How to nail your trip to Angkor Wat in 3 Days
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Visiting Cambodia’s majestic temples of Angkor Wat is simply unmissable. It’s probably the first thing that pops into your head when you think of when you’re making your way to Siem Reap, and for good reason- this ancient city is pretty damn amazing to explore! For myself, and I presume many of my fellow backpackers, it will be a once in a lifetime experience. Personally, I often find main tourist attractions to be hyped up so much that I end up feeling a bit underwhelmed, but this isn’t the case. It’s every bit as awesome as you imagine.
But with the city spanning over 400 square km and there being so many temples to see, it’s hard to know where to start. So to help you make the most of your time exploring the temples, here’s my guide to visiting Angkor Wat.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Angkor was actually once a city itself that was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire who at the time ruled most of Southeast Asia. The main temple was originally built as a Hindu temple but is now, of course, a Buddhist temple. The Khmer Empire fell in the 15th century but thankfully for us, much of this amazing city still remains.
GETTING AROUND ANGKOR
There are 3 types of ‘Angkor Passes’ Available- 1 day ($37), 3 day ($62) or 7 day pass ($72). Jess and I opted for a 3 day pass and to be honest, the site is amazing but I think 7 days of temples would be overkill. The best way to get around is to find a Tuk Tuk and driver who will show you the sights for the 3 days. We spoke to the guys working at our hostel and they helped to arrange our Tuk Tuk so definitely do this – just make sure you settle on a price at the beginning.
There are 2 main loops around the temples to explore which is the perfect way to see the main sights. Have a look at this map here to get an idea of where the circuits go. It’s well worth taking a guidebook with you to get an idea about the history of each of the temples. Have a look through the bookshelves of where you are staying as the chances are there will be one to borrow.
SEEING ANGKOR WAT AT SUNRISE
You know those amazing pictures you’ve seen all over the web? Well here is your chance to see it for yourself! It means a 4.30am start but the views can be amazing. Unfortunately for us, it was overcast but it was still worth it. Our Tuk Tuk driver did his best to recommend which day he thought would be best for the sunrise and was so flexible, but be prepared for Mother Nature to not be completely on your side. Afterwards, avoid the crowds by not heading into Angkor Wat- explore somewhere else and come back when the sunrise crowd has shifted.
3 DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – The Small Tour Circuit
Pre Rup, East Meban, Ta Som, Neak Poan and Preah Khan
DAY 2 – The Grand Tour Circuit
Angkor Wat sunrise (weather permitting), Bayon, Phimeanakas and Royal Palace, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Thommanon, Ta Phnom and Angkor Wat
DAY 3 – Exploring Further
Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre
DON’T FORGET
- Wear comfy shoes as you will be doing a LOT of walking
- Dress appropriately and take a thin scarf or sarong with you to cover up more if needed
- Take an umbrella or waterproof jacket as you’re outside a lot of the time and the weather in Cambodia can change a lot
- Take some snacks and plenty of water
- Don’t forget to step away from your camera and really soak it all in!
9 Comments
Christina from Happy to Wander
This is such a helpful post! I was in Cambodia two summers ago and followed pretty much your exact itinerary haha. I went during stormy season so I didn’t catch the sunrise, but I guess that’s another reason to go back! Your photos bring back such good memories too 😀 thanks for the nostalgia, Laura haha.
Janice in Wanderland
Aahh!!! Ta Phrom is probably my favorite temple 🙂 I remember biking around and the view of the trees and lake was just stunning!
lsell1991
Amazing that you cycled around it! No way I could have done that haha. But I agree, the views are stunning
Tracy Collins
Great post. We are thinking of doing 3 days visiting the temples – what sort of costs was it for the tuk tuk for 3 days as would definitely do this!
lsell1991
Thank you Tracy! You should definitely do it, it’s an amazing place. To be honest I can’t remember how much the tuk tuk was for the 3 days, but get haggling and I’m sure you’ll find a reasonable price!
Ketki
Hi even i can’t see pictures. Can you check please? I want to pin them as i am visiting Angkor Wat in couple of months and your tips are so handy.
lsell1991
Thank you for letting me know Ketki, it’s all fixed now!
California Globetrotter
hrmm… for some reason I see no pictures and no text nad I’ve refreshed the page several times 🙁 #blogpostsaturday