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Explore the timeless beauty of Angkor Wat, Cambodia's famous architectural wonder that will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you ever visit the beautiful Kingdom of Cambodia, you must explore the 'City of Temples,' Angkor Wat. Renowned as the largest religious monument complex in the world, you will be awestruck by the unique architecture of the great Khmer civilization from centuries past. In this article, Klook will take you on a journey to discover the history and ancient beauty of the Angkor temple marvel.
Introduction to Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, also known as Ăng-co Vát, is the southernmost temple of the Angkor temple complex, located about 6km north of the town Siem Reap. Spanning a vast area of 162.6 hectares, the Angkor temple complex is recognized as the largest religious archaeological site in the world, recording the footprint of a mighty Khmer dynasty from the 9th to the 15th century.
Join Klook to explore the unique architectural art and historical traces of Buddhist and Hindu cultures at Angkor Wat.
The Unique History and Architecture of Angkor Wat
Built in the early 12th century by Khmer King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and served as the capital city. However, it was heavily damaged by a Cham invasion in 1177. Subsequently, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple, retaining its religious and cultural significance for Cambodia to this day.
The architecture of Angkor Wat reflects ancient Khmer style. The temple structures are a testament to the Khmer architects' skill in stacking thousands of sandstone blocks without the use of any adhesive. Praised for its timeless perfection, Angkor Wat features harmonious design, precise proportions, and comprehensive strength.
Despite its somewhat conservative appearance, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of devatas and giant Apsara bas-reliefs depicting the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata, making Angkor Wat a prominent artistic masterpiece.
Ancient Khmer engineers also utilized the canal system surrounding the temple to create wide square moats up to 1.5 meters deep for transporting heavy stone blocks. Today, visitors enter Angkor Wat by crossing a long stone causeway over these deep water moats.
Exploring the ancient beauty of Angkor Wat is a marvelous experience for those who appreciate history, architectural art, and ancient religious culture.
UNESCO Certification and Global Cultural Value
Angkor Wat is not only a symbol on the national flag and a source of pride for Cambodia but also holds global cultural significance.
In 1992, the Angkor temple complex was recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven wonders of the world cultural heritage, marking a significant milestone for Cambodia's tourism industry. Today, it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, accounting for over 50% of international visitors to the country.
Useful Tips for Independent Travel to Angkor Wat
If it's your first time visiting the 'city of temples' Angkor, the following tips from Klook will be handy for you.
When is the Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat?
The climate in Cambodia is quite similar to Vietnam, with two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. Therefore, the best time to explore Angkor Wat according to Klook is during the dry season, from December to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, allowing you to experience comfortable and memorable days of travel.
Especially if you visit during the hot dry season, from March to May, you can experience the unique cultural festivals of this country such as the traditional Khmer New Year Chaul Chnam Thmey (April 13th - 15th), the Bom Chaul Chnam water festival (April 13th - 15th), the Meak Bochea festival (March in lunar calendar),...
The Angkor temple complex is also a beautiful spot for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts. You should wake up early and line up before 5 a.m. to get the best position to admire the picturesque scene as the first rays of sunlight illuminate each temple and reflect on the water's surface.
Angkor Wat Entrance Ticket Price Reference
Currently, except for Cambodian citizens, all international tourists must purchase tickets to visit the Angkor temple complex. Ticket prices are determined by the number of days of visit and the corresponding validity period. You can buy tickets directly at the ticket office at the entrance gate, remember to bring cash and your passport to purchase tickets.
You should also keep your tickets carefully as they will be checked by security before you enter some temples. Additionally, if you purchase tickets after 5 p.m., they will be valid from the next day.
Below is a summary table of ticket prices for visiting Angkor Wat for your reference:
Loại vé | Mức giá | Thời hạn sử dụng |
Vé 1 ngày | 37 USD | 1 ngày |
Vé 3 ngày | 62 USD | 1 tuần |
|
Vé 7 ngày | 72 USD | 1 tháng |
Transportation Options at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap province, northern Cambodia, about 665 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. To travel to Siem Reap from Vietnam, you have two transportation options as follows:
- By plane: You can book direct flights taking about 1 hour 30 minutes from Saigon to Siem Reap airport with prices ranging from 7,000,000 - 9,500,000 VND for a round trip. Direct flights from Hanoi are less frequent, so you may choose a transit in Saigon or Phnom Penh.
- By bus: If you prefer traveling by road to enjoy the scenery or stop at many places, you can book long-distance bus tickets from companies such as Mekong Express, Thái Dương, Sapaco, or Sorya. The bus fare is about 1,200,000 VND and the travel time is about 14 hours.
To reach Angkor Wat from Siem Reap, most tourists choose to rent a Tuk Tuk for a full day. The price for renting a Tuk Tuk for the whole day is about 400,000 - 500,000 VND. You can negotiate the price with the driver beforehand to have them take you to visit famous landmarks.
Additionally, you can also choose to take a taxi or rent a self-driving car (if you have an international driving license) to explore many other interesting nearby attractions near Angkor Wat.
Suggested Resorts Near Angkor Wat
So where to stay in Siem Reap? At the top tourist destination in Cambodia, travelers won't find it difficult to find a diverse range of hotels, guesthouses at various prices, and styles. However, to conveniently move around and explore the land of these vast temples, you should book a hotel room near the Angkor tourist area or in the center of Siem Reap city.
