Angkor Wat has been at the top of our bucket list for a while now, and we were super stoked out to finally get a chance to experience the temple in person. In fact, checking off Angkor Wat from our bucket list was the main reason why we decided to travel to Southeast Asia this Summer. Who wouldn’t want to get a chance to explore the grounds of ancient ruins so old, mysterious, and just so friggin cool that you’ll be like Angkor Waaaaat when you lay eyes on this beauty.
Angkor Wat is considered the biggest religious monument in the world and is spread across more than 400 acres. It was originally built as a Hindu temple in the first half of the 12th century and was dedicated to the god Vishnu. By the end of the 12th century Angkor Wat was converted to a Buddhist temple, where it is still used as a Buddhist place of worship today. The name Angkor Wat translates to “temple city” or “city of temples.”
Tickets and Hours of Operation
Visiting Hours: 5:00AM-6:00PM
Tickets
One-day pass: $37
Three-day pass: $62
Seven-day pass: $72
All passes must be used on consecutive days.
A photo of you will be taken and printed on your pass when you purchase your tickets.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
If you are going to visit Angkor Wat you have to see it at sunrise. Yes, that means that you have to wake up at four in the morning, but it’s totally worth it. YOLO. Did i just YOLO? I must have really enjoyed my time at Angkor Wat because I never throw out the YOLO.
We were able to get a little extra sleep because we decided to visit Angkor Wat on the second day of our three-day pass, which meant that we didn’t have to stop at the ticket office before heading to Angkor Wat. We recommend that you opt for the three-day pass over the one day pass. It’ll give you the opportunity to see some of the other fantastic temples in the area.
The Best Place to View the Sunrise
The best place to view the sunrise at Angkor Wat is from across the moat and to the left of the main entrance. You’ll be able to catch the reflection of the temple as the sun rises. There will be a lot of people trying to catch the sunrise so bring a cup of coffee, breakfast, and get there early to get the best spot.
Exploring the Temple
Exploring the temple of Angkor Wat is so cool. Be sure to bring your camera or to upgrade your smartphone to one that takes great pictures because Angkor Wat is a photographer’s dream. There are so many courtyards, secret chambers, religious statues, and ruins for your to explore.
Don’t forget to bring some small change with you to donate to the monks for a blessing. I thought it was so cool and pretty cute to watch the young monks in training as they chanted, offered their blessings, and graced seekers of enlightenment with a goodluck bracelet.
The Verdict
Visit Cambodia. Fly in to Siem Reap. Visit Angkor Wat. Check this UNESCO World Heritage site off your bucket list. If it’s not on your bucket list, add it. You won’t regret it. YOLO!
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