The Secrets of Angkor Wat (and the best ways to unlock them)
Rolling over, my eyes still bleary with sleep, I fumble to snooze my alarm. Why did we set it for 3:30 a.m.? For a few disoriented seconds, I wonder. Then it hits me—we’re being picked up in half an hour for Angkor Wat!
Groggy but excited, we slowly get up, glad we packed our bag the night before. We grab our pre-packed breakfast from the hotel and step out into the silent, pre-dawn darkness. The air feels cool and thick with anticipation – our first proper experience on our big trip.
Climbing into the large van, we nod at the other sleepy faces around us. The dark stillness makes it feel like the middle of the night, yet there’s a sense of shared excitement, too. Finally, we arrive at a small carpark, stepping out into the early morning hush.
As we walk along the dark path, faint beams from torches ahead flicker like fireflies in the distance. Our guide quietly points to the right, and there, breaking through the inky sky, is a sliver of dawn. A silver lake mirrors the growing light, and for the first time, we catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring silhouette of Angkor Wat.
This early wake-up call would lead us to one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of our trip.
What is Angkor Wat and Why Should You Visit
I have to confess, I had never heard of Angkor Wat until my partner suggested we visit as part of our three-week holiday to Southeast Asia. At first, I didn’t understand the excitement—how remarkable could just another temple be? But as I began to research, I quickly realized how mistaken I was. Angkor Wat isn’t just another temple; it’s a marvel of human history, spirituality, and architectural ingenuity.
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument, originally constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. Over time, it transitioned into a Buddhist temple, reflecting the region’s spiritual evolution. The sheer scale of the complex is breathtaking, with its towering spires and intricate carvings, but what truly sets it apart are the exquisite bas-reliefs (a type of sculpture that involves creating a design that is only slightly raised from a flat surface) that stretch over 800 meters depicting epic tales from Hindu mythology.
Beyond its artistic splendor, Angkor Wat is a testament to ancient engineering. The temple’s design aligns with celestial movements, symbolizing Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu cosmology. The main spires mimic lotus buds, and the entire structure is surrounded by a vast moat, creating a visual reflection that adds to its serene beauty.
Located near Siem Reap in central Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the centerpiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which contains over 1,000 temples and structures. While Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the star, other temples like Bayon, with its enigmatic stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where roots of towering trees embrace ancient walls, offer their own unique magic.
Exploring Angkor Wat isn’t just about admiring its grandeur; it’s about stepping into a world where history, spirituality, and human creativity collide. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Angkor Wat is a destination that will leave you in awe.
Angkor Wat can feel intimidating if you’re unsure of what to expect. Hopefully in this article we can unpack some of those secrets to having the best trip to Angkor Wat.
Getting Around Angkor Wat -Transportation Options:
The Angkor temple complex is massive and temperatures in Cambodia can be sweltering – so we recommend using some sort of vehicle to get around if you are short on time.
You can either explore the temples on your own by hiring a tuk-tuk for the day, or book an organised tour by bus or private car.
As it was pretty early on in our trip and we hadn’t developed our travel legs yet, we decided to book an organised tour on Get Your Guide. The tour included a 2-day guided tour, but not the entry passes.
It was a great way to get easy transport around the most popular temples. We also met some great people! However, I don’t think we would choose to do a tour again. The information we received from our guides (we had a different guide each day) was contradictory and we felt a bit rushed through the temples and weren’t left with enough time to really take in each temple. We were also pressured to leave a review on the first day of the tour before we realised that we received a different guide on the second day (rookie mistake).
Next time, we would definitely hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day (or half day) so that we could go at our own pace and give each temple the time is deserved.
Your Guide to Angkor Wat Tickets:
When visiting Angkor Wat, understanding the ticketing options is essential for planning your trip. Angkor Archaeological Park offers three main ticket types: a 1-day pass ($37), a 3-day pass ($62), and a 7-day pass ($72). The 3-day and 7-day passes do not require consecutive usage, allowing you to explore the temples at a relaxed pace over a 10-day or 30-day period, respectively.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the official ticketing centre near Siem Reap. However we recommend just purchasing it online ahead of time to save the hassle of purchasing it on the day. Note that you will need to upload a photograph of yourself for the pass.
Be sure to carry your pass with you at all times, as it is checked at various temples. If you do happen to buy your pass at the ticketing centre – make sure you take a photo of it in case it goes missing or gets wet.
We recommend you spend at least 2 days exploring Angkor Wat and surrounds, or if you have the time, spend up to a week slowly working your way through the temples. The best way to explore is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday rush and the harsh heat.
When to visit Angkor Wat for the best experience:
For the best experience, consider starting your visit early in the morning to beat the crowds (and the heat) and make the most of your chosen ticket. The early morning glow also creates stunning opportunities for photography.
We visited Angkor Wat in the shoulder season of early October, towards the end of the rainy season. This turned out to be perfect timing, with less crowds and lush greenery. It did rain most afternoons between the hours of 3pm to 5pm, however it was a nice reprieve from the scorching heat and humidity of the day.
The peak season is during the dry season, November to March, where the weather is cooler and more comfortable. However note that the temples will be a lot busier.
Check out the following season summaries to choose the best option for you!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Fewer crowds compared to the dry season |
Occasional rain in October or increased heat in April |
|
Still relatively good weather, especially in early October |
Weather can be unpredictable |
|
Greenery from the rainy season adds a lush, vibrant backdrop |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Cooler and more comfortable weather |
Peak tourist season, so temples can be crowded |
|
Clear skies, ideal for sunrise and photography |
Higher accommodation and tour prices due to demand |
|
Easier navigation around temples without rain or mud |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Lush greenery and fewer tourists, offering a serene experience |
Frequent rain, especially in the afternoons, may disrupt plans |
|
Lower accommodation and tour prices |
High humidity and muddy pathways |
|
Unique opportunity to see temples with moats or reflective pools filled |
Some remote temples may become harder to access |
Final Reflections on Angkor Wat: Why It’s Worth the Early Start
Standing in the heart of Angkor Wat, it's almost impossible not to feel a sense of awe. The sheer scale of the temple complex, the intricate carvings that whisper stories of ancient empires, and the quiet stillness of the surroundings evoke a connection to a history far beyond our time. Visiting Angkor Wat isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list item—it’s about stepping into a space where culture, spirituality, and human ingenuity converge.
For us, the experience was not only visually stunning but also deeply reflective. Learning about the Khmer Empire’s architectural mastery and the temple’s spiritual evolution from Hinduism to Buddhism opened our eyes to the resilience and adaptability of cultures over time. It's a place that invites you to pause, take in the moment, and reflect on the passage of time and the human stories etched into every stone.
Yes, the early wake-up call might feel daunting, but as the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink while Angkor Wat’s silhouette emerges in the distance, every ounce of grogginess melts away. The early hours are also the perfect time to wander quietly, with fewer crowds, allowing you to absorb the magic of the space in solitude.
What truly made Angkor Wat special for us was its ability to surprise and inspire. Each temple in the complex has its own personality—from the grandeur of Angkor Wat to the enigmatic faces of Bayon and the jungle-embraced ruins of Ta Prohm. There’s a sense of discovery at every turn, whether it’s a hidden carving, a quiet courtyard, or a breathtaking view from the top of a tower.
If you’re debating whether the early start or the effort to visit is worth it, let us reassure you: it absolutely is. Angkor Wat isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left, igniting a curiosity to learn more about the world and its incredible history. Take your time, soak it in, and let this remarkable place leave its mark on you, as it did on us.
