What to See at Angkor Wat
From the iconic main temple to hidden jungle ruins and sacred courtyards. Here are the must-see highlights, top photo spots, and insider tips for experiencing the best of Angkor Wat.
Top Highlights at Angkor Wat
The headline sights and experiences most visitors want to see first.
Angkor Wat Main Temple Complex
The world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat’s five towers and intricate bas-relief galleries stretching nearly half a kilometre demand at least two hours to explore properly. Arrive before sunrise to witness the iconic reflection in the western causeway moat.
Explore the Main Temple →
Bayon Temple & the Face Towers
At the heart of Angkor Thom, Bayon’s 54 towers bear 216 serene stone faces gazing in every direction — one of the most haunting and photographed sights in Southeast Asia. Explore the two levels of bas-reliefs depicting historic battles and everyday Khmer life.
Explore Bayon →
Ta Prohm — the Jungle Temple
Left partially unrestored by archaeologists, Ta Prohm is where enormous strangler fig and silk-cotton trees have grown directly through the temple walls and galleries, creating a dramatic fusion of nature and ancient stone. It is the most atmospheric temple in the Angkor complex.
Explore Ta Prohm →How to Choose What to See
A quick guide based on your interests and visit style.
If you have limited time (1 day)
- Arrive before dawn to catch sunrise over the main temple’s five towers
- Spend the morning in the main temple complex — the bas-reliefs and inner galleries alone take 2 hours
- Visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon’s stone faces in the afternoon when crowds thin
- Skip outlying temples like Banteay Srei — save those for a second day
If you want the full Angkor experience
- Day 1: Angkor Wat at sunrise, then Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei
- Day 2: Angkor Thom circuit — Bayon, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants
- Day 3: Outlying temples — Banteay Srei for intricate carvings, Pre Rup for sunset views
- Consider a tuk-tuk driver for days 1–2 and a bicycle for the smaller day-3 circuit
If you’re visiting with young children
- Start at 6am — temples are cooler, less crowded, and children stay engaged longer
- Ta Prohm’s tree-root ruins are a hit with children (feels like a jungle adventure)
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a carrier for toddlers — paved paths are uneven in places
- Avoid the steep inner sanctuary stairs with children under 7 — they are near-vertical
If you’re interested in photography
- Sunrise from the main reflecting pool is the classic shot — arrive by 5:15am for a good spot
- Golden-hour light hits the western façade best; blue-hour light favours the eastern side
- Ta Prohm and Preah Khan offer dramatic tree-root shots that look best on overcast days
- The inner sanctuary galleries have low light — bring a fast lens or a tripod if allowed
All Temples & Sites
Every temple and site covered in our guides
Angkor Wat Towers — The Central Sanctuary Explained
Angkor Wat Towers — The Central Sanctuary Explained Angkor Wat has five towers arranged in a quincunx pattern — one central towe…
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Angkor Wat Sunrise — What to Expect & How to Plan It
Angkor Wat Sunrise — What to Expect & How to Plan It Sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most celebrated travel experiences in Sou…
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Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King — Visitor Guide
Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King — Visitor Guide The Terrace of the Elephants is a 300-metre-long elevated sto…
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The Roluos Group Temples — Angkor's Earliest Ruins Guide
The Roluos Group Temples — Angkor’s Earliest Ruins Guide The Roluos Group is a cluster of three 9th-century Khmer temples &mdash…
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Preah Khan Temple — The Complete Visitor Guide (2026)
Preah Khan Temple — The Complete Visitor Guide (2026) Preah Khan (“Sacred Sword”) is a large, largely unrestored Buddhist …
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Phnom Bakheng — Angkor's Best Sunset Temple (Complete Guide)
Phnom Bakheng — Angkor’s Best Sunset Temple (Complete Guide) Phnom Bakheng is a hilltop Hindu temple built in the late 9th centu…
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Neak Pean Temple — The Island Sanctuary Guide
Neak Pean Temple — The Island Sanctuary Guide Neak Pean (“Intertwined Serpents”) is a small but remarkable 12th-century Bu…
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The Khmer Empire — History Behind the Temples of Angkor
The Khmer Empire — History Behind the Temples of Angkor The Khmer Empire (802–1431 CE) was one of the most powerful civilisation…
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Beng Mealea Temple — The Jungle Temple Guide (2026)
Beng Mealea Temple — The Jungle Temple Guide (2026) Beng Mealea (“Lotus Pond”) is a 12th-century Khmer temple approximatel…
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Banteay Srei Temple — Pink Sandstone & Fine Carvings Guide
Banteay Srei Temple — Pink Sandstone & Fine Carvings Guide Banteay Srei (“Citadel of Women”) is a 10th-century Hindu t…
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Angkor Wat vs Angkor Thom — Key Differences Explained
Angkor Wat vs Angkor Thom — Key Differences Explained Angkor Wat is a single temple complex built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th c…
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Angkor Wat History & Architecture — The Full Story
Angkor Wat History & Architecture — The Full Story Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century (c.1113–1150 CE) by King S…
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Angkor Wat Hidden Gems — Lesser-Known Spots Worth Visiting
Angkor Wat Hidden Gems — Lesser-Known Spots Worth Visiting The Angkor Archaeological Park contains dozens of temples beyond the famous…
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The Bas-Reliefs of Angkor Wat — A Complete Visual Guide
The Bas-Reliefs of Angkor Wat — A Complete Visual Guide The bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat line the outer gallery of the first enclosure in…
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Angkor Thom — Complete Guide to the Ancient Khmer Capital
Angkor Thom — Complete Guide to the Ancient Khmer Capital Angkor Thom (“Great City”) is the last and greatest capital of t…
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Book your tickets and plan the practical details of your visit.
Plan Your Visit to Angkor Wat
Opening hours, dress code, transportation, accessibility, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
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Angkor Wat Tickets & Tours
Compare all ticket types, guided tours, private tours, sunrise and sunset experiences, and special packages.
Browse all tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about what to see and prioritise at Angkor Wat.