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10 things we wish we knew before visiting the Angkor temples

10 things we wish we knew before visiting the Angkor temples
The Angkor temples offer a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience! As a unique archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are Cambodia's top tourist attraction. These temples are often listed alongside Machu Picchu and the Pyramids of Giza on travelers' bucket lists—and for good reason. This sprawling complex of over 200 temples, set deep within the Cambodian jungle, was constructed more than 1,000 years ago. We were lucky enough to visit them back in June 2023 as part of our journey through Southeast Asia.
This archaeological site is vast, and most travelers have less than three days to explore it, making organization and preparation crucial for maximizing your visit. During our time at the Angkor temples, we identified several insights that would have enhanced our experience if only we had known them in advance. 
In this article, we share our top 10 practical tips and the must-see temples, drawn from our personal experience, to help future visitors make the most of their trip to this extraordinary destination.

1- Which type of entry ticket should I buy to visit the temples?

There are three types of entry tickets available for visiting the Angkor temples:
  • 1-Day Pass: Ideal for those with limited time, allowing access to the temples for one day only.
  • 3-Day Pass: Offers greater flexibility, allowing you to visit the temples over three non-consecutive days within a week.
  • 7-Day Pass: Best for those who want to explore the temples in depth, providing access over seven non-consecutive days within a month.
While a week might seem like a lot of time, unless you’re a devoted enthusiast with ample time, a single day may not be sufficient to fully explore the site. With over 200 temples at Angkor, a one-day visit may limit you to seeing only 3 or 4 temples, and even then, you'll likely find yourself wanting to see more. Each temple is so captivating that you’ll probably wish to revisit some or explore additional ones. To truly appreciate this extraordinary site, we recommend staying at least two days in Siem Reap, if your schedule and travels in Asia or Cambodia permit.
Even if you're only spending a single day at the temples, it's still worth considering the three-day pass. This option allows you to explore the temples on your first day and return the following morning before you leave Siem Reap. The additional few hours make the extra cost of approximately $30 between the one-day and three-day passes well worth it.
For our part, we spent two days exploring the site and decided to purchase a three-day pass. We used the third day entry to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat one last time before catching our bus to Phnom Penh.
While it is possible to purchase tickets on-site, it's advisable to book them in advance through this website and print them out for your visit. Be sure not to lose your ticket, as it will be scanned at the entrance to each temple. Note that tickets can only be booked up to one month in advance of your visit.

2. How do you get from one temple to another?

If you're considering walking between the temples, think again! The temples are often several kilometers apart, and the roads connecting them are busy with tuk-tuks, tourist buses, and scooters, plus they’re not designed for pedestrians. Given Cambodia's sweltering heat, walking 40 minutes or more to reach the next temple can be quite challenging.
The best way to explore the temples is by hiring a scooter if you're comfortable with driving, or even better, by booking a tuk-tuk driver for the day. We highly recommend the latter option. It not only provides you with the assistance of a local who can offer insights into Cambodian life and the temples but also supports the local economy. Tuk-tuk drivers rely heavily on tourism for their income, and hiring one for the day typically costs around $25, though the rate is negotiable.
To find a tuk-tuk driver, we recommend using the Grab app, which is available in nearly all Southeast Asian countries and is highly reliable. Once you’ve arranged for a driver to take you to the temples in the morning, feel free to ask if they can also transport you between temples throughout the day. The driver will wait for you near each temple while you explore. Many drivers offer this service as a standard option when transporting passengers to the temples.

3. What to wear when visiting the temples?

Visiting the temples requires adhering to a strict dress code for both men and women. As a religious site, the dress regulations are similar to those for other Buddhist temples. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times, both inside and outside the temples. Security personnel will check your attire at the entrance, and if your shoulders or knees are not adequately covered, you will be denied entry.
Given the heat, it’s advisable to wear a short-sleeved T-shirt paired with a long skirt, dress, or trousers made from light, breathable fabrics like linen. Shorts are acceptable as long as they cover the knees. For footwear, sandals are allowed, but the red, dusty earth around the temples can be uncomfortable if you're wearing open-toed shoes. We chose to wear trainers to keep our feet clean and to protect against potential rain, which can be frequent in Cambodia depending on the season.

