Life Abundant

Angkor Wat // When To Go

Of all things that Cambodia is known for, Angkor Wat is probably what comes to mind when you think of this beautiful country. It’s the icon that is on the Cambodian flag, a huge tourist attraction, the name of their traditional lager beer, not to mention the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. The temple complex measures about 402 acres, with a number of temple sites to visit. It was originally a Hindu temple built in the early 12th century that was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.

We’ve visited Angkor Wat twice during our time in Cambodia, once in July, and once in November. Although the climate in Cambodia is pretty much hot all year round, it’s much cooler in the months of November – January, making these months the most comfortable and popular time to visit. If you choose to visit Angkor Wat during this time, be prepared for lots of tourists!

Tickets are sold in one-day ($37), three-day ($62) and seven-day ($72) blocks that must be used on consecutive days. Remember to always carry your ticket with you. It will be checked upon each park entry and at major temples. Visiting hours are 5:00AM – 6:00PM. We were able to see all the sites we wanted to in one full day with an early start. But if you want to get a later start and still take your time at the sites, you may consider getting a three-day pass.

We got an early start to Angkor Wat to catch the sunrise behind the main temple, beat the crowds and heat, and spend some time in solitude who exploring the quiet grounds as the mist lifts, the birds sing, and the morning light comes streaming in.

It’s more than worth waking up before the sun! Take your time to explore the grounds around the main temple,and take in it’s stunning and intricate architecture. It’s incredible to think about how all the people who designed and built this amazing structure were able to do so with such limited tools and technologies in the 12th century.

 

The South Gate // How To Get Around

If you’re exploring Angkor Wat on your own and not with a tour group (like us) catch a tuk-tuk (local moto taxi) from Siem Reap, and negotiate a price to have the driver take you to the sites you want to see for the day. We paid about $15 for the day.

The complex is huge and has so much history and detail that you’ll miss if you choose to explore it on your own. We would recommend either hiring a tour guide or buying one of the books (that many locals are selling in the Angkor Wat main temple complex) that explains the history and intricacies of this amazing place.

Our first trip we were taking a group from the summer program that 100 Fold Studio was hosting in Cambodia and hired a tour guide, so the second time we explored the complex on our own, which allowed us to take our time and stop for however long we wanted at the various sites.

Be sure not to miss the South Gate when visiting Angkor Wat. The South Gate is one of the 5 gates which guard the ancient city of Angkor Thom and is the best preserved of all the gates. The five entry towers made of sandstone rises 75 feet to the sky and is crowned with four heads, one facing each cardinal direction. The lower half of each gate is modeled like an elephant with three heads. Their trunks serve as pillars are plucking lotus flowers.

Soon after you pass through the gate you’ll most likely see monkeys who live in the jungle off to the side of the road. They’re fairly comfortable with humans since lots of tourists stop here to feed them and take their picture. If you see monkeys, hang on to your things, they are curious little balls of fur, and don’t feed them…human food isn’t meant for their digestive system and teaches them to rely on humans for food.

 

Bayon Temple

The Bayon Temple should definitely be a stop for your day at Angkor Wat! Bayon looks more like a  pile of rubble from a distance, but don’t let that keep you away. It’s only when you enter the temple and make your way up to the third level that its magic becomes apparent. Known as the ‘face temple’, you won’t miss the huge heads that seem to glare down at you from every angle and exude power and control with a hint of humanity in their seemingly slight smile.

We spent about an hour here exploring the ins and outs of this temple, marveling at its many sculptures and seemingly hidden passageways. You might want to stay for longer, but as the sun rises in the sky this temple can heat up pretty quickly as there’s no shade from trees, just respite inside the temple quarters.

Directly across from the Bayon Temple is another massive structure. Since you’re so close to this temple, it’s worth the climb to the top of its structure to get a view of the ruins and temples below.

 

Ta Prohm

Our favorite stop in the Angkor Wat complex is by far Ta Prohm. These ruins are similar to the others, but whats so unique about this location is the huge trees that have taken control of this ancient site.

There is some upkeep of these temple grounds, but really the sites to see here are the enormous silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) and the smaller strangler fig (Ficus gibbosa) tree. The roots climb over the ruins and attach to the porous sandstone, extracting the water from the stones, looking like octopus legs climbing over the walls and doorways, giving Ta Prohm such a unique feel.

It’s well worth your time to get to Ta Prohm early in the day to avoid the crowds. We made this our first stop after our sunrise experience at Angkor Wat (as it opens a bit later than the main temple) because we wanted to get some pictures throughout the grounds before it was scattered with tourists, selfie sticks, and large tour groups.

Angkor Wat is so full of history, wonder, and Cambodian culture. It gives you if only for a brief moment, the chance to step back in time and see a little clearer all the beauty that Cambodia has to offer.

Make the trip to Angkor Wat at least once in your life, and let us know if you have any questions.