Angkor Wat is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks – and for good reason. It’s located inside Angkor Archaeological Park, which is packed with jaw-dropping ancient temples, spectacular stone carvings, and jungle-covered ruins straight out of an adventure film. If you’re visiting Cambodia, it’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss.

This vast archaeological park near Siem Reap is one of the most extraordinary heritage sites in the world. Covering more than 400 square kilometres, it’s much more than a single temple. It’s an entire ancient city, filled with hundreds of temples, reservoirs, causeways, and hidden ruins waiting to be explored.

To give you a sense of scale, imagine wandering around an archaeological site that stretches far beyond the size of most modern cities. You’re constantly discovering new corners: crumbling temples hidden in the forest, intricate carvings that have survived for centuries, and views that shift with every sunrise and sunset.

What makes it even more remarkable is that this sprawling complex was built over several centuries, beginning in the 9th century and reaching its height in the 12th under the Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat may be the star attraction, but it’s only one part of a much larger story, that includes the mysterious faces of Bayon, the jungle‑covered ruins of Ta Prohm, and enormous reservoirs that once sustained a thriving population.

If you’re planning your first visit, this guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, ticket prices as of 2026, whether to explore solo or with a guide, the best times of day to visit, the highlights you shouldn’t miss, and practical tips to help you make the most of your journey through this ancient city.

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How to Get to Angkor Archaeological Park

Angkor Archaeological Park is located about 6 km north of Siem Reap, the main tourist base for exploring the temples. From here, arranging transport into the archaeological park is straightforward, with plenty of options available.

Tuk-Tuk / Taxi Drivers

This is the most popular option for exploring Angkor Archaeological Park. You can book your tuk-tuk and taxi driver online, or via your accommodation in Siem Reap. Drivers know the temple routes well and usually wait for you at each stop. Expect to pay $20–$25 USD per day for a full loop. 

Private Car with Driver

If you’d like an air-conditioned vehicle, you can hire a private driver to take you to and around the park. Prices range from $35–$45 per day.

Bike or E-bike

Bicycles cost around $2–$5 per day, while e-bikes are $10–$15. Great for budget travellers, but be prepared for long distances and intense heat. You can also join a full-day 30km bike tour to explore the complex with an expert guide.

Angkor Wat Ticket Prices (2026)

To enter any temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park, you’ll need an official pass:

• 1-day – $37
• 3 days – $62
• 7 days – $72

Your ticket is checked at several points throughout the park, so keep it with you at all times.

Top Tip: You can buy your ticket after 5pm the day before and enter for sunset without it counting as a full day.

Visiting Independently vs With a Tour Guide

Exploring On Your Own

You can visit the Angkor Archaeological Park independently, which is what my husband and I did. This is a good option if you like flexibility and want to move at your own pace. You can choose which temples to visit and how long to stay at each place.

Taking a Guided Tour

If you want a deeper understanding of the history, it’s better to book a private tour, or join a group tour. The local guides can explain the symbolism behind carvings, the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire, and stories you’d never discover on your own.

• Private guide: approx $30–$45 per day
• Small group tours: from $20–$60

Highlights: Must-See Temples

I won’t go on and on about the temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park – they’re absolutely stunning, and I’d hate to ruin the surprise. So instead, here’s just a brief description of the main highlights.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat really does live up to the hype. With its five lotus-shaped towers rising 65 metres into the sky, this is the crown jewel of the entire Angkor complex. Often described as one of the ten man-made wonders of the world, it’s a truly awe-inspiring sight. 

As you wander through the galleries, take your time with the intricate bas-reliefs carved into the walls. They tell tales of epic battles, Hindu mythology, and royal processions, and the level of detail is mind-blowing. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, discovering hidden corners, climbing steep staircases, and watching the light change across the sandstone.

Bayon Temple

In the heart of the great walled city Angkor Thom, Bayon is instantly recognisable – and slightly surreal. Its towers are carved with enormous, enigmatic faces that gaze out in all directions, smiling serenely. There are over 200 faces here, and no matter where you stand, it feels like someone is watching you (in a comforting – not creepy – way!)

Between the carvings, the faces, and the shifting light, Bayon is easily one of the most photogenic and memorable temples in the entire complex. It also feels more intimate than Angkor Wat, despite its size.

Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm is where Angkor truly feels like an adventure. Made famous by the 2001 film Tomb Raider, this former monastery has been deliberately left in the state it was found, swallowed by the jungle and slowly reclaimed by nature.

Massive tree roots twist over roofs, squeeze through doorways, and pry stone walls apart, creating a dramatic and slightly eerie atmosphere. With sunlight filtering through the canopy and moss clinging to the stone blocks, the whole place feels like a lost city frozen in time.

Despite its popularity, there are still quiet corners where you can pause and soak it all in. Early morning is best if you want to experience Ta Prohm before the crowds arrive.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan is a vast and atmospheric complex, built in 1191 by King Jayavarman VII to honour his father. Once a thriving royal city and Buddhist monastery, it was home to thousands of officials, servants, and monks. Today, its moss-covered stones, long corridors, and courtyards overtaken by jungle create a peaceful, undisturbed scene. 

