Angkor Wat, temple complex at Angkor, near Siem Reap, Cambodia, that was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113–c. 1150) of the Khmer empire. The vast religious complex of Angkor Wat comprises more than a thousand buildings, and it is one of the great cultural wonders of the world. Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious structure, covering some 400 acres (160 hectares), and marks the high point of Khmer architecture.
Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, CambodiaView of Angkor Wat, Cambodia's most famous temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city of Angkor served as the royal center from which a dynasty of Khmer kings ruled one of the largest, most prosperous, and most sophisticated kingdoms in the history of Southeast Asia. From the end of the 9th century until early in the 13th century, numerous construction projects were undertaken, the most notable of which was Angkor Wat. It was built by Suryavarman II as a vast funerary temple within which his remains were to be deposited. Construction is believed to have spanned some three decades.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
All of the original religious motifs derived from Hinduism, and the temple was dedicated to the god Vishnu. The five central towers of Angkor Wat symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, which according to Hindu mythology is the dwelling place of the gods. The mountain is said to be surrounded by an ocean, and the complex’s enormous moat suggests the oceans at the edge of the world. A 617-foot (188-meter) bridge allows access to the site. The temple is reached by passing through three galleries, each separated by a paved walkway. The temple walls are covered with bas-relief sculptures of very high quality representing Hindu gods and ancient Khmer scenes as well as scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
After the Cham people of modern-day Vietnam sacked Angkor in 1177, King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181–c. 1220) decided that the Hindu gods had failed him. When he built a new capital nearby, Angkor Thom, he dedicated it to Buddhism. Thereafter, Angkor Wat became a Buddhist shrine, and many of its carvings and statues of Hindu deities were replaced by Buddhist art.
In the early 15th century Angkor was abandoned. Still, Theravada Buddhist monks maintained Angkor Wat, which remained an important pilgrimage site and continued to attract European visitors. Angkor Wat was “rediscovered” by explorer Henri Mouhot after the French colonial regime was established in 1863.
In the 20th century various restoration programs were undertaken, but they were suspended amid the political unrest that engulfed Cambodia in the 1970s. When work resumed in the mid-1980s, the required repairs were extensive. Notably, sections had to be dismantled and rebuilt. In 1992 the Angkor complex, which included Angkor Wat, was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO and was immediately added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. In the ensuing years, restoration efforts increased, and Angkor was removed from the danger list in 2004. Today Angkor Wat is one of the most important pilgrimage shrines in Southeast Asia and a popular tourist attraction. The temple complex appears on the Cambodian flag.
How to Plan a Trip to Angkor Wat, Cambodia?
If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, one of the must-see attractions is the ancient city of Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from all over the globe, who come to marvel at its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and rich history. But before you book your trip, it’s important to do some research and plan ahead to make the most of your visit. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Angkor Wat, including the best time to visit, getting there, admission information, suggested itineraries, photography opportunities, accommodation options, where to eat and drink, currency and prices, and health and safety considerations.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
The best time to visit Angkor Wat is during the dry season, which runs from November to March. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, with clear blue skies and little rain. This makes it the perfect time to explore the temples and take photographs without having to worry about rain or humidity.
However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher hotel rates. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October. The weather is still relatively dry and sunny, but there are fewer visitors and lower prices.
If you don’t mind rainy weather, you can also visit during the wet season from May to October. The upside of visiting during this time is that the temples are lush and green, and the rain cools down the temperature and helps reduce the crowd. Note that visiting during the wet season requires additional preparation as there may be flooding or landslides.
Getting There
There are two main ways to get to Angkor Wat: by air or by land.
By Air
The nearest airport to Angkor Wat is Siem Reap International Airport, which is located about 7 kilometers from the city center. Many major airlines fly into Siem Reap, including AirAsia, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. From the airport, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to your hotel or guesthouse in Siem Reap.
By Land
If you are traveling overland, you can reach Siem Reap by bus or private car from Phnom Penh or Bangkok. The journey from Phnom Penh takes around 6 hours, while the journey from Bangkok takes around 8 hours. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a boat from Phnom Penh along the Tonle Sap river to Siem Reap.
Getting Around
Siem Reap is a relatively small city, and most of the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are located within a few kilometers of each other. The main modes of transportation in Siem Reap are tuk-tuks and taxis.
Tuk-tuks are a popular and fun way to get around, and they are readily available throughout the city. They can be hired by the hour or for a specific trip, depending on your needs. Taxis are also available, but they tend to be more expensive than tuk-tuks.
Another option for getting around is to rent a bicycle or motorbike. This is a great way to explore the temples and countryside at your own pace, but it requires some experience with riding a bike or motorcycle.
Admission
Admission to Angkor Wat is sold as a one-day pass ($37), three-day pass ($62), and seven-day pass ($72). The passes are non-transferable and must be presented with a photo ID when entering the temples.
It’s important to note that the one-day pass is only valid for the day of purchase, while the three-day and seven-day passes can be used on any day within a week. If you plan to visit multiple temples or stay in Siem Reap for several days, it’s worth purchasing a multi-day pass to save money.
Suggested Itineraries
There are dozens of temples to explore in Angkor Wat, so it’s important to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your visit. Here are some suggested itineraries based on how much time you have:
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