Siem Reap Province, north-west Cambodia · Cambodia
The largest religious monument in the world, set among a forest of temples built by the Khmer Empire.
Photo: Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of South-East Asia from the 9th to the 15th century. The temples left behind are the largest religious monuments in the world, spread across forest and rice fields near Siem Reap, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century for King Suryavarman II, is the most famous, a vast temple mountain with five towers, a moat and miles of carved bas-reliefs. A few kilometres north, Angkor Thom was the last capital, and its Bayon temple is crowned by hundreds of serene stone faces. Ta Prohm is left half-swallowed by silk-cotton and strangler fig trees.
The temples are best visited over two or three days, beginning at dawn to see the light and avoid the heat. Tuk-tuk drivers act as guides and drivers, and a three-day or seven-day pass covers the park. Modest dress is required, with shoulders and knees covered, and the area can be crowded, especially at sunrise.
Why visit
Angkor is the highlight of Cambodia and one of the great sights in Asia.
The world's largest religious monument.
Smiling faces carved in stone.
Temple and jungle in embrace.
Dozens of temples to explore.
Atmospheric light.
Main attractions
The park is divided into the main circuits.
The grand temple, with bas-reliefs and towers.
Tip Visit at sunrise or late afternoon.
The state temple of Angkor Thom, with its giant faces.
Tip Go in the morning.
A temple wrapped in giant tree roots.
Tip Arrive early to beat crowds.
A massive gate with stone guardians.
Tip Photogenic.
A hilltop temple, popular at sunset.
Tip Queues form; go early.
A quieter temple and reservoir.
Tip Good for a restful stop.
Things to do
Plan activities around heat and light.
Arrive before 5 am.
Tip Bring a flashlight.
Wander among the roots.
Tip Go early.
A tuk-tuk or bike.
Tip Hire a driver.
Sunset views.
Tip Arrive early.
Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei.
Tip Full-day tour.
Learn the stories.
Tip Hire a licensed guide.
Local food
Food is available near the temples and in Siem Reap.
Fish steamed in coconut curry in banana leaf.
Where to try it Restaurants near the park.
Stir-fried beef with lime pepper dip.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Rice noodles with fish gravy.
Where to try it Morning stalls.
Fragrant coconut curry.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Cold and sweet.
Where to try it Roadside.
Accommodation
Stay in Siem Reap.
Transport
Siem Reap is the gateway.
Tuk-tuks and bikes.
When to go
The cool, dry season is the best time to visit, though it is also the busiest.
Cool, dry and sunny.
Very hot.
Green season, with rain showers.
Just after the rains.
Worth planning around: April and May, when heat is intense.
Itinerary
The big temples at a gentle pace.
The classics
The Bayon
Remote temples
Travel tips
Tips for visiting.
FAQ
Two to three days.
Helpful but optional.
At the official office.
Modest clothes.
Many say yes.
Yes in high season.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Angkor Archaeological Park, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
A relaxed city with Pub Street, the Old Market, Phare circus, Royal Gardens and trips to the Tonle Sap floating villages.
Don't miss Eating fish amok in the old market after a day among temples.
Explore Destination — Siem Reap and Tonle SapSiem Reap Province, Cambodia
A day trip north of Angkor: the delicate Banteay Srei, the River of a Thousand Lingas at Kbal Spean, and the sacred Kulen Mountain with waterfalls.
Don't miss Examining carvings so fine they look like lace, at the "citadel of women".
Explore Destination — Banteay Srei and Kulen MountainPreah Vihear and Siem Reap Provinces, Cambodia
Two remote Khmer sites: Beng Mealea, a half-collapsed temple swallowed by the jungle, and Koh Ker, a 10th-century capital with a dramatic pyramid.
Don't miss Climbing a seven-tier pyramid in the forest with almost no one else around.
Explore Destination — Koh Ker and Beng MealeaRead next
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