4. When to start your visit to the temples?

Get up early! Angkor Wat opens at 5 a.m., giving visitors the chance to witness a breathtaking sunrise from the temple entrance. It's a unique experience that’s worth sacrificing a few hours of sleep. The sun rises directly behind the temple, painting the sky with a shifting palette of colors as it climbs higher. This stunning display draws many visitors, so you won’t be alone at 5 a.m., but you'll have no trouble finding a tuk-tuk driver or guide.
The best spot to catch the sunrise is in front of the small lake to the right as you enter Angkor Wat, after crossing the floating bridge. From here, you can see the five lotus flower-shaped towers reflected in the water, creating a perfect symmetry. Don’t forget to protect yourself from mosquitoes!
Once you arrive at 5 a.m., use the opportunity to begin your temple visit as soon as the sun rises. The heat is still manageable at this early hour.

5. Is it advisable to visit the temples in the afternoon?

While visiting the temples of Angkor, you might wonder whether it’s a good idea to explore them in the afternoon. Although many guides and blogs advise against it due to the heat, we visited some temples between 1 PM and 3 PM and found it quite manageable. We were pleasantly surprised to be among the few visitors at Bayon and Ta Prohm during these hours.
Despite the intense heat, it was no worse than in the morning or evening, provided you stay well-hydrated. With plenty of fresh water and proper preparation, an afternoon visit can still be quite manageable.

6. Can you visit the temples at sunset?

Unfortunately, we had to forgo our plans to photograph the sunset from the temples. The temples close at 5:30 PM, which means there’s no chance to visit them in the evening when the heat is slightly more bearable, or to view the sunset from within the temple grounds.
The photo below was taken just before the temple closed at 5:30 PM. Although there was an incredible sunset that evening, we weren’t able to experience it fully from the temple. Security officers circulate the area and ask visitors to leave shortly before closing time.
However, this is your chance to get back to the hotel and relax before an early diner in town.

7. Are there any cafés/restaurants on site?

Despite the site's popularity and high visitor numbers, dining options on-site are quite limited. While you’ll find souvenir vendors, drinks, and street food stalls near some temples, they are not available at all of them. We only encountered one air-conditioned restaurant/café near Angkor Wat. Therefore, it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks.
If you’ve hired a tuk-tuk driver for your temple tour, consider asking them to drop you off near a recommended street food stall or restaurant for lunch. To make the most of our time in Siem Reap, we decided to stop at a supermarket to purchase snacks and water for ourselves and our driver and continue our exploration. We took the time to have a nice diner in the evening once the temples are closed to visitors.

8. What should I do if children approach me for money or gifts near the temples?

It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter Cambodian children selling souvenirs at the Angkor temples. The site’s regulations clearly advise against giving money, sweets, or gifts to these children, as doing so only discourages them from attending school. While it’s a tough situation, the best approach is to ignore their pleas or gently encourage them to play with their friends instead.

9. Should I bring some cash?

Absolutely. Be sure to carry enough cash for your visit, as credit card payments are generally not accepted. Whether you're paying for a tuk-tuk, buying souvenirs, or purchasing water, most vendors and restaurants in Siem Reap do not have card facilities. In Cambodia, both the US dollar and the local currency, the riel, are used. ATMs are available for withdrawing either currency.
Please note: some retailers may refuse tickets that are too damaged, as they themselves will have difficulty using them later for the same reasons.

10. Which temples are a must-see?

With almost 200 temples to choose from, it's important to shortlist the temples you're going to visit once you're in Siem Reap. Here's a list of the eight temples we think are must-sees. They are also fairly close together, so easy to visit in one or two days.

