Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of Cambodia’s biggest attractions, surrounded by a lush jungle. If you only have a short time in Cambodia then a visit here is a must. Built during the Khmer empire around the 12th century, Angkor Wat is estimated to have taken 30 years to build. The sheer size and intricate architecture is breathtaking and a trip here will be sure not to disappoint.
Catching the Sunrise
Is Angkor Wat worth the 4am wake up call? Ermmmm… absolutely YES! You want to be on time for this one to get a good spot amongst the photographers. Watching the sun slowly rise behind the temple results in a beautiful silhouette that’s mirrored in the pond below. A photographers dream!
The temple gradually begins to glow a golden, illuminate orange as the sun rises higher in the sky. Walking around the huge complex I can appreciate the incredible detail of the carvings on every single wall and pillar. It feels like as step back in time and amazing to think this was built so many years ago. Photography spots are at every opportunity. Tip: At 5am it’s already heating up so be prepared with water and snacks.
Time and cost to visit Angkor Wat?
It can take the whole day or longer to explore everything in Angkor Wat but 3 hours is a good if you’re on a short time frame. I did Angkor Wat for sunrise then headed back out in the afternoon to visit the surrounding temples. You can hire a tuk tuk for the day (around $30). Ticket prices (as of 2018) in USD are $37 for a 1 day pass, $62 for 3 day pass and $72 for a week pass. I did the 1 day pass but would have loved more time to explore more temples as there are so many, so maybe the 3 day would be preferable.
Best time to go to Angkor Wat?
I went during July which is wet season but still had great weather in the morning and there were probably fewer crowds. The rains tend to come in the afternoon so it’s still possible for a great sunrise during monsoon season. The best time weather wise is late November to March (December & January busiest months). April and May will be very hot and humid. I would recommend the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds but still with the possibility of good weather.
For anyone visiting Cambodia, whatever time of the year, Angkor Wat, although crowded, is an absolute must. There is a reason why Angkor Wat is so popular, simply put- it’s just stunning. You don’t need to be a history buff or even particularly cultural to enjoy this beautiful monument. If there is one thing to do in Cambodia then this is up there. A really great insight into ancient Cambodia culture with stunning photo opportunities to match. For pictures of more beautiful sunsets check outย Sunrise or Sunset? The Best I’ve Seen.
