Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Angkor Wat

Everything you need to plan the perfect visit to Angkor Wat — from opening hours and best times to visit to what to wear and how to get there. Our complete guide covers transportation, accessibility, itineraries, crowds, etiquette, and insider tips for first-time visitors.

Essential Guides Read FAQs

Best Time to Visit

Visit during the dry season (November to February) for the best weather, clearest skies, and most comfortable temperatures.

How Long to Spend

Plan for at least 2–3 hours for a full visit. Most visitors spend a complete day exploring the temple complex thoroughly.

What to Wear

Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Getting There

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, located about 5.5km north of the town. Book a tour that includes transportation or hire a private driver.

Essential Planning Guides

Start with these three essential resources before planning anything else.

Hours

Angkor Wat Opening Hours

Opening and closing times for Angkor Wat and major surrounding temples, including sunrise access and last-entry details.

SeasonalPlanning

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, and conditions to help you choose the perfect time to visit the temples.

MapNavigation

Angkor Wat Map

A clear guide to the temple layout, key landmarks, and the most efficient routes through the vast Angkor Archaeological Park.

Plan Your Trip

Essential resources to help you prepare for your Angkor Wat adventure before you arrive.

DurationPlanning

How Many Days Do You Need at Angkor Wat?

One day, two days, or three? Find the right itinerary length based on your pace and what you want to see.

Itinerary

Angkor Wat Itinerary — 1 Day, 2 Days & 3 Days

Ready-to-use day-by-day itineraries covering sunrise, main temples, and hidden gems for every trip length.

BudgetCosts

Angkor Wat on a Budget

A full breakdown of pass prices, transport costs, food, guides, and tips for visiting Angkor Wat without overspending.

CrowdsTiming

Angkor Wat Crowds

Find the quietest times of day, week, and year to explore Angkor Wat with fewer tourists and a more peaceful atmosphere.

FAQ

Angkor Wat FAQ

Comprehensive answers to the most common questions first-time and repeat visitors ask before their trip to Angkor.

Resources

Angkor Wat Official Website

Links to the official Angkor Enterprise ticketing portal, APSARA Authority information, and trusted planning resources.

Solo

Angkor Wat for Solo Travelers

Safety, logistics, transport options, and the best ways for solo visitors to get the most from their time at Angkor Wat.

RulesEtiquette

Angkor Wat Rules & Visitor Etiquette

Dress requirements, behaviour rules, restricted zones, and the etiquette expected at this active Hindu-Buddhist shrine.

At the Temple

Practical guides for a comfortable, respectful, and well-prepared visit once you arrive at Angkor Wat.

Routes

Angkor Small Circuit vs Grand Circuit

Compare the two main touring routes to decide which temples to include and how to structure your day at Angkor.

Dress Code

Angkor Wat Dress Code

What to wear and what to avoid at Angkor Wat — shoulders and knees must be covered at all temple entrances.

First Visit

What to Expect on Your First Visit to Angkor Wat

A realistic walkthrough of what arrival, security, temple access, crowds, and the overall experience looks like on the day.

Accessibility

Angkor Wat Accessibility Guide

Wheelchair access, mobility considerations, and practical advice for visitors with disabilities exploring Angkor Wat.

Families

Angkor Wat with Kids

Age-appropriate temple routes, safety tips, rest stops, and everything parents need to know for a family trip to Angkor.

PhotographyTips

Angkor Wat Photography Tips

The best vantage points, lighting times, camera settings, and photography rules to know before shooting at Angkor Wat.

Practical Information

Quick-read guidance on tickets, timing, dress, and on-site logistics to make your visit run smoothly.

Getting There & Entry

Angkor Wat sits 5 km north of Siem Reap and is accessible by several transport options.

Tuk-tuk from Siem Reap centre costs $15–20 for a full-day hire — negotiate before you depart
Bicycle rental ($2–5/day) lets you ride the 5 km approach road at your own pace
Angkor Pass is sold at the official ticket centre on the airport road, not at the temple gates
Passes are 1-day ($37), 3-day ($62), or 7-day ($72) — 3-day passes do not need to be used on consecutive days
Ticket centre opens at 5:00 am; arrive before 7:30 am to beat coach tour queues

Best Times to Visit

Timing your visit determines whether you see Angkor Wat in crowds or near solitude.

