Visiting Angkor Wat: How to Visit Angkor Wat at Its Best?

With its breathtaking ancient temples and rich history, Angkor Wat has so much to experience. But with so much to see, knowing how to visit Angkor Wat in the best way can feel a bit challenging.

When planning your trip, the first thing to think about is timing. The dry season, from November to April, is perfect for exploring, with clear skies and cooler mornings—just right for catching the famous sunrise or a peaceful sunset. Next, you need to dress respectfully: make sure your shoulders are covered, and wear skirts or pants that go past your knees.

Tickets come in one-day, three-day, and seven-day options. For most travelers, one or three days are enough to explore the highlights. And getting around? You’ve got choices—hop on a tuk-tuk for the local vibe, rent a bicycle for freedom, or go by private car if you prefer comfort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything step by step—from the best time to go and which ticket to choose, to how to dress, get around, and plan your route—so your visit to Angkor Wat is not just easy, but unforgettable.

Visit the Angkor Wat in the Early Morning or at Sunset

To get the perfect photo at Angkor Wat or just to enjoy the most amazing views, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is at sunrise or sunset.

The sunrise at Angkor Wat is very stunning. The gates open at 5:30 a.m., so it is best to arrive before 5 a.m. to join the crowds of tourists who gather by the reflecting pool before dawn, to watch the sun rise behind the temple and climb the central spire, giving the entire temple a golden glow.

Sunset is another ideal time to visit Angkor Wat. The temple closes at 5:30 p.m., so it is best to climb Phnom Bakheng before 5 p.m. The causeway on the west side is your lookout point to enjoy the panoramic view of the temple bathed in golden light, and the sky will turn pink and purple.

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It’s Better to Visit Angkor Wat of Cambodia during Nov to Apr

November to April is the recommended time to visit Angkor Wat. Cambodia is in the dry season at this time, with sunny days, clear weather, less rain, lower humidity, and temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. Such dry weather makes walking around Angkor Wat easier. But the dry season is also the peak tourist season and can be very busy with tourists, especially during the holiday season in December and January.

May to October is Cambodia's rainy season, with sudden rainstorms in the afternoon that may flood some roads, making the roads to visit Angkor Wat muddy or difficult to pass. However, due to the weather that the number of tourists at this time will be relatively small, and hotel prices will be lower.

Beautiful Angkor Wat sunrise in the reflecting pool.

There are 2 Types of Entrance Tickets: Choose Wisely

There are two types of tickets for Angkor Wat. The first is a one-day pass, which costs $37 and lets you in and out as you wish on the same day. In fact, Angkor Wat and a few other temples around it can be comfortably visited in one day by short-term tourists.

The second is a multi-day ticket available for three or seven days. The three-day pass costs $62, and you can enter three times in ten days, which is enough for exploring all the attractions in Angkor Wat. For photographers or slow travelers, the seven-day pass can be an ideal option, which allows seven visits in one month for $72.

You can buy tickets at the official counter located near the main entrance (open from 5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) or online on the official website. Also, you’ll need a recent passport photo, and your face will be printed on the ticket. If the ticket is lost, you have to buy a new one.

Note: Children under 12 years old can enter for free by showing their passports.

Official ticket counter located near the main entrance of Angkor Wat.

There are 3 Best Ways to Visit the Angkor Wat: by tuk-tuk, bicycle or private vehicle

The three best ways to visit Angkor Wat are by tuk-tuk, bicycle or private vehicle, each with its own advantages, and you can choose the one that suits your budget and style.

Tuk-tuk

A classic local choice, the tuk-tuk in Cambodia is a three-wheeled vehicle with a driver, and costs about $15-25 per day. Drivers wait at each temple and are familiar with the most convenient routes and best photo spots. In addition, the tuk-tuk provides cool breeze and canopy to provide shade.

Bicycle

Bicycles are eco-friendly and allow you to explore at your own pace. Renting a bicycle costs $2-5 per day. The roads inside Angkor Wat are flat and well-paved, making it easy to ride from one temple to another, stopping at places of interest. It's best to set off early to avoid hot periods, and remember to lock your bicycle.

Private vehicle

Private vehicles are suitable for families to Cambodia, elderly travelers and large groups. They are usually air-conditioned and cost between $35 and $80 per day, with drivers who know all places, so that you can travel in comfort and with the flexibility to see as you wish.

It is very convenient to take a tuk-tuk to get around Angkor Wat..

Dress Appropriately When Visiting Angkor Wat

Before entering, many visitors may not know that there is a clear dress code in Angkor Wat, which is not only to respect local Cambodian customs, but also mandatory.

The dress code for Angkor Wat is essentially no revealing clothing; you should wear tops that cover shoulders, and skirts or pants that are knee-length or longer. The patterns of clothes should not be too complicated, try to avoid too bright or exaggerated clothing and too many accessories.

It's a good choice to stay comfortable in hot weather by wearing clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials are breathable and keep the skin cool. If your clothing does not already cover shoulders, scarves or shawls are a relatively simple and effective way to dress appropriately, cover up against the sun and can easily be put on and off as needed.

Angkor Wat attractions are relatively scattered and require a lot of walking, and some places involve climbing stairs or walking through rocky paths. So the ideal footwear is closed walking shoes or sneakers. Meanwhile, a sun hat can help to block the sun and keep you cool while visiting, and sunglasses can also help protect your eyes, especially when passing through outdoor attractions.

If you don't have clothes covering shoulders, you can use a scarf.

Highly Recommended Angkor Wat Tour Routes

For first-time visitors, planning a an Angkor Wat tour can be difficult, so here are two highly recommended Angkor Wat tour routes for your reference. You can choose the most suitable option according to your preferences.

The Small Circuit (1 day)

If you only have one day to explore Angkor Wat, you can choose to visit the small circuit within a limited time. You will start with the sunrise over Angkor Wat, then go to Angkor City, visit the smiling statues of Bayon, and finally reach Ta Prohm, the prototype of the movie "Tomb Raider".

The Grand Circuit (3 days)

If you have more time, you may wish to extend the trip to three days and add some attractions to fully appreciate the charm of Angkor Wat.

On the second day, visit more temples, such as the most famous maze of corridors in Preah Khan, Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup, and East Mebon. You can also climb Phnom Bakheng and enjoy the sunset over Angkor Wat on the way down.

On day three, follow the outer circuit of Angkor Wat, visiting the pink sandstone and most elaborate carvings of Banteay Srei, the remote sites of Phnom Kulen and Beng Mealea.

Overlooking the main temple of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.

More Insider Tips for Visiting the Angkor Wat

The following practical tips can help you visit Angkor Wat with ease and confidence:

Respect the monks

Female tourists are not allowed to touch monks after entering Angkor Wat, let alone take photos with them. If you need to hand something to a monk, please put it on the ground for him to pick up.

Follow the rules

After entering Angkor Wat, you are not allowed to touch the murals and carvings inside with your hands, climb the monuments, or smoke here.

Replenish water

There are vendors selling water in Angkor Wat, but the price is relatively high. You can bring a reusable bottle and replenish water at the stall.

Guide service

Local guides will explain the history of each attraction and point out hidden details. We at Indochinatour provide reliable local travel services for Cambodia trips, focusing on providing private car travel that suits your budget and interests at the best local prices.

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Conclusion

Angkor Wat is worth visiting for anyone interested in ancient Khmer civilization. Now you’ve got the ultimate guide on how to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, from the ideal visiting time to recommended routes, mesmerizing sunrise views, and engaging activities.

With proper planning and respect for the local culture, a trip to Angkor Wat will create lasting memories. Get your camera ready, and prepare for an amazing Cambodia tour now!