Angkor Wat Travel Guide: Top Things to See and Do

It is a top ancient temple complex. It is iconic and well-preserved. So, it is on tourists’ travel lists. They want to learn about Cambodian heritage. The complex is situated near Siem Reap in Cambodia and represents a World Heritage site according to UNESCO. Angkor Archaeological Park is massive. It covers over 400 square kilometers. It has many temples, monuments, and ruins from the Khmer Empire.

Get Acquainted With The Magnificent Angkor Wat Temple

In the middle of any visit to Angkor, by all means, there should be the magnificent Angkor Wat temple. Angkor Wat is the world’s biggest religious monument. It’s an architectural marvel. King Suryavarman II built it in the 12th century as a Hindu temple to Vishnu. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple, which it remains to this day.

Visit Angkor Thom And Bayon Temple

Apart from the Angkor Wat Temple, another highlight of any Cambodia tour package is the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It is a grand, fortified city, built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Angkor Thom covers 9 square kilometers. It has important structures, like the famous Bayon Temple.

The Breathtaking Ta Prohm Temple

To many tourists, Ta Prohm is the most charming of all temples that exist within Angkor. Unlike most temples, which have been restored to their exact imagery, Ta Prohm has been left as it was found. Giant tree roots and thick foliage cover much of the structure. This gives the temple an out-of-this-world feel and a mystical quality, which makes the temple one of the favorites. It’s also famously known for being the location where scenes from the movie Tomb Raider were shot.

A walk through Ta Prohm transports one to a lost world. The ancient architecture and the natural environment contrast greatly. Large trees break through the stones. The tour to Ta Prohm is an absolute must on any Cambodia Angkor Wat tour for the insight it affords into the powers of nature and time.

The Terrace Of The Elephants and Terrace Of The Leper King

Other highlights not to be missed in Angkor Thom include the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The Terrace of Elephants was also a reviewing stand for King Jayavarman VII. He used it to watch military parades and public ceremonies. Rich in carvings of elephants and mythological animals, it is 300 meters long.

See Some Of Angkor’s Less Known Temples

This is the most famous temple complex, with Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm. But, there are many others beyond these. These temples are Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, and Neak Pean. They are less touristy and allow travelers to enjoy quieter parts of the Angkor complex.

Preah Khan was once a Buddhist university and a temple built by King Jayavarman VII. It has a vast maze of corridors, courtyards, and carvings. All are surrounded by dense jungle.

Banteay Srei is said to be some 25 kilometers away from Angkor Wat and is still referred to as the Jewel of Khmer Art. This small temple has some of the finest Khmer carvings. They are very extensive.

Experience Cambodian Culture In Siem Reap

No visit to Angkor Wat is complete without time spent in Siem Reap, the vibrant city that acts as an entryway into the Angkor temples. Siem Reap is abuzz with culture. Enjoy traditional Apsara dance and lively night markets. There, you can try local street food and shop for handicrafts.

Plan Your Cambodia Tour Package

If a tour to Cambodia is in the pipeline, then your proposed travel itinerary is not complete without an Angkor Wat tour. Several Cambodia tour packages let travelers visit Angkor Wat and other regions. These include Phnom Penh, Battambang, and the coastal towns of Sihanoukville and Kep.

Best Time To See Angkor Wat

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is the dry season, from November to March. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, and therefore sightseeing can be relatively easy. This is, however, the peak tourist period, so during that time there will be more people. You would find the shoulder seasons, April-May and Sept-Oct, better. The weather might be tough, but there won’t be many tourists.

Conclusion

Angkor Wat is a reason to update your bucket list. Angkor Wat offers visitors a chance to time-travel. They will face, perhaps, the most amazing work of art and culture in history. An Angkor Wat tour of Cambodia is unforgettable. Whether awed by Angkor Wat’s grandeur, Bayon’s smiling faces, or Ta Prohm’s mystique.