Angkor Wat is not just a sight you visit — it’s a place you enter. Long before you step through its gates, you already feel that this is something different. The scale is overwhelming, the silence powerful, and the sense of history almost tangible. For many travelers, Angkor Wat is the reason they come to Cambodia. And once you’re there, you understand why.
But Angkor Wat is only one part of a vast archaeological complex. Exploring Angkor means wandering through centuries of history, jungle-covered ruins, spiritual symbolism, and architectural brilliance. It’s not a quick stop — it’s an experience that unfolds slowly, step by step.
History of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century during the height of the Khmer Empire. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu and later transformed into a Buddhist site — which is one reason it has remained so well preserved over time.
At its peak, the city of Angkor was one of the largest urban centers in the world, home to hundreds of thousands of people. The temples were not only religious centers, but also political and cultural symbols of power, faith, and cosmic order.
When the empire declined, the jungle slowly reclaimed much of Angkor. What remains today is a breathtaking reminder of Cambodia’s golden age — and a testament to human creativity and devotion.
Entrance fees, sunrise magic, getting around, and the curious monkeys
When people talk about Angkor Wat, they often focus on its beauty and history — and rightly so. But there are also a few practical details and small, very human moments that truly shape your experience. From the entrance fee to the way you move through the complex, and even the monkeys you’ll meet along the way, these details matter more than you might expect.
Entrance Fees: What It Actually Costs
Visiting Angkor Wat is not cheap by Cambodian standards, but it’s absolutely worth it. The entrance ticket gives you access to the entire Angkor temple complex, not just Angkor Wat itself.
A 1-day pass costs around $37, a 3-day pass about $62, and a 7-day pass roughly $72. The multi-day passes don’t have to be used on consecutive days, which is ideal if you want to explore at a slower pace.
At first glance, the price may feel high — but once you realize how vast the complex is and how much there is to see, it quickly feels justified. You’re not paying for a single temple, but for an entire ancient world.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat: The Most Beautiful Moment
For me, the most magical moment at Angkor Wat is sunrise. Arriving early, while it’s still dark, already feels special. The air is cooler, the crowds are quieter, and there’s a sense of anticipation as people gather near the reflecting pools.
Then, slowly, the sun rises behind the central towers. The silhouette of the temple becomes sharper, the sky turns soft shades of pink and orange, and suddenly Angkor Wat appears — not all at once, but gently, almost shyly.
Seeing the sun emerge behind the temple is one of those rare travel moments that feels timeless. It’s peaceful, emotional, and unforgettable. If you have to choose one moment to visit Angkor Wat, make it sunrise.
Getting Around the Angkor Complex: Yes, You Can Drive Yourself
One thing many travelers don’t realize is that you can actually drive through the Angkor complex with your own car. The roads inside the site are well-maintained, and moving between temples by car makes the experience far more relaxed — especially in the heat.
We explored Angkor with our own car, which allowed us to set our own pace. Stop when we wanted, skip places if we felt tired, and take breaks whenever needed. It made the day feel less rushed and more personal.
Of course, many people explore Angkor by tuk-tuk or bicycle, which is also a great option. But knowing that self-driving is possible can be a big advantage, especially if you’re traveling independently or as a couple.
Monkeys at Angkor: Cute, Clever, and a Little Dangerous
One of the more playful — and sometimes chaotic — elements of Angkor is the monkeys. You’ll see them everywhere: sitting on walls, jumping between trees, watching visitors closely.
They make for great photos, but it’s important to stay alert. These monkeys are smart and bold. They will try to grab food, water bottles, sunglasses, or anything loosely hanging from your bag. What looks like a calm photo moment can quickly turn into a small chase.
Enjoy them from a distance, keep your belongings secure, and don’t feed them. They’re part of the Angkor experience — just one that requires a bit of caution.
Angkor Wat Itself: Grandeur, Symmetry, and Symbolism
The main temple of Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of balance and design. Massive stone towers rise above long galleries covered in intricate carvings. Everything is built with intention — from the perfectly aligned causeways to the detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics and daily life centuries ago.
Walking through Angkor Wat feels almost meditative. The temple is enormous, yet harmonious. As you move closer to the central towers, the space becomes more intimate, encouraging you to slow down and look closely.
Sunrise here is famous for a reason. Watching the silhouette of the temple appear as the sky changes color is one of those travel moments that stays with you long after you leave Cambodia.
Angkor Thom: The Ancient City Within Angkor
Beyond Angkor Wat lies Angkor Thom, a vast walled city that once served as the imperial capital. Entering through its monumental gates already feels like stepping into another world.
Inside Angkor Thom, you’ll find wide paths, hidden ruins, and towering stone structures surrounded by trees. The scale is impressive, but the atmosphere is quieter and more mysterious than Angkor Wat itself.
Angkor Thom shows you what Angkor was like as a living city — not just a temple site, but a functioning capital filled with movement, ritual, and power.
Bayon Temple: Faces That Watch You
At the heart of Angkor Thom stands Bayon Temple, one of the most iconic and intriguing temples in the entire complex. Its towers are covered with massive stone faces, calmly smiling in every direction.
No one knows for certain who these faces represent — a god, a king, or both. As you walk through Bayon’s corridors and stairways, the faces seem to follow you, creating a surreal and slightly unsettling feeling.
The carvings here are especially detailed, showing scenes of everyday life, battles, markets, and celebrations. Bayon feels less formal than Angkor Wat, but more intimate and emotionally powerful.
Ta Prohm: Where Nature Takes Over
Ta Prohm is often one of the most memorable stops. Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely in the state it was found, with giant tree roots wrapping around walls, doorways, and towers.
Here, nature and architecture exist in perfect tension. Massive trees seem to both destroy and protect the ruins, creating an atmosphere that feels almost mythical. It’s easy to understand why this temple captures the imagination of so many visitors.
Ta Prohm feels wild, emotional, and deeply atmospheric — a reminder that no matter how great a civilization once was, nature always has the final word.
Smaller Temples & Hidden Corners
Beyond the famous highlights, Angkor is filled with smaller temples and quieter spaces. Some are partially collapsed, others beautifully restored. Many visitors find that these lesser-known spots offer the most peaceful moments.
Wandering through these areas, you’ll often find yourself completely alone, listening to birds, footsteps echoing on stone, and the wind moving through the trees. These moments balance the crowds elsewhere and make Angkor feel personal rather than overwhelming.
What It Feels Like to Explore Angkor
Angkor is not something you rush. The heat, the distances, and the emotional impact all encourage a slower pace. You climb steep staircases, walk long causeways, pause often, and drink more water than you think you need.
It’s tiring, but deeply rewarding. Every temple feels different. Every corner reveals something new — a carving, a view, a quiet courtyard. By the end of the day, you don’t just feel like you’ve seen something impressive; you feel like you’ve experienced it.
