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Angkor Wat

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Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

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Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and the undisputed symbol of Cambodia. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, the complex originally served as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu before being transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary in the 14th century. Its architecture represents the pinnacle of the classical Khmer style and symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu mythology. Famous for its massive proportions, precise geometry, and kilometers of bas-reliefs depicting epic narratives and daily life of the Khmer people, the temple is a masterpiece of engineering. Every year, it draws millions of visitors who come particularly to admire the sunrise over its iconic towers. Angkor Wat was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 and remains the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272931312928272727272626
Rain mm12164675140168197195231138377

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Angkor Wat is open to visitors during the day, the interior of the temple is accessible. Please respect the religious sites and dress appropriately.
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Typical hours
The temple typically opens at 5 am for sunrise and closes around 5:30 pm. Hours may vary slightly by season.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the complex, but without flash in some sacred areas. Sunrise over the towers is the most famous shot.
⏱️
Time needed
Visiting the main temple takes at least two to three hours. For the entire Angkor Park, plan a full day.
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Combine with
Combine Angkor Wat with nearby Bayon temple and Ta Prohm. The entire archaeological zone gives many other temple ruins.
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Getting there
Angkor Wat is about six kilometers north of Siem Reap, reachable by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or taxi. Entry is via ticket control on the main road.
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Insider tip
Arrive before sunrise to experience the famous sunrise without crowds. Wear light clothing and bring plenty of water.

Geography

Coordinates
13.41240, 103.86690

Facts

  • The temple complex covers an area of approximately 162.6 hectares.
  • The central tower reaches a height of 65 meters above ground level.
  • Surrounded by a moat that is 190 meters wide and over 5 kilometers long.
  • Construction time is estimated at approximately 30 to 35 years.
  • The depiction of the temple adorns the national flag of Cambodia.
  • UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992 as part of the Angkor ensemble.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pre Rup TemplePre Rup Temple<1 km · WExplore →
Siem ReapSiem Reap2 km · SEExplore →
Phnom BakhengPhnom Bakheng2 km · SExplore →
Ta KeoTa Keo2 km · NWExplore →
Banteay KdeiBanteay Kdei3 km · NExplore →
Ta SomTa Som5 km · NExplore →
Siem Reap Lotus FarmSiem Reap Lotus Farm6 km · SEExplore →
Banteay SreiBanteay Srei12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Angkor Wat (12)

Angkor Green Gardens📍 landmark

A park formerly known as the Cambodian Cultural Village, featuring traditional houses and miniature models.

🕒 11:00 - 20:00

Ta Prohm Kel📍 landmark

An 11th-century ruined laterite tower that once served as a hospital chapel.

Angkor Wat📍 landmark

A massive temple complex from the early 12th century, globally renowned for its classical Khmer architecture.

🕒 5:00-17:30

Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum🏛 museum

An archaeological museum exhibiting rare artifacts unearthed during the excavations of the Banteay Kdei temple.

🕒 Tu-Su 08:00-17:00

South Gate🏺 historical

A monumental ancient stone gate of Angkor Thom, flanked by large statues.

North Gate🏺 historical

One of the ancient stone gates leading into the walled city of Angkor Thom, featuring massive faces carved into the tower.

Smile of Angkor🎭 culture

A large cultural theatre presenting spectacular shows about the myths and history of the Khmer Empire.

Tuol Kamnap (Sla Kram)⛪ religious

A local religious place of worship located in the Sla Kram region.

វត្តព្រះឥន្ទកោសា Wat Preah An Kau Saa⛪ religious

A Cambodian Buddhist temple complex featuring traditional monastic architecture.

Wat Preah Enkosai ប្រាសាទ​ព្រះ​អង្គ​កោសា⛪ religious

A Buddhist monastery built around the ruins of an ancient brick temple sanctuary.

Phsar Deum Kralanh🎭 culture

A bustling local market offering a variety of fresh produce and everyday household goods.

Phsar Street 60🎭 culture

An animated evening market renowned for its numerous local street food stalls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When should you be there for sunrise?
Arrive by 5:00 AM at the latest to find a good spot by the reflecting ponds.
What dress code is required?
Shoulders and knees must be covered; a scarf over the shoulders is often not enough.
How much time is needed for the visit?
Plan at least 2 to 3 hours to see the details and the main Bakan tower.
Can you visit the upper level (Bakan)?
Yes, but numbers are limited and it is closed on Buddhist holidays.
Are there toilets there?
Toilets are located near the main entrance and outside the temple grounds.
Angkor Wat: where is it located?
Angkor Wat is located in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat: what is there to see?
Highlights include Angkor Green Gardens, Ta Prohm Kel, Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Angkor Wat: why is it worth visiting?
Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and the undisputed symbol of Cambodia.
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Nearby cities

Siem Reap — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Siem Reap
Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.
Kampong Phluk — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Kampong Phluk
An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Terrace of the Elephants — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Terrace of the Elephants
An impressive viewing terrace decorated with life-sized elephant reliefs, once used for royal ceremonies.
Thommanon — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Thommanon
A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.
Baphuon — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Baphuon
A massive three-tiered temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Phimeanakas — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Phimeanakas
A Hindu temple in the shape of a step pyramid, located within the royal palace enclosure of Angkor Thom.
Phnom Bakheng — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Phnom Bakheng
A temple mountain in Angkor, famous for its breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat.
Ta Keo — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Ta Keo
An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.
Banteay Kdei — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Banteay Kdei
A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.
Pre Rup — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Pre Rup
Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

Nature

Tonle Sap Lake — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Tonle Sap Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, whose water level rises drastically during the monsoon, hosting unique biodiversity.

More places

Bayon Temple — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Bayon Temple
A Buddhist temple in Angkor Thom, famous for its massive stone faces looking in different directions.
Preah Khan — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Preah Khan
Preah Khan is a large temple complex in Angkor that once served as a Buddhist monastery and learning center.
Ta Prohm — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a jungle temple in the Angkor area, known for tree roots growing over its walls.
Chreav Village Organic Farm — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Chreav Village Organic Farm
A community-based agricultural project that promotes sustainable farming methods and supplies Siem Reap's markets with fresh vegetables.
Neak Pean — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Neak Pean
Neak Pean is a small temple on an artificial island in Angkor.
Ta Som — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Ta Som
A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.
Siem Reap Lotus Farm — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Siem Reap Lotus Farm
A fascinating farm where lotus flowers are grown to extract fine and eco-friendly natural fibers from their stems.
Banteay Srei — Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Banteay Srei
A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.