Angkor Wat temple is the reason why millions of tourists descend on Siem Reap each year. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the early 12th century and is still the world’s largest religious monument ever built. Although originally built as a Hindu temple and unusually dedicated to Vishnu, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist site.
It was used as the state temple for King Suryavarman II and became his final resting place. The temple was designed to represent the mythical home of the Hindu Gods – Mount Meru.
Angkor Wat has become the national symbol of Cambodia. It is featured on the national flag, many businesses feature the name “Angkor” and there is even a beer named in its honour.
Temple Guide
Date: Early-mid 12th century AD
Religion: Hinduism
Built By: Suryavarman II
Dedicated To: Vishnu
Style: Angkor Wat
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning
Length of Visit: 2 Hours – Half Day
Temple Pass: Required More information about the Angkor Temple Pass.
Date: Early-mid 12th century AD
Religion: Hinduism
Built By: Suryavarman II
Dedicated To: Vishnu
Style: Angkor Wat
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning
Length of Visit: 2 Hours – Half Day
Temple Pass: Required More information about the Angkor Temple Pass.
Angkor Wat is located about 7km from Siem Reap town. There are two main roads you can take from town. You can head north-east on Sivatha Boulevard and keep going directly to Angkor Wat. Alternatively, you can head north-east on Charles de Gaulle. However, if you don’t already have your ticket, you will need to head towards the Angkor Ticket Office. The ticket office is located on the corner of Street 60 and the Apsara Road. You can the continue your journey northeast on Apsara Road and then drive around the moat to the entrance of Angkor Wat. Alternatively, you can head back to Charles de Gaulle and head north-east directly to Angkor. Whatever way you go to Angkor Wat, you will need to pass through a checkpoint where your tickets will be inspected. You will need your ticket again when entering the temple.
There are many transport options for Angkor Wat. As it is only a short distance from the town, it is possible to cycle or even walk the short distance. The road is flat the whole way and even amateur cyclists should find the ride quite easy. Beware that it can get hot in Siem Reap, especially in the afternoons. Tuk tuks are a popular way to get to the temples. Taxi, minivans, and minibuses are also available. There are also more unique options including electric cars, electric bicycles, and even transport apps such as Grab or Passapp.
Siem Reap: 6.7km
Angkor Thom: 3.1km
Ta Prohm: 8km
Ticket Office: 7.1km
Discover Siem Reap's highlights in 2 days. A tour guides you to iconic temples like Angkor Wat and Bayon. Explore Kulen Mountain's natural beauty and learn its role in Khmer history. Hike its peaks for sweeping vistas, swim under waterfalls, and picnic amid stunning scenery. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich cultural and natural attractions on this packed itinerary visiting treasured sites and rural locales.
Immerse yourself in Angkor Archaeological Park on our 3-day small-group tour. Iconic temples like Angkor Wat plus lesser-known sites. Catch the stunning sunrise over Angkor Wat. Hike through forests to Phnom Kulen's lost city views. Boat through Kampong Phluk village to experience local life. An expert guide helps maximize time exploring temples built by the historic Khmer Empire between the 9th-15th centuries. Customize your itinerary for the perfect balance of iconic and untouched places in this incredible world heritage site.
Rise early for the ultimate Angkor experience. A sunrise jeep tour guides you to iconic Angkor Wat, beautifully framed by dawn. Then continue exploring jungled Ta Prohm and Ta Nei temples before royal bath Sras Srang. Also see iconic Bayon with tantalizing faces. Complete this action-packed cultural awakening at the local market for insight into modern life.
Maximize your dawn at Angkor Wat's iconic heritage site on a private sunrise tour. Hotel transfers by classic tuk tuk include a local Khmer breakfast. Guided exploration then visits lush jungle temples Ta Prohm and Ta Nei. Gain cultural insights at a community market before returning to Siem Reap. Book this optimized itinerary for an intimate look into storied complexes and modern lives.
Angkor E-Bike Sunrise Tour with Breakfast & Temple Exploration. Marvel at Angkor Wat sunrise, enjoy local breakfast. Effortlessly explore Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom's Victory Gate, intricate Bayon temple by e-bike. Experience Siem Reap countryside with expert guide. Unforgettable dawn views, temple marvels, easy e-biking, cultural immersion.
2-Day Angkor Temples Tour with Sunrise, Breakfast & Banteay Srei. Witness Angkor Wat sunrise, enjoy local breakfast. Explore Siem Reap countryside and major temples with professional guide. Visit intricate Banteay Srei, Cambodian Landmine Museum. Comprehensive 2-day experience of Angkor's iconic wonders.
Immerse yourself in Cambodia's top sights on a 5-day tour. Witness iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat then explore remote Koh Ker ruins and mountain temple of Preah Vihear. Discover the origins of Khmer culture at Phnom Kulen before cruising to view Kampong Phluk's lifestyle afloat. Interact with locals and sample flavors - an in-depth introduction maximizing cultural and historical depth through expert guidance across Cambodia's diverse highlights.
