Discover some of the different ways to explore Angkor Wat, including tours, cycling, balloon rides and more.

Exploring Angkor Wat takes visitors on a trip back in time to discover the religious history and architecture of Cambodia. This Hindu-Buddhist temple occupies 162.6 hectares and features numerous stunning statues and bas-reliefs. The Guinness World Records has named it the largest religious structure in the world.

There is a lot to see at Angkor Wat. What is the best way to go about doing it? Below, we go over some exciting ways to fully soak in the grandeur of Angkor Wat, whether on foot, on wheels, or in the sky.

Mind-blowing Facts About Angkor Wat

Around half of all tourists who venture to Cambodia spend time at Angkor Wat. What are the remarkable facts about this stunning destination that everyone wants to explore in Southeast Asia?

• The site of Angkor Wat is more than 400 square kilometres. You can see a lot inside a few hours, but you would need DAYS to see it all.
• The temple’s layout was designed to be a symbolic map of the home of the Hindu gods, known as Mount Meru. The towers represent the five peaks of that mountain. The design takes astronomy into account as well. For example, on the morning of the spring equinox, the sun rises in alignment with the central tower.
• Angkor Wat features a westward orientation as well as counterclockwise bas reliefs. These are uncommon features in Hindu temple design, adding to the site’s uniqueness.
• Historians believe it took about 30 years to construct Angkor Wat. Somewhere between 5-10 million blocks of sandstone were required to construct the temple, each weighing 1.5 tons. As the quarry was at Mount Kulen, workers had to transport these millions of heavy blocks 25 miles to the building site. It is estimated that around 300,000 human laborers worked on the temple, together with 6,000 elephants.
• Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu site, but was converted into a Buddhist temple by King Jayavarman VIII at the urging of his devout Buddhist wife Indradevi.

The Best Ways to Explore Angkor Wat

1. Classic Sunrise Tour

One of the best times of day to visit Angkor Wat is early in the morning. As the sun rises, it paints the sandstone blocks of the temple with warm, soft hues for a breathtaking effect. The colors in the sky also reflect beautifully in the water. The temple is less crowded earlier in the day, making for a tranquil, meditative atmosphere.   

After you watch the sunrise, you will have the rest of the day to explore Angkor Wat. Since you’ll have gotten an early start, you should also have time to explore nearby sites like Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and the Terrace of Elephants. 

2. Bicycle Adventures

While walking is one of the most popular ways to explore Angkor Wat, you might not want to spend all that time on your feet. A simple alternative that leaves you free to explore the temple at your own pace and see more than you likely could on foot is to ride a bicycle.

Only 7 kilometers separate the Siem Reap city center and Angkor Wat. That means it is a pretty short and easy ride to reach the temple. Tourists have two different options:

• Participate in a bicycle tour
• Rent a bicycle and head to Angkor Wat on your own

Even before you arrive at Angkor Wat, you’ll get to see more of Siem Reap. After exiting the city, you’ll find yourself on shady forest paths. Want to skip riding through the city? If you book a tour, you may have the option of a drop-off/pick-up service.

Once you reach the temple, you can cycle around the park itself. Use the bike lanes on the roads, or ride along the forest paths. As the ground is level through most of the park, you won’t have to burn a lot of energy. There are plenty of spots where you are allowed to park your bicycle when you want to get off and walk around on foot. 

Here are a couple of exciting routes to cycle on when you are visiting Angkor Wat:

• Small Circuit: Those who want to take a more conservative bicycle ride should do the 17km Small Circuit. You’ll start out at Angkor Wat, then make your way to Angkor Thom. This route will also take you to Ta Keo and Ta Prohm. Finally, you’ll cycle up a hill to Phnom Bakheng, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the park. 
• Grand Circuit: Tourists who are up for a longer ride can embark on the Angkor Complex “Long Tour.” Departing in the morning, the tour begins at Banteay Kdei, then ventures to Ta Prohm, followed by Preah Khan and Neak Poan, surrounded by dense foliage on small, secluded trails. After finishing the temple tour at East Mebon and Pre Rup, the tour returns through the rice fields. Cyclists get to watch the sun set at Srah Srang after concluding the tour. 

