Angkor Wat

About Angkor Wat

Rising from the forests of northwestern Cambodia, Angkor Wat is **the largest religious monument ever built** — a fact that rewards contemplation. The complex covers approximately **1,600 acres, including its moat**; the central temple rises **65 metres through five concentric enclosures to a central tower representing Mount Meru**, the mythological home of the Hindu gods. It was built in the early 12th century by the **Khmer King Suryavarman II, originally dedicated to Vishnu** — making it a Hindu temple at its foundation, later converted to Theravada Buddhism, the religion practised in Cambodia today. The precision and ambition of its construction are extraordinary: the moat alone required moving millions of tonnes of stone; **the galleries are lined with nearly a kilometre of bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics** and scenes from Khmer history in extraordinary detail. Angkor Wat was merely the largest of a vast array of temples and monuments built by the Khmer Empire across the greater Angkor region between the 9th and 15th centuries. **The empire at its height may have governed over a million people in the city of Angkor, making it the largest pre-industrial urban complex on Earth** — a fact only confirmed by modern satellite and lidar surveys that revealed the true extent of the hydraulic infrastructure, roads, and residential areas hidden beneath the forest canopy. The temple complex at **Bayon, with its serene stone faces gazing in all four directions**; the **jungle-strangled Ta Prohm, left partially unrestored with massive tree roots enveloping the stone walls**; and the mountaintop Phnom Bakheng are among the most compelling of Angkor's hundred-plus monuments. Angkor is best visited **between November and March, during the dry season**, when temperatures are lower and rain unlikely. December and January are the most popular months and can be crowded at the main sites; **arriving at sunrise is the most effective way to experience Angkor Wat itself in relative peace**. The gateway town of Siem Reap has excellent accommodation and restaurant options across all budget levels and is served by international flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and regional hubs. **A three-day temple pass gives the most rewarding experience**; a one-day pass is possible but rushed.

Highlights

• ✦ World's largest religious monument, spanning 162 hectares
• ✦ Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II
• ✦ Intricate bas-reliefs depict Hindu mythology and Khmer history

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach Angkor Wat by train?

No — Cambodia has no functioning passenger rail line to Siem Reap, so visitors arrive by air, or overland by bus from Phnom Penh (around 5–6 hours) or across the Thai border from Bangkok. Once in Siem Reap, tuk-tuks and bicycles cover the temples car-free.

How much does an Angkor Wat pass cost?

A one-day pass costs €34, a three-day pass (used across any 10 days) is €57, and a seven-day pass (used across any month) is €66; all cover Angkor Wat plus dozens of other temples in the archaeological park, including Ta Prohm and Bayon.

Is watching sunrise at Angkor Wat worth the early start?

Most visitors say yes: the temple's silhouette reflected in the front pools as the sky lightens is one of the most photographed scenes in Southeast Asia, though it does mean arriving by around 05:00 and sharing the spot with a substantial crowd.

How many days should you spend visiting the Angkor temples?

Three days, matching the standard multi-day pass, lets you see Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon, Ta Prohm, and several outlying temples without rushing; a single day only allows the highlights near the main complex.

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