Immerse yourself in Cambodia's heritage, nature and people with this guided tour. Witness dawn at Angkor Wat then explore Phnom Kulen's majestic scenery. Discover long-lost Koh Ker before a rural Siem Reap experience. Take a boat to floating Kampong Phluk village on scenic Tonle Sap Lake. Book now for an in-depth private introduction to highlights across Cambodia's temples, hills and community.
Explore Angkor privately over 3 days. A tour guides you through mysterious temples without public transport hassle. Comfortable transportation and expert insight maximize your visit. Witness iconic sunrise at Angkor Wat. Uncover heritage of ancient Khmers at multi-era monuments. Complete your guided intro to Cambodia on a scenic boat ride to view the culture of floating Kampong Phluk village. Book now for a convenient customized exploration.
Discover Siem Reap's temples in our 2-day private tour. View sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the Small and Grand Circuits including Banteay Srei. Soak in scenic dawn atmosphere at Cambodia's heritage site and take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake to the floating village of Kampong Phluk. Limited slots only, book your best of Siem Reap temples adventure today!
Angkor Wat Day Tour: Bayon, Leper King Terrace, Sunset. Guided exploration of Angkor's sacred wonders. Marvel at Bayon's intricate carvings. Discover the royal Terrace of the Leper King. Explore jungle-clad Ta Prohm temples. Hike Phnom Bakheng for iconic Angkor sunset views. Immerse in UNESCO World Heritage history.
Angkor Wat Sunrise Small-Group Tour with Breakfast. Beat the crowds at Angkor Wat with a serene sunrise experience.Enjoy breakfast and support at a local family restaurant in Angkor. Explore Ta Prohm temple peacefully amidst the jungle. Visit three iconic sites hassle-free, including a vibrant local market. Start your day refreshed with unforgettable cultural immersion.
Start your day witnessing iconic Angkor Wat wake up on a sunrise tour. Expert guiding shows you the heritage site at dawn followed by local breakfast. Then further explore captivating Khmer history and architecture through pink Banteay Srei temple and additional ruins. Book now for an intimate introduction maximizing daylight at Siem Reap's most renowned archaeological monuments.
Discover Siem Reap's best sights in one tour. Watch the dawn light up Angkor Wat then visit Kulen Mountain's scenic waterfalls. Experience rural Cambodian life and intricate carvings at Banteay Srei. Take a boat to floating Kampong Phluk village on Tonle Sap Lake. Limited slots, book this private tour to admire highlights of Siem Reap's temples, nature and culture.
Angkor Wat is the reason why nearly everyone comes to Siem Reap. It’s the world’s largest religious monument, it’s absolutely breathtaking, and it’s the why you’re reading this guide! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit Angkor Wat if you come to Siem Reap.
The initial construction started in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II. Although unfinished, Suryavarman used Angkor Wat as his state temple. A few years after Suryavarman’s death, the Chams ransacked Angkor and King Jayavarman VII created a new capital city at Angkor Thom and constructed Bayon temple as his state temple.
By the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat had turned into a Buddhist temple.
In the 16th century, the temple was neglected. Although it wasn’t totally abandoned like some of the temples, the moat helped to preserve the temple from the encroaching jungle.
Antonio de Madalena, a Portuguese traveller, was one of the first western travellers to visit the area. He wrote that the building was like nothing else in the world and words could not do it justice.
In the 17th century, there is evidence that Buddhist Japanese settlers had started to live in the area. There are inscriptions which describe the Japanese pilgrims celebrating the Khmer new year with the locals in 1632.
Angkor Wat is a representation of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu Gods. The five towers represent the five peaks of Mount Meru and the wall and moat represent the mountain ranges and ocean respectively.
Unusually, Angkor Wat is orientated to the west. Most Khmer temples were built facing the east. This has led many to believe that Suryavarman intended the temple to be his final resting place. Other historians believe that the west facing temple is due to the fact that it was dedicated to Vishnu instead of Shiva.
The style of the temple is considered to be the classical style of Khmer architecture also known as the Angkor Wat style. The temple was built from sandstone and laterite.
Features include the outer enclosure surrounded by a 190m wide moat. Access to the inner part of the temple is via a sandstone causeway to the west, which is thought to be a later addition.
Entrance buildings (or Gopuras) sit on each of the cardinal points (north, east, south, and west).
In the central structure, there are three main galleries. Each one is higher than the last. Again, each gallery features a gopura at each of the cardinal points. The two inner galleries have towers in the corners with a central tower.
There are also two libraries which feature devatas on the wall. It was thought that these libraries were flooded to represent the ocean in Mount Meru.
Angkor Wat was beautifully decorated with bas reliefs, carvings, sculptures and more.
The east gallery features scenes from the Churning of the Sea of Milk. This carving shows 88 devas and 92 asuras churning the sea. A later addition then shows Vishnu defeating the asuras.
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