One of the world’s most renowned historical attractions, the ornately carved temples and crumbling ruins of Angkor are all that remains of a vast, 12th century city in the jungle just outside of modern-day Siem Reap. Many of the best things to do in Angkor Wat—like watching the sunrise over this storied religious site, visiting the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm, and marveling at the many faces of Bayon—can be squeezed into a day. However, most travelers opt for 2-3-day tours, including visits to more remote temples like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea.
There are benefits to exploring at any time of year, although most travelers agree that the best time to visit Angkor is during the dry season (November to April), when the weather is sunny with little chance of rain. April is the hottest and dustiest month; it’s best to avoid it. The rainy season (May to October) has fewer crowds, but a greater risk of heavy rain and mud. However, cloudy skies can make for better sunrises and sunsets—as long as it doesn’t get too rainy.
If you want to make the most of all the things to do in Angkor Wat, it’s usually worth it to join a guided tour. Some tours offer transportation only, but others include a knowledgeable guide so you can learn more about the Khmer architecture seen all over Angkor Archaeological Park. Tour options include Vespa tours, tuk-tuk tours, and air conditioned car or bus tours. Keen cyclists also can bike, but be aware it’s a long journey. The temples that are farther away, like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea, are best visited by car or bus.
Most travelers underestimate just how huge Angkor is and tend to rush through, focusing on the highlights. While you can visit the main temples—Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm—in one day and squeeze in a sunrise and sunset, this equates to a long and tiring day. Travelers with 2-3 days often have a better experience and leave with a deeper understanding of this ancient temple city. Booking a guided tour can help you skip the crowds.
Attractions 30 | Tours 11 | Reviews 64 |
Best known for its stone temples with intricate bas relief carvings, Angkor Wat was the capital of the Khmer empire, established by King Suryavarman II. The 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat—originally devoted to Hindu gods before it became a Buddhist-Hindu temple—is the best-known, but there are many, including Phnom Bakheng, Ta Prohm (of Tomb Raider fame) and Bayon.
...MoreWhile most visitors won’t need more than a couple of days, it’s worth setting aside time to make the most of all the things to do in Angkor Wat. You can squeeze in the main temples during one day pass, but if you want to visit Pre Rup, Preah Khan, or Koh Ker—the pyramid temple—you’ll need more time.
...MoreYes, visitors to the temples should dress conservatively and cover their shoulders and knees. While men can get away with wearing shorts, women should wear long pants or skirts. You’ll also want to wear comfortable walking shoes and stay protected from the sun.
...MoreNo, Angkor Wat is not one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, it was one of the finalists in the New 7 Wonders of the World campaign in 2000. Some people still refer to it as a wonder of the world or a wonder of the ancient world.
...MoreAngkor Wat is a historical and cultural attraction. Impressing visitors all over the world who come to catch a glimpse of the ancient temples and Buddhist monks, the historic capital of the Khmer Empire is the most visited tourist attraction in Cambodia and one of the most visited attractions in Southeast Asia.
...MoreAlthough there aren’t any specific child-friendly activities at Angkor Wat, the ancient jungle-clad temple mountains appeal to a broad variety of ages. For young children, a half-day guided tuk-tuk tour to the overgrown temple of Ta Prohm and Bayon, the temple of faces, would be a great place to start.
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