How to visit Angkor Wat

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. It’s basically an all-inclusive service; some will even be able to provide tips. The tuk-tuk will pick you up from your hotel, take you wherever you want to visit in Angkor Archaeological Park, and then drop 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. The price will vary based on how long you want to visit.

Alternatively, Angkor Wat is accessible by tour, taxi, and e-bikes and bikes. 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 the Angkor Wat temple is a magical-and popular-experience. Most temples open at 7:30 AM, but Angkor Wat and Srassrang open for the sunrise at 5:00 AM.

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.

You’ll want to arrive right when it opens to get a seat before others. The ticket office opens from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM, but you can purchase tickets online or at the end of the day before your visit (starting at 4:45 PM). After entering the Park, head straight to Angkor Wat and enjoy.

Stay to watch the sunset

I’m not going to lie, this will be a long day. The sunset makes it worth it. Most temples close at 5:30 PM, in which you can head to either Phnom Bakheng or Prerup Temple which stay open until 7:00 PM.

Map the temples you want to visit

The Angkor Archaeological Park has a Grand Circuit and Small Circuit, allowing you to see every site without much backtracking. If you want to visit in just one day, you’ll be able to see most of the Small Circuit.

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

The day 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 the Khmer people were practitioners of Hinduism before switching to Buddhism and be able to identify this evolution among artistic motifs when you visit Angkor in person.

What to bring and wear

Modest attire: As a religious site, it’s respectful to dress modestly. At minimum, have shoulders and knees covered.

Sunscreen: I will say there are many shaded areas throughout the Park, but account for proper sun protection for the day.

Personal fan: While Cambodia was hot, I did not feel terrible at the Park (riding the tuk-tuk with blowing breeze helped).

Wet wipes: Pre-moistened wipes to help you keep fresh and in case there’s no toilet paper at bathrooms

Battery pack: If you’re doing the long day, you’ll want to be able to take lots of pictures- and recharge your devices.

Cash: Bring cash to pay and tip your driver. You can pay the entrance fee with credit card.

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 .