Last Updated 11/03/2024 | 11th March, 2024
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Angkor Wat is one of the most significant spots in Southeast Asia, if not the whole world.
It was my favourite experience in Cambodia and something I will remember for the rest of my life. However, planning a trip to Angkor Wat can be a little overwhelming, with so much conflicting information online.
So, here is my complete guide to three days at Angkor Wat, to help you have the best possible trip!
What is Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is a historic temple complex in Cambodia located in the province of Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. It is known for its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and symbolic significance.
It is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe to admire its ancient beauty and cultural importance.
How Many Days to Spend at Angkor Wat
The first big question is how many days you want to spend at Angkor Wat The ticket options are one, three, or seven days. As you might be able to guess from the title, I think three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Angkor Wat.
The three day pass is $62 USD and permits access to most temples around the park. The ticket has your photograph on it, and you must keep it with you at all times. It will be stamped each time to enter the park and cannot be replaced if it is lost or damaged.
To Tour, or Not to Tour
Your first option for visiting Angkor Wat is to take a guided tour. You can book this either online or at one of the various tour operators in Siem Reap.
Of course, these tours are more expensive than visiting alone, but they remove all the stress of logistics and allow you to enjoy the park from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
Tuk Tuk or Bicycle Around Angkor Wat
If you’re not taking an Angkor Wat guided tour, you can explore the park by bicycle or tuk-tuk. We rented bikes for the first two days and a tuk-tuk for the final one.
Bikes in Angkor Wat
You can rent bikes anywhere in the city, and they cost only a few dollars for the day. A tuk-tuk costs around $15 USD for around six or seven hours.
I am not a confident cyclist, but I found the roads from central Siem Reap to Angkor Wat very easy to navigate (the fact that there are practically no road rules probably worked in my favour).
As a complete novice, I managed to do the whole cycle, only falling off once! There were no cuts or lasting damage, just a very bruised ego. Once you’re inside the park, the roads are relatively quiet.
Just make sure you dodge the tuk-tuks… and the elephants!
Tuk-Tuk Angkor Wat
Tuk-tuk drivers have maps that explain the short and grand circuit and will happily take you on a pre-planned route to visit four or five temples each day. These pre-planned routes are a welcome relief if you don’t have any specific temples in mind and just want to wander around the main attractions.
However, if you have specific temples you wish to visit or a particular order in mind, make this clear with your tuk-tuk driver before you negotiate on a price.
You will also get a better deal if you negotiate the job with him for the entire three days rather than just one.
Pre-Planned Angkor Wat Routes
If you choose to go with a pre-planned route, they will normally look something like this:
The small circuit – Angkor Wat, The Bayon, Ta Keo, Ta Phrom & Bantei Kdei
The Grand Circuit – Preah Khan, Ta Som, Neak Pean, Eastern Mebon & Pre Rup
If you’ve bought the three-day pass, obviously, you can raid your Lonely Planet book for new temples or choose a few of your favourites to revisit on the third day.
Hiring a Guide
By Southeast Asia standards, Angkor Wat is an expensive few days.
However, you simply cannot come to this magical country without visiting. There are many non-uniformed tour guides at the park offering their services for the day, should you want to get a deeper understanding of the area.
Depending on your bartering skills, the guide will set you back around $20 per day.
These temples are of a type of beauty I’ve never witnessed anywhere else in my life. I only have one regret, and that is not getting to the park for dawn. I hear the sunrise over Angkor Wat is unlike any other in the world.
Be sure to check out my complete itinerary for ten days in Cambodia.
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