Angkor Wat
Historical Site Large Hindu-Buddhist temple complex and Khmer monument
At Angkor Wat, the 12th-century Khmer temple complex near Siem Reap features bas-reliefs, concentric galleries and a central tower; tourists rise early for sunrise, bicycle between temples and hire guides to explain inscriptions.
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Angkor Wat is a large 12th-century temple complex near Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia, originally constructed under King Suryavarman II and dedicated to Vishnu. It is the largest religious monument in the world and a central monument of the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The complex features a concentric layout with a surrounding moat, outer galleries covered in reliefs and a quincunx of towers rising above the central sanctuary. Visitors commonly view the bas-reliefs, climb the central temple terraces and photograph sunrise over the western causeway.
Angkor Thom, the later walled city to the north, contains the Bayon with its stone face towers; nearby Ta Prohm is famous for the dramatic interplay of trees and ruins. Conservation and tourism management operate across the park to protect structures while allowing public access.
Angkor Wat sits approximately 5 kilometres north of the city of Siem Reap, set on flat countryside that was once part of the Khmer capital region.
- Sunrise photography: Sunrise at the western causeway of Angkor Wat is a popular time for photographers, but it is the busiest time so expect crowds and limited space.
- Best season: The best months for relatively dry weather and clearer skies are November through February; heavy rain and heat occur in the monsoon season.
What to See #
- Angkor Wat temple: The central temple complex built in the early 12th century with five towers arranged to represent Mount Meru; the central tower rises above the surrounding galleries and bas-reliefs.
- Angkor Thom and Bayon: The walled city north of Angkor Wat founded in the late 12th century featuring the Bayon temple, famous for its many carved smiling faces on stone towers.
- Ta Prohm: A late 12th-century temple left largely overgrown by trees and roots, widely known from photographs that show trees entwined with the ruins.
- Royal Enclosure and terraces: A lengthy enclosure used by the Khmer kings for public ceremonies and royal procession, featuring the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
How to Get to Angkor Wat #
Angkor Wat lies about 6 km northwest of Siem Reap town center. The common and cheapest way to reach the complex is by tuk‑tuk (10-20 minutes from the Old Market area) or by taxi; many hotels and guesthouses can arrange a driver for a half‑day or full‑day circuit.
Cyclists can ride from central Siem Reap along National Road 6 and local lanes; expect 30-45 minutes depending on pace. Note that the Angkor Archaeological Park ticket office - where passes are issued and photographed - is on the main access road to the temples, and the pass must be purchased before entry.
Tips for Visiting Angkor Wat #
- Buy the Angkor Pass at the official ticket center on the main road from Siem Reap before heading to the temples; guards will check the pass at multiple entrances.
- For sunrise photography, join the line early but skip the crowded central reflecting pool: the causeway and the terrace to the north give cleaner light and fewer selfie sticks.
- Hire a licensed guide for at least a half-day to decode the bas-reliefs (the churning of the ocean of milk, battles of Jayavarman II) - they point out inscriptions and small carvings that most people miss.
- Visit the upper galleries in the late afternoon when raking light picks out the carvings; the steep, worn steps are slippery from centuries of feet, so climb with care.
- Avoid Angkor Wat as the only stop: a short tuk‑tuk hop will take a visitor to quieter monuments (like Ta Prohm or the Bayon) where the architecture reads differently and crowds thin.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat #
November through February is the most comfortable and the busiest. The hot months clear the crowds but not the sun; the monsoon makes for dramatic light and greener temple surrounds.
Weather & Climate near Angkor Wat #
Angkor Wat's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1338 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (197 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
