THE TEMPLE
Before I get into it, I feel the need to mention that I've been to this temple 5 times. Yes, that's right, 5 times. I'm bringing this up not to boast about it but to share with you how amazed I am by this temple that I keep going back. Every time I've visited, it somehow leaves me speechless. It is one amazing temple. I've been to many temples in SE Asia and this sure is a one of a kind. So, being that I've been to Angkor Wat multiple times, it's only right to share with you some insights and tips when visiting this beautiful temple.
Angkor Wat is situated in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. A world renown UNESCO site that attracts many visitors from all over the world. When it was built, it was meant to be a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire. Later in the 12th century, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple.
The construction of the temple is at the highest calibre of the Khmer architecture, a very important part of the country that it became a symbol for the entire nation.
THE TEMPLE (CONT.)
It has been estimated that over 1 million tourists visits Angkor Wat. Having said that, as you can probably figure out by now, there will be a lot of visitors no matter which time of the year you plan to see it. It's also inevitable that there will be plenty of people no matter which time of the day it is, right from the get go once the temple opens and once it closes. What I can tell you is the best time when it's "less crowded" as well as where you should be in the temple and so much more! So continue reading to get some insights from someone who has been in the temple 5 times!
SUNRISE OR SUNSET? 1 Day or 3 Day Pass?
Ah yes, now you must decide which time of the day you would like to go and how many days would you want to spend in the temple. As I mentioned, I've been here 5 times, the first time I did it, I had bought the 3 day pass which costs $40 USD ($54 CAD). I had experienced both the sunrise and the sunset. The second time I was in Cambodia, I had bought a one day pass which costs $20 USD ($27 CAD). And the last time I was in Cambodia, I had also bought a single day pass which costs $37 USD ($50 CAD).
As you may have noticed, in my first visits, the prices were lower. As of now (2019), the costs have nearly doubled within the span of 1-2 years! A one day pass now costs $37 USD ($50 CAD), a 3 day pass costs $62 USD ($83 CAD), and a week long pass is $72 USD ($96 CAD). Just several years ago they were $20, $40, and $60 USD.
So which one should you get? Angkor Wat is a big temple but one day is more than enough to fully explore the temple. The only reason I see a 3 day pass making sense to someone doing some sort of serious photography or film. It would be beneficial to these people if they want to capture another sunrise/sunset different from the first day. Regardless, one day is more than enough here! If you would like to experience both the sunrise and the sunset at the temple, you may re-enter the complex but be sure to have your pass with you as they check it every time before you enter the temple. A one day pass would be my go to option... but then again, this is coming from someone who has been at the temple 5 times.
In terms of which time is the best, as I mentioned there will be plenty of people from start to finish (5 am - 6 pm), but it's less crowded first thing in the morning. Also, waking up bright and early just makes seeing this temple more magical first thing in the morning. The sun rising over the temple is a view you cannot miss. If you're a morning person, great, if you're not, I would still highly suggest you do the sunrise! Thank me later. If you could do both go for it but if I had to choose one, I prefer the sunrise much better. Also, when you're catching the sunrise, the best spot is inside. Click HERE to watch my Angkor Wat vlog to see where I watched the sun go up. Many people stop once they get their pass checked, you want to continue walking passed the first entrance and then go to the right. You will see a lot of people waiting close to a pond. This is where you want to be for sunrise, as the sun rises, you will see as awesome reflection of the temple making the sunrise even more majestic. Scroll down to the bottom and see the last image! People will also be watching on the left side from where you entered, there's typically more people here than the right side. But both sides for me are prime spots for catching the sunrise but getting position is key of course so do try to come as early as possible.
Once the sun had risen, more people will pass through the gates. Tourist buses will also come around this time making the temple a lot more busier. There are little cafe's on the side of the temple (inside) where you can get coffee, beverages and/or food. If not, you can carry on inside the temple to see the inside. The temple is huge but do try to follow a path so you're able to see the temple in an efficient way. If you're going counter clockwise, do that full round or vice versa, do not zig zag your way inside. Make your path as efficient as possible, if you can.
Once midday hits, it will start to get hotter yet more people will be coming through the gates, at this point you may be done exploring the temple or ready to leave to explore the other beautiful temples in Siem Reap like Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Get lots of rest the day before as you will be waking up bright and early the next day. The official opening hours of the temple is 5 am but there were many times I've entered between 4:30 am - 5 pm. Depending on where you're staying, you need to wake up just before 4 am. You need to go to the ticket counter first, then most likely your tuktuk driver for the day (if you've hired one) will take you to the entrance of the temple.
There are plenty of way to get to Angkor Wat. You could go by renting a bicycle (which I've done) or get a tuktuk (which I've also done) to drive you. Getting a tuktuk would be my preferred option. If you have a couple of people, the fair can be split between x amount of people. Any locals on Siem Reap is sure to know someone who can do this for you, you can ask around or even go on the streets and talk to tuktuk drivers yourself. There are no set prices for these tours as they vary. My suggestion is to go on the streets and start bargaining with tuktuk drivers. Pay no more than $20 USD and ensure that they take you to all the other temples in Siem Reap after Angkor Wat. They would drop you off in Angkor Wat, he will park the tuktuk and wait for you. Once you're done, you will get back in the tuktuk and he will take you to the next destination and so forth. Make sure you pay in the end of the trip and not in the beginning. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, ask the front reception of the place you're staying in and they can set everything up for you but this is the most common way to get around the temples in Siem Reap.
This is a Buddhist temple, a sacred site so do wear proper attire. That means covering your shoulders and knee caps.
Consumer lots of water and stay hydrated. It get's super hot throughout the day so don't forget your sunscreen!
That wraps up my guide to Angkor Wat. I sincerely hope you enjoy this temple as much as I have. If you have anything else to add or have any questions, I would love to hear from you so comment down below. Happy exploring everyone!