Angkor Temples: reviews, price and practical tips

+28
recs
4.6/5 10 reviews
Parc archéologique d'Angkor, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Parc archéologique d'Angkor, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Guided tours from $14*
Booking recommended
Book now
Temple d'Angkor
allée vers le temple
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Visiting Angkor Temples

Located near the city of Siem Reap, about 320 km northwest of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, Angkor Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draw more than 2 million visitors each year. As the country's main tourist attraction and primary symbol, the archaeological site dates back to the 9th century when it served as the capital of the massive Khmer Empire, which stretched into Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Discovered less than 150 years ago, these sublime ruins scattered across 400 km2 of forests, rice paddies, and villages have yielded valuable insights into how the temples and sanctuaries operated, along with their sophisticated irrigation and agricultural systems.

Because the complex is massive, do not expect to see everything on foot. Rent an electric bike on-site, or hire a motorcycle taxi or a tuk-tuk for the day.

Must-see temples

  • The most popular route includes visits to the most majestic temples: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon.
  • To the east, you can admire Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, and Ta Keo.
  • Also worth checking out: Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, and the Roluos temples.

To avoid heavy crowds, do the tour bus route in reverse. Early risers can explore the grounds at dawn, starting at 5:00 AM. The light then, much like at dusk, is sublime. Between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM is a good alternative, although it can get very hot. Otherwise, start with the Bayon or Sra Srang, where the reflection on the water is gorgeous. At Angkor Wat, skip the 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM slot: facing west, it is best visited in the late afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. While Phnom Bakheng remains the busiest spot at sunset around 4:30 PM, Pre Rup makes a solid alternative, offering a great panoramic view over the surrounding countryside.

Guided tours from $14*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

Monday 05:00-18:00
Tuesday 05:00-18:00
Wednesday 05:00-18:00
Thursday 05:00-18:00
Friday 05:00-18:00
Saturday 05:00-18:00
Sunday 05:00-18:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of the Angkor Temples

Summary of 10 reviews
4.6/5
Average rating
+28 recs +28 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.9
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.6

Avygeo ranking

#62
in the world
#3
in Asia
#1
in Cambodia
#1
in Siem Reap

Angkor, a city swallowed by the jungle

Angkor is much more than the famous Angkor Wat temple. It is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
A collection of temples tucked away in the heart of the jungle, steeped in history and with a totally unique atmosphere.

Angkor Wat at sunrise is a classic, but Ta Prohm (with the tree roots) and the Bayon (the giant faces) are just as striking. Siem Reap, right nearby, is a great base for combining sightseeing with local life, thanks to its markets and Khmer food.

50
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Impressive

I visited the Angkor temples during a group walking tour. It is a truly unique experience. There are a multitude of temples to discover, some in better condition than others, but all have a special charm. Among the most famous is the one where the Lara Croft movie was filmed, which naturally draws a lot of curious people.
The site is absolutely exceptional, and you feel like you are traveling back in time. If you like old stones and history, you can spend several days there without getting bored.
Given the size of the site, I think the ideal approach is to plan on getting around by bike or tuk-tuk so you can see more without wearing yourself out.

44
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Sublime and grandiose

The structures are sublime and impressive, both in their scale and the finesse of the details. Some parts are in poor condition, partially absorbed by the forest, but that is part of the charm. A must-see if you are visiting Cambodia!

37
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Two days are enough for Angkor

Contrary to what I had been advised, I visited the Angkor temples by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap. I think it is a good option when it is terribly hot, rather than biking or walking. Affordable organized tours are available early in the morning to see the sunrise and late in the afternoon to see the sunset. Two days are enough to visit the essentials of the main monuments on the site, including the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, the well-known temple with the roots from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

21
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Beautiful architecture that could use better maintenance

Immense site where you can see glimpses of magnificent architecture. It is a shame that it is so poorly maintained, with vegetation or grime (?) covering the stone just about everywhere.

20
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Must see, go quick

Plenty of temples in varying states of preservation that you should see soon, because it is not certain that all of them will be saved.

7
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See it while you still can

A must-see part of Cambodian heritage, which, if I understood correctly, is threatened by wear and tear. Definitely worth seeing while the monument remains relatively well preserved.

6
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A bit staged but still impressive

If you can get past the crowds, the fact that you aren't really free to explore, with a flow of traffic and a tempo that is "strongly" recommended, the fake monks, or the guides who are just after your money, if you can get past all that, then you have to admit that these temples in the middle of the forest are grand and impressive.

It is a shame that there are quite a few damaged statues. The place must have been incredible at its peak.

7
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So much to see

Actually, there is not just one, but several temples and structures to see.
You can easily spend a full day there. You will have plenty to do. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for walking, and find a guide who will explain a lot about the traditions and history of the country.

9
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A dream come true

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to see the Angkor temples in person, which I had discovered in a magazine. In 2009, I was finally able to make that dream come true, and I was not disappointed (okay, maybe a tiny bit because the main temple was under renovation). It was magnificent! Each temple on the site has something special, whether it is the faces carved into the stone or the trees growing through the rocks. You just need to find a good tuk tuk driver, and he will know how to help you get the most out of your visit (at least 2 days!) by driving you from temple to temple. It is definitely a bit expensive compared to other attractions in the country, but I would have paid double if I had to! It was absolutely beautiful.

6
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