Angkor Wat is the most famous of temples at Angkor Archaeological Park, the center of the historical Khmer Empire. The ruins of a former empire, it’s a piece of world history that you can explore on foot.

Constructed by dynasties through the 9th-14th centuries AD, the temples and cities of Angkor were constructed between the times that the Mayans built Chichen Itza and when Incans erected Macchu Pichu.

Located just outside the bustling city of Siem Riep, you can purchase an Angkor Pass at the entrance gate starting at 4:30 AM. The one-day pass is $37, the three-day pass is $62, and the seven-day pass is $72.

If you want to visit the complex at a leisurely place, you’ll want the three-day pass. But I think it’s perfectly doable in one day, so this post contains all the information you need to know to visit Angkor Wat without a guide.

Hire a tuk-tuk driver by the day

The best way to visit Angkor is by hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day. The tuk-tuk picks you up from your hotel and takes you wherever you want to visit in Angkor Archaeological Park, then drops you off when you’re finished.

To hire a tuk-tuk, you can get recommendations from your host or find a driver really anywhere in the tourist areas of Siem Riep. Many drivers offer maps or basic information. The price will vary based on how long you want to visit.

Angkor Wat is accessible by tour, taxi, and e-bikes and bikes, but I think the tuk-tuk is a convenient and perfectly comfortable option. Plus, getting to know my drivers (as they got me safely to every destination) was one of my favorite things about traveling in Southeast Asia. A great way to show your appreciation is by treating them to lunch if you stop by one of the vendors in the Park.

Arrive early for a special sunrise

Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat temple is a magical—and popular—experience. Most temples open at 7:30 AM except for Angkor Wat and Srassrang which open at 5:00 AM for sunrise. You’ll want to arrive right when it opens in order to get an unobstructed seat.

It’s worth the early rise, especially since you’ll then be able to explore the temple complex before it starts to get really crowded.

The ticket office opens from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but you can purchase tickets online or the day in advance. After entering the Park, head straight to Angkor Wat and enjoy.

Stay to watch the sunset

Most temples close at Angkor Archaeological Park close for the day at 5:30 PM, in which you can head to either Phnom Bakheng or Prerup Temple which stay open until 7:00 PM.

A trick to get an extra temple visit in is to buy tickets at the end of the day before your visit. You’re able to start purchasing tickets for the next day at 4:45 PM, and then catch the sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Coming straight from the ticket office means you’ll be able to get a spot before all of the crowds.

Then, you can head home and get some rest before an early day tomorrow. I’m not going to lie, sunrise to sunset is a long day. The sunset makes it worth it.

Map the temples you want to visit

Angkor Archaeological Park has a Grand Circuit and Small Circuit, allowing you to see every site without much backtracking.

If you want to visit Angkor Wat in just one day, you’ll be able to see most of the famous temples along the Small Circuit.

Plan ahead and see which temples you’ll want to prioritize. Some of the archaeological sites are compact temples to climb, whereas others are sprawling walled cities that require much more time to explore.

Small Circuit

• Angkor Wat
• Bakheng Temple
• Angkor Thom
  • Bayon Temple
  • Elephant Terrace
  • Phimeanakas
  • Bapuhuon
  • Terrace of the Leper King
• Thommanon
• Ta Keo
• Ta Prohm
• Banteay Kdei

Grand Circuit

• Pre Rup
• East Mebon
• Ta Som
• Neak Pean
• Preah Khan

Sample sunrise-sunset itinerary

• 5:00-6:00 – Sunrise at Angkor Wat
• 6:00-7:30 – Explore Angkor Wat
• 7:30-9:00 – Ta Prohm
• 9:00-9:30 – Banteay Kdei
• 9:30-10:00 – Sras Srang Pond
• 10:00-11:00 – Lunch
• 11:00-11:30 – East Mebon
• 11:30-12:00 – Ta Som
• 12:00-1:00 – Preah Khan
• 1:00-2:30 – Neak Prean
• 2:30-3:30 – Angkor Thom
• 3:30-4:30 – Snack and shop
• 4:30-5:30 – Angkor Thom
• 5:30-6:30 – Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Tip: Prepare at the Angkor National Museum before your visit

You’ll gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the temples if you visit the Angkor National Museum beforehand. Before visiting the Park, head to the Museum to learn about the different ruling dynasties and get a primer for the architectural periods.

You’ll learn how as at the crossroads of cultures, the Khmer people were first practitioners of Hinduism before switching to Buddhism. It’s satisfying to have this knowledge and be able to identify this evolution among artistic motifs and trace the development of the city upon visiting Angkor in person.

What to bring and wear

Where to stay

Siem Riep is a mecca of beautiful, high-quality accommodations. Whether you’re a digital nomad or backpacker looking for a comfortable shared space, or on the search for luxurious amenities, you’ll be able to find somewhere dreamy to stay.

• $ The Urban has comfy double and family rooms on beautiful grounds, located just minutes from Pub Street.
• $$ Shinta Mani Angkor is a sleek and whimsical boutique in an excellent location. Proceeds go back to the community
• $$$ Raffles for old world luxury

Outside of town, you can stay in individual “jungloos” or villas with private pools at Templation Hotel .