Known as the “Sacred Sword”, Preah Khan has a similar layout to Ta Prohm but feels far quieter, making it a wonderful place to wander without the crowds.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small but striking temple, set on an island in the middle of a reservoir. It is reached by a wooden causeway and feels very secluded. Built in the late 12th century, the temple sits on a lotus-shaped base, surrounded by four pools.

It was designed as a hospital-temple, inspired by the mythical Himalayan lake Anavatapta, whose waters were believed to hold powerful healing properties. In its heyday, pilgrims travelled to Neak Pean to bathe in the sacred pools, hoping to cure their illnesses.

Ta Som

Ta Som might be small, but it’s bursting with character. Built by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his father, it’s easy to explore thanks to its compact layout, making it a refreshing change from Angkor’s mega-temples. As it’s less visited than the larger monuments, Ta Som offers a more intimate and secluded experience – one of those places where you can truly soak in the atmosphere.

The real showstopper is the eastern gate, where a massive strangler fig has wrapped itself dramatically around the stone entrance. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the entire Angkor complex and a favourite for photographers.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is all about the views. Built in 961 by King Rajendravarman II, this classic temple mountain symbolises Mount Meru, the centre of the universe in Hindu cosmology. Steep staircases lead up to five towers, and when the light hits just right, the laterite stone glows a deep, fiery red. 

Its name translates roughly as “turning the body” possibly linked to ancient cremation rituals – but today, it’s best known as one of the best sunset spots in Angkor.

Banteay Srei

Known as the “City of Women”, Banteay Srei lies about 25 km northeast of Angkor Thom and was built in dedication to the Hindu god Shiva. You can use your Angkor ticket to access the temple. We didn’t make it to Banteay Srei because of the distance, but by the sounds of it, we missed out as it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia.

Banteay Srei is praised for its beautifully preserved red and pink sandstone carvings. Every wall and doorway is covered in intricate designs, depicting Hindu tales. The craftsmanship is so fine that legend says the carvings must have been done by women, giving the temple its name.

Small Tour vs Big Tour

When people talk about the “Small Tour” and “Big Tour”, they’re referring to two classic sightseeing routes through Angkor Archaeological Park. Most tuk-tuk drivers and tour guides automatically follow one of these circuits, so it helps to know what they mean before you go. 

You can customise these routes and ask your driver to skip the most crowded temples, adjust the time so you can watch the sunrise or sunset, and slow the pace if you want to take your time.

The Small Tour (Small Circuit)

This is the most popular route and perfect if you’re short on time or visiting Angkor for the first time.

• Distance: ~17 km
• Time needed: Half day to full day
• Temples included: Angkor Wat (the main event!), Angkor Thom (South Gate), Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and Ta Prohm.

This circuit covers the headline temples – the ones you’ve probably seen in photos. It can be busy, but is absolutely worth it – especially if you have limited time. 

The Big Tour (Grand Circuit)

The Big Tour goes further out and includes less-visited temples, giving you a quieter, more adventurous feel.

• Distance: ~26 km
• Time needed: Full day
• Temples included: Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean and Preah Khan

You’ll see a mix of island temples, massive complexes and peaceful ruins. It’s a good choice for your second day at Angkor Wat and if you want to avoid the crowds. 

Sunrise vs Sunset – Which Is Better?

My husband and I chose to experience Angkor Wat at sunrise, which is considered the classic Angkor experience. Watching the sun rise behind the five towers and reflect in the ponds was truly unforgettable, though it did mean leaving our hotel around 4:30am to secure a good spot.

Sunset is another popular time to visit, and arriving early is just as important if you want a great viewing position. Two of the best viewpoints are Pre Rup and Phnom Bakheng, where you can take in sweeping panoramas and watch the sky shift through dramatic shades of orange and pink.

When to Visit Angkor Wat

The dry season in Siem Reap is from November to late March, which is generally the best time to visit Angkor Wat. It is also the busiest and most expensive period, so you should book your accommodation in Siem Reap well in advance. 

April and May can be unbearably hot and extremely humid. Angkor Wat won’t be as crowded but spending a full day exploring the temples can be overwhelming in the heat.

The rainy season lasts from June through October, but this often just means an hour or two of rain per day. It does make Angkor Wat very muddy, but there will also be fewer tourists and greener landscapes.

What to Bring to Angkor Wat

• Lots of water – the temples offer very little shade and dehydration is no joke!
• Filtered water bottle – tap water isn’t safe to drink in Cambodia
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Clothing that covers your chest, shoulders and knees (a light scarf is very helpful for covering up and sun protection)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Your camera – you will want to take a lot of photos!

I hope this blog post has shown you that Angkor Archaeological Park is more than just a temple – it’s an ancient city frozen in time. Exploring such a vast area can be exhausting, but it’s absolutely worth the effort and you really get your money’s worth.

Ciao for now,

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow