archeological Park is much larger than its best-known temple, covering an extensive 395-acre forested area studded with the vestiges of the ancient Khmer Empire, including thousands of temples, monumental buildings, and water features. This guide was designed as an essential resource with practical advice for making the most of your time here, including historical context, cultural etiquette, and insider details to stoke your wanderlust. 

Learn how we’ll make your time at Angkor Wat extraordinary so that you come away with a deep and nuanced understanding of this world wonder. You’ll avoid the crowds as much as possible, explore lesser-known temples not on the tourist ticket, and gain insights into the site’s rich history from local guides with extensive experience and expertise. 

Angkor Wat’s Fascinating History

Rumbling through the colossal stone archway of Angkor Wat in an open-air jeep is an unforgettable trip back in time. The history of Angkor Wat dates back to the 12th century when the temple complex was erected by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire, which ruled vast swaths of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries.  

Angkor served as the epicenter of the empire and the incredibly well-preserved monuments stand as some of the most exquisite examples of Khmer architecture. These art and architectural masterpieces, such as the temples of Angkor Wat and Bayon, and the far-reaching influence of the kingdom throughout Southeast Asia, garnered Angkor Archaeological Park UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1992.  

Originally constructed as a Hindu temple, Angkor Wat was converted to a Buddhist place of worship at the end of the 12th century and continues to function as a Buddhist center. The combination of iconography from both religions and centuries of use as a sacred site of ritual, ceremony, and mediation imbues the entire complex with a deep spirituality and mysticism.  

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

Given the world-renowned nature of the historical site, the best time to visit Angkor Wat considers both weather and crowds.

You’ll enjoy the best weather across Cambodia during the dry season from November to April.
November to February has the mildest temperatures but this also makes it the busiest time to visit.
When things heat up in March and April crowds peter out, so if you can take the heat, you might want to opt to visit in late spring.  

To escape the crowds, plan your trip in the low season from May to October. Although you’ll experience afternoon rains, they’re short lived and turn the landscape around Angkor lush and green. Explore in the morning and head back to your hotel for an afternoon siesta or lunch set to the pitter-patter of tropical raindrops.

We only recommend avoiding September, which can bring heavy downpours. The holidays of Chinese New Year at the end of January and Golden Week in October also bring tourists in droves, so we recommend avoiding these times, too. 

Getting to Angkor Wat

Leave how to get to Angkor Wat to us. From Siem Reap, your guide and private driver will escort you from your hotel to the temple complex, arriving at times that will mitigate the crowds. Once you’ve arrived, tour the labyrinthine site on foot or by air-conditioned vehicle—a welcome reprieve in the heat. 

If you prefer a more active travel style, we can also arrange a cycling tour of the temples. Pedal down sun-dappled paths under the jungle canopy, passing intricate relief carvings, colossal ruins, and reflective water reservoirs. Exploring this way allows you to go at your own pace, uncovering hidden corners and immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle with the wind in your hair. While it’s possible to see the park’s most iconic spots in a day, we recommend taking two days to explore, allowing for a more relaxed pace and a deeper dive into each temple.  

However you choose to see this impressive ancient wonder, you can count on being guided by a local, highly experienced expert who will enrich your visit with little-known facts and a deep knowledge of Angkor Wat’s history, culture, and architecture. We also offer the rare opportunity to visit the main temples led by an archaeologist. With over 17 years of hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding of the site’s complex and rich history, you’ll learn Angkor’s secrets through his captivating and colorful storytelling. 

Angkor Wat Travel Highlights

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is a vast and intricate network of temples and monuments, and you’ll discover the grandeur of this UNESCO-designated site by visiting iconic and lesser-known temples. It’s easy to while away hours exploring Angkor Wat, the park’s namesake temple. Stand in awe in front of the central towers, marvel at the masterful bas-relief carvings depicting Hindu epics, walk through sprawling courtyards and down galleries where windows frame views of the palm tree-studded, green grounds stretching toward the horizon. Learn about how each space was used and do a deep dive into the historical and cultural significance of the buildings and sculptures. 