  • Angkor Wat 

Undeniably the most famous of all, Angkor Wat is distinguished by its lotus flower-shaped towers and is featured in almost every official photo of the Angkor temples, as well as on the Cambodian flag.
The temple opens its doors at 5 a.m. for visitors to witness the breathtaking sunrise. To fully explore this vast complex, plan on spending at least two hours. During your visit, you'll encounter well-preserved frescoes, depictions of Shiva from the era when Angkor's temples were Hindu, and ancient basins designed to collect monsoon water.

  • Bayon 

The Bayon Temple is one of our favorites! Situated just 10 minutes by tuk-tuk from Angkor Wat, its 54 towers are adorned with enormous, serene faces carved in stone, symbolizing both the king's omnipresence and the Buddha's compassion. During our visit, a torrential downpour added to the temple's mystical ambiance, making us feel as though we were stepping into an Indiana Jones film.

  • The Southern gate

Another favorite of ours, which we noticed while on our way to the Ta Prohm Temple. We had to ask our driver to stop and tell us more about this incredible bridge, whose architecture is almost threatening to visitors.
Located near the Bayon temple, this bridge is lined with 54 giant stone statues bearing the Naga snake. Looking at the statues, it's easy to distinguish those that have been renovated from the originals. The bridge leads to a gate reminiscent of the Bayon temple, with its gigantic smiling faces carved in stone.

  • Ta Prohm 

Ta Prohm temple gained worldwide fame thanks to its feature in the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.
The temple is a spectacular blend of nature and architecture. Huge trees with sprawling roots envelop the temple ruins, making preservation difficult for the Cambodian authorities, but creating a mystical and wild atmosphere for visitors. We loved this temple which gives a fascinating insight into the power of nature and the jungle over time. We could not help but visit it several times during our stay in Siem Reap.

  • Ta Keo 

This smaller temple, located between Bayon and Ta Prohm, was built at the end of the 10th century. This temple was intended to symbolise Mount Meru, the sacred mountain of the gods in Hindu mythology. What makes Ta Keo unique is its raw appearance, as its construction was interrupted before completion, leaving the walls unadorned. Despite this, its impressive height of almost 22 meters and its five pyramidal towers offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.

  • Sra Sang

This small and discreet temple is tucked away near the reservoir of the same name. It’s a perfect spot to escape the crowds and experience the tranquility of a lesser-known site while taking in the scenic surroundings. The visit is brief, but we thoroughly recommend the unique charm of this temple by the water’s edge.

  • Banteay Srei 

Situated a bit further from the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is definitely worth the drive by tuk-tuk. Make sure to confirm with your driver that they are willing to take you there, as the trip takes about 30 minutes.
This temple stands out for its pink sandstone construction, which makes it truly unique compared with the other temples in the region. It is also known as the ‘Citadel of Women’ because of its delicate and refined sculptures.
On-site, you’ll find a café-restaurant and a scenic rice field. Entrance to Banteay Srei is included with your Angkor temple pass, so there are no additional fees to visit.

  • Pre Rup 

Pre Rup temple, located on the north-east side of Siem Reap, was built in the 10th century. It is a temple dedicated to Shiva and was once used as a royal cremation ground.
Our guide recommended Pre Rup for watching the sunset, and we were not disappointed.
This temple is renowned for its striking red sandstone blocks, which take on a warm, glowing hue at sunset. Its temple-mountain structure, consisting of three tiers, allows you to climb steep stairs to a viewing platform that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and rice paddies.
From the top, we were amazed at how nature effectively camouflages the other temples, despite their close proximity. It’s almost impossible to spot the neighboring temples, even though they are just a few kilometers away.
However, since the temples close at 5:30 PM, you might catch the beginning of the sunset but won't be able to witness it in its entirety.
Last but not least—make the most of it! Many people dream of visiting the temples of Angkor, but few have the opportunity to make the journey to Cambodia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that you might not get to experience again. Embrace every moment from sunrise to sunset, explore as many temples as possible, and don't hesitate to revisit your favorites. Enjoy your adventure!

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