Below are some suggestions from Klook for famous resort hotels in the area for you:
1. The Cyclo d'Angkor Boutique Hotel
- Rating: 4 stars | Reference Price: from 600,000 VND/Night
- Address: Right on Charles De Gaulle Street, Siem Reap, Cambodia
2. Tara Angkor Hotel
- Rating: 4 stars | Reference Price: from 1,200,000 VND/Night
- Address: Front of Charles De Gaulle Road, Siem Reap, Cambodia
3. Saem Siemreap Hotel
- Rating: 4 stars | Reference Price: from 1,200,000 VND/Night
- Address: Krom 6, Phoum Sala Kanseng, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. Templation Hotel
- Rating: 5 stars | Reference Price: from 2,700,000 VND/Night
- Address: Rok Rak Street, Mondul 3, Sangkat Slor Kram, Siem Reap, Cambodia
5. Sokkhak Boutique Resort
- Rating: 5 stars | Reference Price: from 1,700,000 VND/Night
- Address: Kok Chork Village, Trorpeang Ses Commune, Wat Thmey, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Angkor Wat
When traveling to Angkor Wat, tourists not only get to explore magnificent architectural structures but also experience the unique and enticing cuisine of Cambodia. Let's check out some dishes you shouldn't miss when you're here:
- Steamed Amok Fish: Fresh fish marinated in spices, steamed tender, enjoyed with creamy curry sauce infused with banana leaves and chili aroma.
- Ant Stir-Fried Beef: Soft beef stir-fried with red ants creating a unique texture that few have the chance to taste.
- Palm Sugar Rice Cake: Rich and creamy taste of palm sugar, coconut water blending with soft and smooth cake layer.
- Green Papaya Salad (Bok L'hong): Made from fresh delicious papaya, mixed with spicy and pungent sauce typical of Cambodia.
With relatively cheap prices under 100,000 VND, these are definitely the delicious street food specialties that tourists cannot miss at the Angkor cultural tourism area.
5 Stunning Temples You Must Visit at Angkor Wat
In the Angkor archaeological site, there are over 1000 temples of various sizes scattered around, each possessing a unique structure and mystical beauty that leaves visitors in awe. According to Klook's experience, the five temples below are highlights at Angkor Wat that you should definitely visit. Let's explore them!
1. Angkor Wat Temple
This is the cultural center and the most important temple in the Angkor temple complex. When visiting Angkor Wat temple, you can see the distinctive architecture featuring harmonious combinations of lotus-shaped towers, cross-shaped stairways, and nearly 400 rooms along the main axes connected by narrow corridors up to 1,500 meters long.
The Angkor temple is a complex of five towers symbolizing the five peaks of the sacred Mount Meru, the homeland of the gods in Indian mythology. It includes the tallest central tower at 65 meters and four subsidiary towers forming four square corners.
Unlike most other temples, the main entrance of Angkor Wat temple faces west, which according to Indian culture, is considered inauspicious. There are many theories about this characteristic, but to this day, it remains a mystery at Angkor.
2. Angkor Thom Temple
Angkor Thom is an ancient walled city area comprising many remarkable architectural structures, second only to Angkor Wat. Exploring the Angkor Thom temple area, visitors will be mesmerized by a series of large stone gates with peculiar shapes on all four sides, stone lion statues, and majestic moats.
Notably, the most beautiful temple in the complex is Bayon temple. As the centerpiece of Angkor Thom, Bayon spans 9 square kilometers, consisting of three levels and 54 towers containing 216 mysterious faces carved on white stone. The unique architectural artistry has made Angkor Thom temple an irresistible destination in the marvelous exploration journey of Angkor Wat.
3. Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb Raider)
Ta Prohm temple, famous after appearing in the movie 'Tomb Raider,' is an intriguing destination in the Angkor complex. The highlight of Ta Prohm is the majestic trees and tree roots covering the architectural structures, creating a mysterious and romantic scenery.
Entering Ta Prohm feels like stepping into a mysterious world, where nature and architecture harmonize splendidly. Exploring Ta Prohm, visitors can relax in a peaceful space and enjoy the characteristic ancient beauty.
4. Roluos Group of Temples
Roluos Group of Temples, comprising three main temples Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, lies outside the western gateway of Angkor Wat. These are structures belonging to the ancient city of Hariharalaya, the first stone maps opening up the cultural center of Angkor.
The Roluos Group of Temples is an ideal destination to learn about the origins of Angkor Wat architecture and experience the development of Khmer culture in ancient times.
5. Banteay Srei in the Outskirts of the Temple Complex
Banteay Srei, also known as the 'Citadel of Women,' is one of the temples located outside the central area of Angkor Wat.
Built in the 10th century, Banteay Srei temple is considered a masterpiece of red sandstone artistry, incredibly prominent and intricate. Visitors to Banteay Srei will be captivated by the ancient architectural beauty, exquisite stone statues, and the cultural influence honoring women.
If you wish to explore the largest temples in the Angkor Complex, check out Klook's temple tours!
Angkor Wat Travel Tips: Important Notes
When traveling to Angkor Wat, it's important to note some crucial information to have a smooth journey and fully experience the ancient architecture of this natural wonder.
- Most temples in the complex are open for visitation from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Except for Pre Rup and Phnom Bakheng temples, which open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You can plan your visit here to admire the sunset and sunrise.
- Pay attention to your attire when visiting, wear modest clothing, and respect local culture.
- You can explore the Angkor Archaeological Park for free after 5:30 PM.
With its unique and majestic ancient beauty, Angkor Wat has captivated countless visitors. Get ready to explore one of the world's greatest cultural heritages and enjoy fantastic experiences at Angkor Wat, the land of mysterious ancient temples.
You can refer to Klook's blog to discover experiences like Exploring Phnom Penh, 20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Cambodia You Won't Want to Leave, Sunset Hunting in Koh Rong Samloem, Independent Travel in Cambodia: A-Z Guide, Self-Guided Siem Reap Tour: Discover 10 Vibrant Cultural Slices,... for your Khmer journey.
Embark on a journey to admire the unique cultural edifice at Angkor Wat now!