Ta Prohm

In addition to Angkor Wat, there are two other iconic temples that can’t be missed. Ta Prohm is known best for the twisting vines and serpentine tree roots that cloak its crumbling towers and walls, creating a mysterious and atmospheric scene in the jungle—and immortalized in Tomb Raider. Built in the early 12th century, Ta Prohm was dedicated to the mother of king Jayavarman VII, Cambodia’s most beloved king, and was attended to and inhabited by nearly 80,000 people. Wander down shadowy corridors past chiaroscuro relief carvings and imagine royal officials, kings and queens, and dancers enlivening the space centuries ago.  

Bayon Temple

There is perhaps no other temple that represents the majesty and influence of Jayavarman VII better than Bayon. Nestled within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the temple is marked by 216 colossal smiling faces depicting Avalokiteśvara, a Buddhist bodhisattva, along with over a mile of stunning bas-relief carving. The sculptures are also a powerful representation of the cultural shift from Hinduism to Mahayana Buddhism within the site. 

Discover Angkor Wat’s Hidden Temples

Although you’ll want to take in the iconic Angkor Wat highlights, we also pride ourselves on showing you a side of the archaeological park that most travelers miss. On your second day here, hop in a tuk-tuk and motor through the jungle to reach a rarely seen temple that you’ll likely have to yourself. This crumbling ancient site is being reclaimed by the lush jungle and is a peaceful spot far from the crowds—and we keep the name a secret to keep it that way. 

Explore another hidden enclave within the park on a thrilling jeep safari. Kicking off at the grand royal city of Angkor Thom, you’ll continue deeper into the jungle to discover the intriguing “dragon’s teeth” ruins of Prasat Cha, Wat Tol Kpuos, and Kok Po, an ancient temple from the Chenla period, a kingdom that predated the Angkor era. This enchanting tour ends at Spean Memay, or the “Bridge of the Mirrors”, a historic bridge that leads to West Baray, which was once the largest manmade reservoir in the world and enlisted the manpower of 20,000 to build. 

Angkor Wat Travel FAQs

What are the Best Hotels Near Angkor Wat?

There are plenty of luxe options to choose from in Siem Reap but our favorite is Phum Baitang. The sophisticated retreat just outside the city is designed to evoke the charm and tranquility of a Khmer village. Ensconced in 20 acres of gardens and green rice paddies, the freestanding pool or terrace villas are designed as traditional stilted farmhouses, evoking an elegant bucolic simplicity.  

You can also opt to check in at Shinta Mani Angkor, a playful and maximalist hotel designed by Bill Bensley. The modern property boasts sleek villas, two lauded restaurants, a gallery, and a buzzing poolside scene. Jaya House River Park is a sanctuary in the heart of Siem Reap, just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride to the city center. The boutique 36-key hotel is known for its intimate feel and personalized service, as well as beautiful contemporary rooms that look out onto lush greenery and mirrored pools. 

How Much Time do I Need in Angkor Wat? 

We recommend at least three nights in Siem Reap but four is ideal if you want to really get a feel for the place and explore at a more leisurely pace. This will leave time to visit the must-see temples as well as lesser-known ones, and also connect with local people and culture in the Cambodian countryside and Kampong Khleang floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Planning your time here in this way also makes your stay more diverse, so that you can truly appreciate the beauty and history of Angkor without becoming overwhelmed with long days of temple hopping.  

Is There a Dress Code at Angkor Wat? 

Yes. When visiting any temple or religious site in Cambodia, a respectful dress code is required. Visitors should wear long trousers or skirts that cover the knees and ensure shoulders are covered. Skirts, short shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing are considered culturally inappropriate and are not permitted.

Are There Restaurants Within Angkor Archaeological Park? 

There are restaurants surrounding the temple complex, however these often veer toward the touristy side. Given Angkor’s close proximity to the town of Siem Reap, we include lunch in town as a midday break. You’ll either dine at Chanrey Tree, a longstanding favorite that serves Cambodian countryside cuisine, or we can arrange a special set menu lunch at Lum Orng Restaurant, a foodie haunt and one of the best restaurants in the city. 

Should I Visit Angkor Wat at Sunrise or Sunset? 

Seeing Angkor Wat emerge like a mirage at dawn is spectacular, but we think it’s just as magical at sunset, which draws slightly less crowds. If you opt for sunrise, we’ll enter from the quieter east side to avoid the throngs, allowing time to explore this magnificent temple before returning to your hotel to refuel with a late breakfast.