Angkor Temples: reviews, price and practical tips

+27
recos
4.6/5 9 reviews
Parc archéologique d'Angkor, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Parc archéologique d'Angkor, 17252 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Guided tours from $13*
Booking recommended
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Temple d'Angkor
allée vers le temple
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Visiting the Angkor Temples

Located just outside Siem Reap and about 200 miles northwest of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Temples draw over 2 million visitors annually. As the country's primary landmark, this archaeological site dates back to the 9th century when it served as the capital of the Khmer Empire, a power that once spanned parts of modern-day Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Rediscovered less than 150 years ago, these ruins scattered across 155 square miles of forest, rice paddies, and villages provide insight into ancient temple architecture and sophisticated irrigation and agricultural systems.

The complex is massive, so do not expect to cover it on foot. Rent an electric bike, or hire a moto-taxi or tuk-tuk for the day.

Essential temples to see

  • The most popular route covers the most iconic structures: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon.
  • To the east, you will find Preah Khan, Ta Prohm, and Ta Keo.
  • Other notable sites include Banteay Srei, Koh Ker, and the Roluos temples.

To avoid peak crowds, consider running your route in reverse of the tour buses. Early risers can access the site starting at 5:00 AM. The light at dawn, much like at dusk, is exceptional. Visiting between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM is a solid alternative, though temperatures can be intense. Alternatively, start at the Bayon or Sra Srang, where the reflection on the water is striking. At Angkor Wat, skip the 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM window. Since it faces west, it is best viewed in the late afternoon, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. While Phnom Bakheng is the standard spot for sunset around 4:30 PM, Pre Rup is a quieter alternative that offers a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside.

Guided tours from $13*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Angkor Temples

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Summary of 9 reviews
4.6/5
Average rating
+27
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.9
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.6

Avygeo ranking

#70
in the world
#3
in Asia
#1
in Cambodia
#1
in Siem Reap

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.

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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!

4
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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