2. Tuk-Tuk Exploration

Another option for visitors to Angkor Wat who want to take some time off their feet while seeing more of the park is a tuk-tuk tour. While riding a bicycle is fun, it requires concentration and exertion. Riding in a traditional tuk-tuk, on the other hand, lets you completely relax and immerse yourself in the splendor of your surroundings. 

As you soak in the views of the majestic temples and verdant foliage, your guide will tell you all about the history, architecture, flora and fauna. Like bicycle rentals, tuk-tuk tours of Angkor Wat are affordable. Your guide can time the tour in a way that helps you to steer clear of crowds. This seclusion is perfect for taking unobstructed photos and for losing yourself in the echoes of the past emanating from the ancient site.

3. Balloon or Helicopter Ride

For a whole different perspective on Angkor Wat, consider booking a balloon or helicopter tour. A helicopter tour is a great way to get out of the heat while beholding the magnificence of Angkor Wat from above. Marvel at the towers and get a clear view of the layout while your guide shares fascinating facts about the temple and answers your questions over the headset. 

For a different way to experience Angkor Wat from above, embark on a balloon ride. Visitors can savor the breeze and a dramatic open-air view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding landscape. Balloons are also much quieter than helicopters. There is only the sound of the breeze, treetops rustling, and other peaceful natural ambiance. A hot air balloon can bring you quite close to the temple, allowing you to appreciate the details of the carvings on the towers in a way that is not fully possible from the ground.

4. Photography Walks

Do you love trying to frame the perfect shot with your camera? Consider signing up for a photography walk at Angkor Wat. Tours are available at all skill levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. During the tour, a professional photographer will take you on an expedition to find the most photogenic spots in Angkor Wat. You’ll receive guidance on how to shoot sweeping views of the temple, macro shots capturing the fine details and textures of statues and carvings, and everything in between.

While you could photograph Angkor Wat on your own, seasoned guides bring special advantages. They know what times of day the crowds are thinnest, and how and when to find the most beautiful lighting conditions. Your tour can help you make the best of your limited time at the park, capturing it at its finest.

Tips for an Enjoyable and Successful Excursion to Angkor Wat

Whatever way to explore Angkor Wat you choose, the following tips will ensure that you have an incredible time.

• Dress conservatively. Because Angkor Wat is a holy site, it deserves your honor and respect. To abide by the local cultural and religious traditions, wear conservative clothes. That means shorts and skirts need to be knee-length or longer, and your shoulders need to be covered. 
• Dress for the heat. This can be a little challenging due to the religious dress restrictions. But there are some workarounds. Wear light colors and breathable fabrics. A breezy skirt or dress is a good option for keeping your legs cool. Wear short sleeves (not sleeveless garments), or use a light shawl to cover your shoulders.
• Protect yourself from the sun. You’ll be under shade a lot of the time while exploring Angkor Wat, but you can still get burned. Wear sunscreen, and consider carrying a hat or umbrella.
• Be aware of the temple schedules. Angkor Wat, Srah Srang, Phnom Bakheng, and Pre Rup all open at sunrise, but the other sites in the park do not open until 7:30am. If you show up for sunrise, plan your route so that you won’t end up with wasted time. Visit the temples that are open at the start of the day, rather than later in the day.
• Use insect repellent. The bugs can be pretty intense at Angkor Wat. 
• Have your camera at the ready to snap photos of monkeys. But do not attempt to touch them. They can bite you (plus, you should leave them alone for their own wellbeing). If you have food with you, they might try to take it, so don’t set it down somewhere and turn your back on it if monkeys are nearby. 
• It should go without saying, but make sure that you are well-hydrated and have snacks. 
• Buy your tickets early. If you wait until the day of the tour, there is a good chance they’ll be sold out by the time you get around to trying to place your reservations.