Angkor Wat Travel Guide

Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece in Cambodia, stands as the most famous and best-preserved temple within the vast Angkor Archaeological Park. It is the largest religious monument in the world, a testament to the power, vision, and architectural brilliance of the Khmer Empire.

The Wonder of Angkor Wat

History and Significance

Angkor Wat, meaning “City Temple,” was commissioned in the early 12th century by the Khmer King Suryavarman II to serve as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, which is significant as most Khmer temples faced east, while Angkor Wat faces west, a direction symbolically associated with Vishnu and also with death.

The temple complex is a staggering achievement of architecture and engineering, showcasing the high classical style of Khmer art. Its construction is believed to have spanned some three decades and involved thousands of workers and elephants. It was combines 2 basics plans of Khmer temple architecture: Temple-mountain & the later galleried temple.

Architectural Design and Symbolism

The entire complex is a colossal, three-dimensional representation of the Hindu cosmos.

• Mount Meru: The five central towers, arranged in a quincunx, symbolize the five peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu cosmology. The central tower rises 65 meters (213 feet) above the ground.
• The Moat: A massive, rectangular moat, measuring over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in perimeter, surrounds the temple. This water barrier represents the oceans at the edge of the world.
• Galleries and Bas-Reliefs: The temple rises through three rectangular galleries, each separated by a paved walkway. The walls of the innermost galleries are adorned with nearly 20,000 square feet of exquisite bas-reliefs—intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as historical scenes from the reign of Suryavarman II. These carvings are considered the high point of Khmer artistry. The walls are also decorated with over 2,000 unique carvings of apsaras (celestial dancers).

Transition to Buddhism

Although initially a Hindu temple, Angkor Wat gradually transitioned into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century, particularly after King Jayavarman VII established Buddhism as the state religion. It has remained an important religious center for Buddhism to this day, which is one reason it is so well-preserved compared to many other temples in the park. In 1992, the entire Angkor complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Angkor Wat Travel Guide: Tips for Visitors

Angkor Wat is located just a few kilometers north of Siem Reap, the primary gateway city. Visiting requires planning, as it is part of the vast Angkor Archaeological Park.

Getting There and Tickets

• Getting to Siem Reap: Siem Reap has an international airport (REP) and is accessible by bus or taxi from other parts of Cambodia.
• Park Transportation: Once in Siem Reap, the most common way to visit the temples is by tuk-tuk (motor-rickshaw) or hiring a private car/taxi for the day. Bicycles or electric bikes are also an option for closer temples like Angkor Wat. Drivers are typically hired for the “Small Circuit” (including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm) and the “Grand Circuit” (covering outer temples).
• Angkor Pass (Ticket): An admission pass, or Angkor Pass, is mandatory for all visitors to the park. It can be purchased at the official ticket center (Angkor Enterprise) or online. Prices are currently:
  • 1-Day Pass: US\$ 37
  • 3-Day Pass: US\$ 62 (valid for any three days within a 10-day period)
  • 7-Day Pass: US\$ 72 (valid for any seven days within a one-month period)
  • Note: Tickets require a photo taken at the counter and must be kept with you at all times.

When to Visit

• Best Time of Year (Cool, Dry Season): November to March offers the most comfortable weather—cooler temperatures and little rain. However, this is also the peak tourist season, meaning larger crowds.
• Shoulder Season: April and October offer a compromise. April is hot but less crowded. October marks the end of the rainy season and is lush and green, with fewer crowds than peak season.
• Rainy Season (Low Season): June to September has frequent afternoon showers, but the landscape is very green, and crowds are minimal. Prices for accommodation may also be lower.

Best Time of Day

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat: This is the most iconic experience. You must arrive before 5:00 AM to secure a good spot, typically near the reflection ponds in front of the main temple gate. Buy your ticket the day before to avoid long queues in the dark.
• Mid-Day: Avoid visiting between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM due to the heat and large tour groups. Use this time for lunch, a break at your hotel, or exploring shadier temples like Ta Prohm.
• Late Afternoon/Sunset: The western orientation of Angkor Wat makes it glow golden in the late afternoon sun. While sunset is less famous here than sunrise, it offers stunning views and smaller crowds than the morning.

Essential Tips

1. Dress Code: Angkor Wat is a sacred religious site. Visitors are required to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, to show respect. This rule is strictly enforced at the upper levels of the temples.
2. Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat and humidity are intense. Carry plenty of water (double what you think you need), wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.
3. Hire a Guide: While you can visit independently, hiring a local guide (available through hotels or at the park) can greatly enhance your experience by explaining the complex mythology of the bas-reliefs and the history of the temples.
4. Explore Beyond: Don’t limit your visit to just Angkor Wat. The Angkor Archaeological Park is home to dozens of other magnificent temples, including the enigmatic face-towers of Bayon and the iconic ‘Tomb Raider’ temple, Ta Prohm, where tree roots intertwine with the stonework.