Sunrise (5:30–7:00 am) is the iconic shot from the reflecting pool — arrive by 5:15 am to get a spot
Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 pm) offers warm golden light and thinner crowds after day-trippers leave
Dry season (Nov–April) means clear skies but peak tourist numbers; wet season (May–Oct) brings lush greenery and fewer visitors
Midday heat (10 am–2 pm) regularly exceeds 35°C — plan temple interiors or a lunch break during this window
Mondays and weekends attract more domestic visitors; Tuesday–Thursday are typically quietest

Dress Code & Temple Rules

Angkor Wat is an active Hindu-Buddhist shrine with strict dress requirements enforced at the entrance.

Shoulders and knees must be covered — carry a sarong or light scarf if wearing shorts or a tank top
Shoes must be removed before entering the main sanctuary tower (Bakan) and several inner galleries
Climb the steep 65° stairs to the central tower slowly — handrails are available but the ascent is strenuous
Photography inside the inner sanctuary is permitted but flash and tripods are discouraged by guards
Drones require a permit from the APSARA Authority; flying without one risks confiscation and a fine

On-Site Practicalities

Plan food, water, and rest stops before you arrive — facilities inside the complex are limited.

Water and snacks are sold by vendors at the main entrance and along the outer gallery walkway
The nearest sit-down restaurants cluster outside the east and west gates — budget 45–60 minutes for lunch off-site
Lockers are not available inside; leave valuables at your hotel or use a small day pack
Wheelchair access is possible along the ground-level causeways and outer galleries; the steep upper terraces are not accessible
Audio guides ($5) and licensed human guides ($25–40/half day) can be hired at the main ticket gate

Things to Know Before You Go

Key reminders for a hassle-free visit to Angkor Wat.

🎟️ Buy passes in advance — Angkor Archaeological Park passes sell out during peak season and must be purchased at the official ticket centre, not at temple gates.

🌅 Arrive before sunrise — The most iconic Angkor Wat reflection shot requires reaching the main causeway by 5:30 AM; crowds build rapidly after 6 AM.

👗 Cover shoulders and knees — All temples in the Angkor complex enforce a dress code; guards will turn you away at entrances if your clothing is too revealing.

🌡️ Visit November to February — The dry season brings cooler temperatures around 25°C and clear skies; April and May heat regularly exceeds 38°C with high humidity.

🚲 Hire a tuk-tuk or e-bike — The complex spans over 400 km² and the main temples are several kilometres apart; walking between sites in the heat is impractical.

💧 Carry your own water — Vendors inside the complex charge a premium; bring at least 1.5 litres per person and refill at the free water stations near the main entrance.

Continue Exploring Angkor Wat

Discover what to see inside the temple complex and find the right ticket or tour for your visit.

Angkor Wat Tickets & Tours

Compare all available tickets, guided tours, private tours, and combo packages.

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What to See at Angkor Wat

Discover the must-see temples, hidden highlights, and top photographic spots.

Explore highlights →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions visitors ask when planning a trip to Angkor Wat.

The best time is November to February during the dry season, when the weather is cooler and skies are clearer for photography. Avoid May to October (rainy season) unless you prefer smaller crowds.

One full day covers the main highlights. Two days allows for a relaxed pace with sunrise and sunset experiences. Three days includes all major temples and deeper exploration of lesser-known sites.

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during the day.

Angkor Wat is 5.5km north of Siem Reap. Book a guided tour (includes transportation), hire a private driver, or rent a tuk-tuk or motorbike. Guided tours are recommended for first-time visitors.

A guide is not required but highly recommended. Expert guides provide historical context, help you navigate the complex temple layout, and ensure you don’t miss the highlights.

Angkor Wat is open daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the main temple accessible from sunrise. The ticket booths open at 5:00 AM to allow visitors to enter for sunrise viewing.

A one-day pass costs $37 USD, a three-day pass costs $62 USD, and a seven-day pass costs $72 USD. Passes are purchased at the official Angkor Enterprise ticket centre on the road to Angkor, not at the temple gates.

Yes, independent visitors are welcome — tuk-tuk drivers can take you between temples and wait while you explore. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option for the small circuit, which covers the main temples within a few kilometres of each other.

Restaurants and food stalls are located near the main Angkor Wat causeway and at Ta Prohm, but options inside the remote temples are limited. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, as the site is large and the heat can be intense, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Several upper levels of Angkor Wat’s central tower require visitors to climb steep narrow stairs and were temporarily closed for restoration; check current access on arrival. Some inner sanctuaries and restoration scaffolding areas are cordoned off, but the majority of the complex remains open to the public.

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