Angkor Wat FAQ — Every Question Answered (2026)

This page answers every common question about visiting Angkor Wat — from tickets and opening hours to dress code, photography, transport, and what to bring. If you are planning a visit and have a question, the answer is almost certainly here.

Tickets & Entry

How much does it cost to enter Angkor Wat?

The Angkor Pass costs $37 for one day, $62 for three days (any 3 days within 10 days), and $72 for seven days (any 7 days within 30 days). These prices cover all temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, and all other park temples. Separate tickets are required for Phnom Kulen ($20) and Koh Ker ($15).

Can children enter Angkor Wat for free?

Yes. Children under 12 years old enter the Angkor Archaeological Park for free. A valid passport must be shown as proof of age and carried throughout the visit.

Where do I buy the Angkor Pass?

Three options: online at ticket.angkorenterprise.gov.kh (official website only — upload your photo and pay by card), at the Angkor Ticket Office on Apsara Road in Siem Reap (open 4:30 AM–5:30 PM), or at self-service kiosks at Heritage Walk Mall in Siem Reap. The price is identical at all three purchase points.

Can I buy the Angkor Pass at my hotel or guesthouse?

No. The Angkor Pass is sold exclusively through Angkor Enterprise’s official channels. Any hotel or street vendor offering to sell you a pass directly (not as part of a tour) is either re-selling at a markup or operating fraudulently.

Is the Angkor Pass transferable?

No. Each pass includes a photograph of the holder and is strictly non-transferable. Temple entrance staff check your photograph against the pass at each major temple. Attempting to share a pass is grounds for confiscation without refund.

If I buy a 1-day pass after 5 PM, is it valid the next day too?

Yes. A 1-day pass purchased after 5:00 PM is valid immediately and also covers the following calendar day. This is the recommended strategy for visitors planning a sunrise visit who want to avoid the pre-dawn queue at the ticket office.

Do guided tours include the Angkor Pass?

Not always — it depends on the operator and tour. Many tours (including most group tours) require you to purchase the pass separately. Always confirm whether the pass is included before booking. See our guide to buying tickets.

Opening Hours

What time does Angkor Wat open?

Angkor Wat opens at 5:00 AM every day of the year — the only temple in the park open before 6:00 AM, specifically to allow sunrise visits.

What time does Angkor Wat close?

Angkor Wat closes at 6:00 PM. Most other temples in the park close at 6:30 PM. Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup remain open until 7:00 PM for sunset visitors.

What time does the ticket office open?

The Angkor Ticket Office on Apsara Road opens at 4:30 AM — specifically to allow visitors to purchase passes before the 5:00 AM temple opening.

Is Angkor Wat open every day?

Yes. Angkor Wat is open 365 days a year, including Cambodian public holidays. Hours remain 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM throughout the year.

Are there any days when Angkor Wat is closed?

No regular closure days. On major Cambodian Buddhist festivals (particularly Khmer New Year in April and Pchum Ben in September/October), the temples remain open but may be busier than usual with Cambodian worshippers and pilgrims, which creates a different and often very atmospheric experience.

Getting There

How far is Angkor Wat from Siem Reap?

Approximately 5.5 km from Siem Reap city centre to the main Angkor Wat entrance causeway. The journey takes 15–20 minutes by tuk-tuk under normal conditions.

What is the best way to get to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap?

Tuk-tuk is the most popular option — atmospheric, affordable ($5–8 one way), and practical. Private car or minibus is more comfortable in hot weather. Bicycle is an excellent option for the fit and heat-tolerant. Walking is possible but very long. See our full transport guide.

How much does a tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat cost?

A tuk-tuk hired for a full day on the Small Circuit (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) typically costs $20–25. For the Grand Circuit, $30–35. A single one-way trip to Angkor Wat costs approximately $5–8. Always agree the price before departing.

Can I drive myself to Angkor Wat?

Self-drive cars and motorbikes are generally not permitted for tourists within the Angkor Archaeological Park (though the rules evolve — confirm locally). Hiring a tuk-tuk, car with driver, or joining a guided tour is the standard approach.

Dress Code & Rules

What is the dress code at Angkor Wat?

Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the main temple, the inner sanctuary, and all shrines. This is strictly enforced by attendants at the inner enclosure entrance. Sarongs are available for rental near the entrance for visitors who arrive in shorts or sleeveless tops. See our complete dress code guide.

Do I need to remove my shoes at Angkor Wat?

Yes — shoes must be removed before entering the inner sanctuary and any shrine rooms containing Buddha images. Shoe storage areas and attendants manage this at the main inner enclosure entrance. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Can I climb to the top of Angkor Wat?

