Overview
The Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses a few hundred square miles of jungle and temples in Northern Cambodia. However, there are no accommodations within the park, the main tourist hub is Siem Reap, where the local airport is located. While many people use the name “Angkor Wat” to refer to ALL of the temples in Northern Cambodia, it is actually only one of the temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Granted, it is the largest, most famous, and most visited temple, but it still is only one of many temples in this vast jungle complex
The whole complex consists of more than 100 monuments which spread over an area of more than 400 square kilometers.
Angkor is the most famous, largest ancient temple and one of the seven wonders of the world. They were built between 7th and 13th century by Khmer kings when the Khmer civilization was at its height of its extraordinary creativity. It’s magnificent architecture as the evidence of the Khmer’s strong belief in religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. King Jayavarman Vll is one of the powerful Khmer kings in that period.
In order to truly understand the real Cambodia, one must visit one of the great archaeological sites in the world; the spiritual heart and identity of the Khmer people: the Angkor complex. Angkor is without doubt one of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces left standing in the world today. Without witnessing them at first hand it is impossible to gauge the enormity of the task faced by the builders of the time and the fact they are so complete after all this time is further testament to the advanced construction techniques employed more than a millennium ago. Everything is built on a massive scale and one can only imagine the awe felt by ancient visitors as the civilization was at its peak. It is estimated that over one million people lived there making it the largest metropolis in its time. Witness the two hand dug reservoirs that served the civilization’s rice growing agriculture: The Eastern Baray measures 7 km by 1.8 km and the Western Baray a staggering 8 km by 2.3 km.
The most visited temples in Angkor area are Angkor wat (World Heritage), Angkor Thom- Bayon, Bapoun, Phimeanakas, Takeo, Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Pre Rup, East Mebon, Prasat Kravan, Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, Banteay Srei, Rolous Group.
The whole Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Cambodian government has put in a lot of work to preserve and protect this cash cow. They are very serious about purchasing tickets. Every time you drive onto the Angkor Archaeological Park, you must stop by the main entrance facility for guards to check your ticket, and there are additional guards posted outside every temple who check tickets as well. Inside, there are plenty of licenced tour guides willing to take you around the larger temples such as Angkor Wat itself. Their depth of knowledge is superb and with tours lasting a couple of hours, they are well worth it, just look for the official ID around their neck.
How to Get to the Angkor Wat Complex
Angkor Wat is situated in the North Western area of Cambodia in Siem Reap City. The easiest and quickest route there is by air landing at the Siem Reap International Airport. The airport is located 7 kilometres from the city centre and is serviced by over twenty different airlines. Some of these airlines include Air Asia, Asiana Air, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar Asia Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Khmer Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Lao Aviation, Siem Reap Airways, Silk air, Dragon Air, Bangkok Air, Angkor Airways and China Yunnan Airlines.
Besides direct flights into Siem Reap, travellers can be redirected from Cambodia’s Capital City Airport, The Phnom Penh International Airport. This is a short forty five minute flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. In comparison the bus trip over the sealed highway or the boat trip up the Tonie Sap Lake would take five to six hours.
For the more adventurous, there is an overland route from Bangkok, Thailand via the border at PoiPet. Travellers face a nine to ten hour bus trip to their Angkor destination albeit at a far cheaper price. Once in Siem Reap the treasures of the Angkor temples await them.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
Seasons
The best time to visit the Angkor Wat Archaeological Park is in the dry season between the months of November and March. December and January are the coolest and most comfortable months to wander around the many temples. March and April can be oppressively hot, visitors during these months should either get to the park early for sunrise or arrive after the hottest part of the day has passed (something many people do anyway). From May to October is the rainy season in Cambodia, and while visitors are welcome to visit Angkor during this time, photo opportunities, electronics, and even your day, may be ruined by torrential rainfall.
The Best Time of Day to Visit Angkor Archaeological Park
If you’re an avid photographer and planning on getting some good quality photos of the temples, the best time to visit is early in the morning or just before sunset. While there are nearly always people wandering around the busier temples, visiting at these times also ensures lighter crowds.
The most visited temples to catch the sunrise/sunset are Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan. Most guides recommend catching the sunrise at each location, and a sunset at Angkor Wat. The colors are truly remarkable at each of these locations and waking up early or staying late will ensure light crowds, especially at Angkor Thom which is often deserted before 8am because everyone is catching the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Angkor Archaeological Park Temples
Angkor Wat
The most popular temple at the Angkor Archaeological Park and certainly the most majestic, Angkor Wat is the highlight of any trip to the Angkor Archaeological Park. It is recommended to see both a sunrise…
Ta Prohm Temple
Unlike other temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm is surrounded by jungle. It is one of the largest and most attractive temples in Angkor, was built by King Jayavarman Vll from the mid of 12th to…