Angkor Wat
February 23, 2025

A First-Timer’s Guide to Exploring the Temples of Angkor Wat

The Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia is one of the most impressive historical sites in the world. But let’s be honest—if you don’t go in with a plan, you’re going to end up lost, sweaty, and regretting your life choices by noon. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your first visit without wasting time or energy.
Written by
The Budget Wanderer
Published on
February 23, 2025

1. Tickets and Entry Rules

  • Where to Buy Tickets: Tickets must be purchased at the official Angkor Ticket Office, not at the temple gates. It’s open from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
  • Pricing:
    • 1-day pass: $37
    • 3-day pass: $62 (valid for 10 days)
    • 7-day pass: $72 (valid for one month)
  • Payment Methods: Cash (USD or Cambodian Riel) and credit cards are accepted.
  • Photo Requirement: Your ticket will have your photo on it, so don’t lose it unless you enjoy paying twice.
  • Entry Hours: The park opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM, but some temples have specific restrictions.

2. Best Time to Visit (and When to Avoid the Crowds)

  • Sunrise (5:00–7:00 AM): The classic Angkor Wat sunrise is worth it, but expect massive crowds.
  • Mid-Morning (7:30–11:00 AM): Avoid this time unless you love bumping into tour groups and melting in the heat.
  • Midday Break (11:00 AM–2:00 PM): The worst time to explore—heat and crowds at their peak.
  • Afternoon (2:00–5:30 PM): A great window to explore with fewer tourists.
  • Sunset (5:30–7:00 PM): Some temples close early, but Phnom Bakheng is a popular sunset spot.

3. Must-See Temples (and the Ones You Can Skip)

Angkor Wat (The Main Event)
  • Why Visit? The world’s largest religious monument, ridiculously photogenic, and the reason you came to Cambodia.
  • Best Time: Sunrise (arrive by 4:30 AM for a front-row view) or late afternoon.
  • Insider Tip: The western entrance is less crowded in the morning.
Bayon Temple (The One with the Giant Faces)
  • Why Visit? 54 towers featuring 216 massive smiling stone faces. Creepy? A little. Impressive? Absolutely.
  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.
  • Skip It If: You’re on a tight schedule—it’s stunning but not a dealbreaker.
Ta Prohm (The Tomb Raider Temple)
  • Why Visit? Overgrown trees swallowing the ruins. Featured in Tomb Raider, so expect Lara Croft wannabes.
  • Best Time: Early morning before the tour groups arrive.
  • Skip It If: You hate crowds or already saw a lot of jungle temples.
Banteay Srei (The Pink Sandstone Temple)
  • Why Visit? Some of the most intricate carvings in Angkor, plus the pink sandstone makes it unique.
  • Best Time: Mid-morning when the sunlight enhances the color.
  • Skip It If: You don’t want to travel 30+ km outside the main complex.

Guided Tour of Temples

Tour the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat complex, led by an expert guide, visit key sites such as the Terrace of the Elephants, the South Gate of Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm Temple. Enjoy the added convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included with the tour.

4. Transportation Options

  • Bicycle: Good for the budget traveler who enjoys heat exhaustion.
  • Tuk-Tuk: The most popular option—negotiate prices beforehand.
  • Car & Driver: Air-conditioned luxury if you don’t mind spending more.
  • E-Bike: A solid middle-ground option if you’re comfortable navigating on your own.

5. What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Essentials:
  • Water & Electrolytes – You’ll sweat more than you think is possible, it's important you stay hydrated. This is my favorite collapsible and foldable travel water bottle that I take EVERYWHERE.
  • Sun Protection – Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. No shade = sunburn.
  • Proper Clothing – Knees and shoulders must be covered. No tank tops or short shorts.
  • Comfortable Shoes – You’ll walk 10+ miles without realizing it.
  • Bug Spray or Wipes – It's tough to find bug spray that is under 3 fl oz in order to carry it on board a flight. Here are some bug repellent wipes that are carry on friendly! Unless you want to be a buffet for mosquitoes.
  • Cash – ATMs are unreliable, and temple snacks aren’t free.
Things to Skip:
  • Drones – Banned. Unless you enjoy getting fined.
  • Heavy Bags – Security will check them, and you don’t want to lug them around anyway.
  • Expensive Jewelry – Pickpockets love tourists who flaunt wealth.

6. Common Scams and Tourist Traps

  • Fake Guides – Only hire licensed guides with official badges.
  • “Free” Bracelets or Blessings – Monks will tie one on your wrist, then demand cash.
  • Scam Tuk-Tuks – If the fare sounds too cheap, they’ll take you to a “friend’s” shop before dropping you off.

Plan your route, dress appropriately, avoid common scams, and don’t underestimate the heat. If you follow this guide, you’ll get the most out of your trip without feeling like you just survived an endurance test. And if you do it right, you’ll leave with incredible memories instead of heatstroke.

Find Cheap Deals to Angkor Wat

Trip.com is currently offering up to 30% off retail pricing on hotels and accommodations in Cambodia. There is a $70 USD welcome credit on your first booking for new accounts!

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