Temples & religious sites
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is a 12th-century temple complex built during the Khmer Empire, surrounded by a large moat and enclosure wall. It's the best-preserved of the Angkor temples, with extensive bas-relief carvings along its galleries and a central tower complex that once combined Hindu and later Buddhist religious use. Most visitors come to walk the causeway, explore the galleries and their carved reliefs, and climb to the upper terrace where access may be limited at times.
Getting there
Angkor Wat sits just outside Siem Reap city centre. A tuk-tuk or car ride from town takes roughly 15-20 minutes. Many visitors hire a tuk-tuk or car with driver for the day to cover several Angkor sites together.
Time to allow
Plan on at least 2-3 hours to walk the outer galleries, view the reliefs, and climb to the upper level. Visitors interested in photography or a slower pace often spend half a day.
When to go
Early morning is popular for cooler temperatures and softer light, and the area around the site draws large crowds for sunrise. Midday can be hot with little shade along the causeway and galleries. The site gets busy overall, especially near the main entrance and reflecting pools, so arriving early or later in the afternoon can mean fewer crowds.
Combine with
- Yasodharapura (0km) - within the same area, easy to see together.
- Ta Prohm Kel (0.9km) - a short ride away.
- Baksei Chamkrong (1.7km) and Phnom Bakheng (1.7km) - both close by and often visited on the same day, with Phnom Bakheng a common stop for elevated views.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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