To Do in Cambodia: Angkor Wat

I've been trying to figure out the ideal way to share all the adventures that I've had both alone and these past few months with visitors.  I've also recently learned that a few people back home are planning trip to Southeast Asia, and Cambodia specifically.  So I'm beginning a series that will detail the fun places and cool things that a person could do while visiting my new home, with guest stars like my parents and dear friends Paige and Michael.  Feel free to use any of these posts to begin a discussion about places to go and things to do here in Cambodia, either via comments or email!

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To kick off "To Do in Cambodia," there is likely no better place than Angkor Archaeological Park, better known as simply "Angkor Wat."  

Victory Gate

At the lake in front of Angkor Wat/Thom.

(Angkor Wat as a name for the site is technically inaccurate, as the Park contains dozens of temples (wats) and buildings, though the main and most famous is called Angkor Wat and that has become the commonly used term for the entire complex.  For simplicity's sake, I'll refer to the site as Angkor Wat or the Park and note individual temples when needed.)

What is Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat is the one of the oldest and largest complexes meant for Hindu devotion.  Today, Cambodia's majority Buddhist population reveres it as a place for celebrating their country's history, enjoying the bas-reliefs of Apsara dancers and impressive architecture.   Many people still live within the grounds of the Park and grow rice.

Chris and the bas-reliefs.

The Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was declared so in 1992.  It is also in danger of looting and destruction, though it has been under construction for conservation for many years.  Money made from tourism has gone to help with some conservation, although currently a private organization "rents" the complex from the Cambodian government and helps oversee conservation and manages tourism for the site.

Some of the more famous temples include Angkor Wat,

Bayon Temple,

and Ta Prohm.  

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is where Angelina Jolie filmed Tomb Raider.  It's also my personal favorite in the whole park, and my friend Paige agrees.

Sunlight inside Ta Prohm

Angkor Wat's complex is more than 400 square kilometers, and it's impossible to see every single temple and site in just one day. 

Read more here, here and here.

Where is Angkor Wat?

Angkor Wat and the Park is in the province of Siem Reap and about 6 km from the provincial capital town of Siem Reap.

You can even ride an elephant inside if you desire, though I'm a bit concerned about potentially inhumane treatment some of the animals receive.

How much does it cost to visit Angkor Wat?

A one day pass for the complex is $20 for foreigners, or $40 for a three day pass. There is no two day pass. There is also a $60 seven day pass for the most excited, though I personally would not spend 7 days just inside the walls of Angkor Park.  

The Elephant Terrace

You will also need to put aside $10-$15 per day for travel around the complex is you choose to opt for a tuk tuk (more below), or considerably more if you plan on hiring an English-speaking tour guide.  You will also need money for water (about $1 for a large 1.5L bottle) and food if you plan on eating at one of the small roadside eateries inside the park- for this, plan on $5 per person, give or take.  

As a side note, Khmer nationals enter the park for free, which I think is pretty fantastic!

Insider Tips and General Thoughts

• Get your ticket for the park the evening before you plan on visiting.  Arrive after 5 pm and enjoy the sunset at Angkor Wat.
• You can also choose to arrive prior to sunrise and enjoy the view with other tourists who like to wake up early like you. :)
• When you arrive for your ticket, you'll get your picture taken and will need to have the ticket on hand the entire duration of your trip- it will be checked sporadically at temples along the way.
• Angkor Park is huge. You'll need to either rent bicycles (which you can do at your hotel or other places around Siem Reap town) or reserve a tuk tuk for the day.  I guess you could walk but it would be a very long day/trip.
• Check with your hotel to see if they have a good tuk tuk driver they trust. Many will have worked out deals with local drivers and they can call and reserve them for you.

My parents with our fantastic tuk tuk driver.

• It's going to be HOT.  Wear clothes that are breathable.  Buy water and drink it- we're talking 3-4 liters over the course of the day.  Travel lightly and don't try to carry too much.  Take breaks in the shade when you feel yourself getting overheated.
• Feel free to bring snacks inside with you if you don't feel like buying food inside the park, or want to be able to replenish along the way.
• There are a lot of steep stairs inside the park.  If you are traveling with someone who is a bit unsteady, be careful and know that you don't always have to go up inside the temples to get the best views and pictures.

Not even the steepest stairs we encountered.

• At many temples, you will encounter monks or men and women who work at temples who will offer you incense, a brightly covered bracelet and a blessing in exchange for a dollar or two. Feel free to take them up on this.  You simply take the incense, and kneel in front of the Buddha.  If you want to be very polite, bow three times to the statue, pressing your hands to the ground and lowering your head each time.  Make a wish/prayer on the incense and then place the incense in the pile with the others you'll see burning. Back away- never turn your back on the Buddha.  Accept your bracelet and blessing with your hands in a polite prayer gesture (hands pressed together in front of your chest.)  You'll most likely be receiving a blessing for a long life, health and happiness. 
• Don't be ashamed if you can't see EVERY temple in one day or if you end up going back earlier than you planned.  It's beautiful and mesmerizing but after a time, many pieces of architecture can begin to look the same. :)
• We've stayed at two budget-friendly guesthouses and loved them both.  Check out Seven Candles Inn and Golden Temple Villa.

I loved visiting Angkor Park, and I'm looking forward to returning again for a race in December, as well as sometime next spring before I head home to America.  Though, I'm not sure I'm looking forward to getting that sweaty again!