Yes — the upper sanctuary is accessible via steep stone steps (approximately 40 metres elevation at a very steep gradient). The climb is not suitable for visitors with vertigo, severe mobility limitations, or heart conditions. Children under a certain age or height may not be permitted — follow the posted guidance.

Is photography allowed inside Angkor Wat?

Yes — photography is permitted throughout Angkor Wat including the inner sanctuary and bas-relief galleries. Flash photography may be restricted in certain shrine areas — follow attendant guidance. Drone flying is strictly prohibited without a permit from APSARA Authority (effectively unavailable to tourists).

Can I touch the bas-reliefs?

No. Touching the bas-relief carvings is prohibited — the oils from skin accelerate weathering of the sandstone. This is why many of the most frequently touched sections (such as certain apsara figures) show more surface wear than others.

Is eating or drinking allowed inside the temple?

Eating is not permitted inside the temple galleries. Water is generally acceptable. A restaurant and café area is located near the outer enclosure for meal breaks.

Visiting Experience

How long does it take to visit Angkor Wat?

A minimum of 2 hours for a highlights visit. 3–4 hours for a thorough exploration including all bas-relief galleries, the inner enclosure, and the upper sanctuary. A sunrise-to-late-morning visit with a guide can extend to 5–6 hours. See our how many days guide.

What is the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat?

Sunrise (5:00–6:30 AM) for the iconic reflecting pool experience. Early morning (7:00–10:00 AM) for the best interior light and manageable heat. Late afternoon (3:30–5:30 PM) for golden-hour light on the western façade and significantly fewer visitors than midday.

When is Angkor Wat least crowded?

The late afternoon (3:30–5:30 PM) is consistently quieter than the morning. The wet season (May–October) has dramatically fewer visitors than peak season (December–February). Weekday mornings outside peak season are the quietest conditions overall. See our crowds guide.

Do I need a guide at Angkor Wat?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for first-time visitors. A licensed guide transforms the bas-relief galleries from impressive stonework into a legible narrative — the difference between looking at a book and reading it. See our guided vs self-guided comparison.

Is Angkor Wat suitable for people with mobility limitations?

Partially. The outer gallery bas-reliefs and reflecting pool area are accessible without significant climbing. The inner sanctuary and upper sanctuary require steep stair climbing and are not suitable for visitors with significant mobility limitations. See our accessibility guide.

Is Angkor Wat safe to visit?

Yes — it is one of the safest and best-managed tourist sites in Southeast Asia. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use recommended transport, and follow the guidance of APSARA Authority staff at the temples.

Practical Preparation

What should I bring to Angkor Wat?

Water (carry more than you think you need — a minimum of 1.5 litres per person), sunscreen, a hat, lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees, shoes that are easy to remove, a small daypack, and your Angkor Pass. A portable phone charger is useful for long days. Cash in USD for tuk-tuks, food, and tips.

Is it safe to drink the water at Angkor Wat?

Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available throughout the park from vendors and restaurants. Carry your own supply from Siem Reap — prices at the temples can be higher.

What is the weather like at Angkor Wat?

Cambodia is tropical year-round. The cool dry season (November–February) brings temperatures of 20–28°C and is the most comfortable period. The hot dry season (March–May) reaches 35–38°C. The wet season (May–October) brings daily afternoon rains with temperatures of 26–33°C and high humidity. See our best time to visit guide.

Are there ATMs and currency exchange at Angkor Wat?

The temples themselves do not have ATMs. Siem Reap city centre has numerous ATMs and currency exchange counters. Transactions at the temple area (food, souvenirs, tuk-tuks) are conducted in USD — Cambodia uses USD alongside the Cambodian Riel for everyday transactions. Always have small USD bills.

Is there food available at Angkor Wat?

A café and restaurant complex is located near the outer enclosure of Angkor Wat, open during temple hours. Additional food stalls and restaurants are found throughout the park. For better food at lower prices, eat your main meals in Siem Reap. See our food and restaurants guide.

Sunrise Specifically

Is Angkor Wat sunrise worth it?

Yes — emphatically. The sunrise at the north reflecting pool, where the five towers are reflected in still water as the sky transitions from deep blue to orange and gold, is one of the most celebrated travel experiences in the world. Even partial cloud cover often enhances the effect. The pre-dawn wake-up is the only cost.

How early do I need to arrive for Angkor Wat sunrise?

By 5:00–5:15 AM for most of the year. During peak season (December–January), arrive by 4:45 AM to secure a good position at the north reflecting pool. The temple opens at 5:00 AM.

Which reflecting pool is better for sunrise — north or south?

The north pool is the classic position and offers the direct tower-in-pool composition. The south pool has a slightly different angle and is consistently less crowded. During peak season, the south pool is significantly quieter than the north for an equivalent photograph.