How to visit the temples
Planning a trip to Siem Reap but not sure how to see the Angkor temples?
Six kilometers from Siem Reap town is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Archaeological Park.
How big is the temple complex?
Many visitors don’t fully comprehend how expansive the Angkor Archaeological Park is until they arrive. Even when looking at an Angkor map it is impossible to properly judge the enormity of it until you are actually there. Getting around on foot in unrealistic (especially in the Cambodian heat). Instead, travelers can get from temple to temple by car, tuk-tuk, bicycle or motorbike. Tuk-tuk is by far the most popular transportation, as it gives you a nice breather in between, while you still get to take in the scenery. From Babel it should take around 20 minutes by tuk-tuk.
Where do I buy the tickets?
You'll need a ticket to enter the Angkor Park. This ticket is a personal ticket and sold only at Angkor ticket center.
You can also get your ticket online at the official website: https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/
There are two options: purchasing tickets the day before, or the morning of your visit.
Tickets are $37 for a 1-day pass, $62 for 3 days, and $72 for 7 days.
Kids under 12 years old are free. Please bring a photo of your child’s passport to prove your child’s age.
The ticket office is open each day from 4.30 am to 5.30 pm.
They have ATM machines at the ticket office, and they accept both Riel and US dollar.
Which temples should I visit?
The three most well-known temples are Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon. However, the area is home to more than 1,000 temples and many of the less known temples are absolutely worth exploring. The Small tour/Small circuit includes these 3 main temples. There is also a big tour/Big circuit - this does not include the main 3 temples, but some very beautiful, more secluded and less visited temples in the temple complex. We also offer the Full day Angkor Tour which includes both the small and the big tour. It is well worth doing this if you only have one day, and want to see as much as possible.
Where can we watch the sunset?
The most popular sunset spot is on top of Bakheng Temple. Bakheng Temple is 1.5 km northwest of Angkor Wat, and its elevated position gives visitors panoramic views of the whole area, including the legendary Angkor Wat.
Watching the sun setting over Sra Srang lake is a beautiful alternative.
Phnom Krom temple is also starting to gain some popularity. This temple is situated on top of a small mountain, overlooking the Tonle Sap river.
Opening times of temples:
Angkor Wat opens at 5am and closes at 6pm. After 6pm, you will not be allowed to enter the temple. Visitors who are already in the temple are allowed to stay until 6:30pm
Phnom Krom temple and Bakheng temple open at 6am and closes at 7pm. After 7pm, you will not be allowed to enter the temple. Visitors who are already in the temple are allowed to stay until 7:30pm
All other temples: Opens at 6am and closes at 6:30pm. if you are already inside one of these temples by closing time, you are allowed to stay until 7pm.
Thoughts before you go:
How many days should I buy the pass for?
Do you want to go for sunrise/sunset?
Do you want a guide with you?
Facts:
The cost for the tuk-tuk is for the entire tuk-tuk, not per person. A tuk-tuk can comfortably seat 4 adults. It is not allowed to be more than 4 adults in one tuk-tuk inside the temple complex.
Your tuk-tuk driver will wait for you. He will show you where he will be parked, outside of each temple you visit. You decide yourself how long you want to spend in each temple. Waiting is a part of their job.
The temple ticket is a separate cost.