Angkor Wat
អង្គរវត្ត Angkor Wat · Siem Reap, Cambodia
The cosmic centre of the Khmer Empire: sunrise over the world's largest religious monument
Know before you go
- The central sanctuary of Angkor Wat has daily visitor limits, and anyone not dressed appropriately is refused entry
- don't carve anything or take stones
- don't give children sweets or cash (it encourages begging) — donate to reputable NGOs instead.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Suryavarman II's temple
Angkor Wat was built under the 12th-century Khmer king Suryavarman II (r. 1113–1150); it is the largest Hindu temple in the world and the largest building in the Angkor capital.
Source: Wikipedia: Suryavarman II
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Built in the 12th century by Suryavarman II for Vishnu, its five lotus towers embody Mount Meru; over 400 years the Angkor kings built 600 temples, and the 'Khmer smile' of the Bayon and the ancient trees entwining Ta Prohm are poems of time. At 5 a.m., Angkor Wat is reflected in the sacred pool and the sun rises from behind its towers — a sunrise countless people see once in a lifetime.
Local customs
- Temple dress codes are strict (shoulders covered, knees covered — stricter still for Angkor Wat's third level)
- don't climb areas that aren't open
- carry your Angkor Pass, which is checked at every site.
Religion & beliefs
A Hindu monument that is now a sacred site of a Buddhist country, with monks still practising in the temples. Keep quiet, don't touch statues, don't take selfies with your back to Buddha images, and give alms appropriately.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Cambodia: drugs, including cannabis, are a serious crime
- Stay away from drugs of any kind
- Possessing or trafficking any drugs
Can lead to a long prison sentence, up to life imprisonment.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice
Cambodia: ask before photographing monks
- Ask before photographing people, especially monks
- Photographing monks and religious figures without permission
Respect local customs.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice
Cambodia: cover shoulders and knees at Angkor Wat and other religious sites
- Cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a skirt below the knee
- Wearing shorts or a skirt above the knee
You may be refused entry to Angkor Wat and other religious sites.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Cambodia travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- The central sanctuary of Angkor Wat has daily visitor limits, and anyone not dressed appropriately is refused entry
- don't carve anything or take stones
- don't give children sweets or cash (it encourages begging) — donate to reputable NGOs instead.
Locals appreciate DO
- Cambodians are gentle and resilient, and appreciate visitors who respect history and hire local guides (and tuk-tuk drivers)
- watching an Apsara dance and trying Khmer food are ways to support local people.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The cool season (November–February) is best (the most beautiful sunrises) |
|---|
Travel tips
- The cool season (November–February) is best (the most beautiful sunrises). Passes cost USD 37 for 1 day, USD 62 for 3 days and USD 72 for 7 days, from the ticket centre or official website
- claim a sunrise spot (left side of the pool) before 4:30
- a 3-day in-depth visit is recommended, with a tuk-tuk for about USD 15–20 a day.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Fish amok
- Khmer curry
- Beef lok lak
Fish amok (coconut curry fish steamed in banana leaf, Cambodia's national dish), Khmer curry, beef lok lak, spring rolls, palm-sugar desserts / coconut ice cream
| Where to eat | Restaurants around Siem Reap's Old Market (Psar Chas), restaurants on Pub Street, simple food stalls at rest areas within the Angkor park |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Cover shoulders and knees at the Angkor temples; eat only in designated rest areas within the park; don't feed the monkeys |
| Typical price per person | USD 6–12 ≈ CNY 43–85 (prices in Cambodia are often in US dollars) |
| Tips | Lunch back in Siem Reap town is better value than in the park; after sunrise, have breakfast first, then carry on; for amok, choose the version steamed in banana leaf. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
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Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Satdeep Gill · CC BY-SA 4.0
Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/siem-reap/angkor-wat-10785955
- Trip.com 2026 Angkor ticket information https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/attraction/siem-reap/angkor-wat-10785955
- Cambodia travel guide 2026
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