Planning a trip to Angkor Wat and not sure where to start? Don’t worry! We’re about to break down all the Angkor Wat information you need. This guide will go over the Angkor Wat dress code and different routes, plus the Angkor Wat tickets and entrance fee. Here’s what to know before your trip this historic temple complex!
General Angkor Wat Information
Park Hours
7.30am – 5.30pm, but there are exceptions:
- Angkor Wat and Srah Srang are open from 5am – 5.30pm for sunrise.
- Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup are open from 5am – 7pm for sunrise and sunset.
Angkor Wat Dress Code
Men: Shorts and T-Shirt are fine.
Women: Long dress or pants and shoulders covered. The Angkor Wat dress code kind of goes without saying, but don’t be mistaken. A ticket checker will tell you to cover up at some places or you’re not allowed in. You need to have your shoulders covered with a t-shirt or dress sleeves instead of a shawl.
Small Circuit vs. Large Circuit
The Angkor temples are broken into two loops, a small circuit and large circuit. The small circuit will take around 6-9 hours to complete in full, while the large is a full day.
The owner of our homestay put it best: If you only have one day, take your time and visit the small circuit because that has the most “special temples.” If you’re still yearning for more after completing the small circuit, then move onto the larger one.
→ 18 Amazing Angkor Wat Facts That You Won’t Believe Are Real
Angkor Wat Small Circuit
After paying your Angkor Wat entrance fee, the small circuit will take you to 5-10 different temples. These range from the famous Angkor Wat to the lesser known Te Keo. The loop in total can take anywhere from 6-9 hours with visiting all the temples and lunch.
Angkor Wat Large Circuit
You will visit some lesser known temples along with the more famous ones. This drive is much longer, and you should plan for a full day (or two) to see everything. If you want to do the large circuit you should consider a three day pass when getting your Angkor Wat tickets which we talk about below!
Angkor Wat Tickets
Hopefully now you have an understanding of what you want to see during your visit to the Angkor Archaeological Park! So now where do you get your Angkor Wat tickets? If you plan to go with a tour or private tuk tuk taxi you can simply tell them you don’t have your tickets yet.
If you’re going by motorbike or without a driver, it’s important to know that you are not able pay the Angkor Wat entrance fee directly at the park. For this reason, make sure to stop by the official Angkor Wat ticket office first. You can also buy them online on the website if you prefer.
1 Day Pass: $37 USD – Good for one whole day at the temples from 6am-5pm.
3 Day Pass: $62 USD – Good for 3 days of visiting the temples within 10 days.
7 Day Pass: $72 USD – Good for 7 days of visiting the temples within one month.
When to Buy: You can buy your ticket in the morning on the way to the temples, or the night before. Ff you buy it the night before you must purchase after 5pm. Any tickets before 5pm will be considered for that day.
Angkor Wat Entrance Fee Payment: Cash and major credit cards are accepted. There are also ATM’s on site.
Angkor Wat Ticket Tip: There are over 20 ticket counters at the main office. If you get your tickets in the morning like we did, the wait can be well over half an hour. Most people walk in and queue in line at the first counter. We ended up walking down to the far end away from the crowd and got our tickets immediately!
Angkor Wat Ticket Office Address: Corner of Apsara Road and Road 60
Angkor Wat Guides & Transportation
By now you have a route planned, are informed on the Angkor Wat dress code, and know where and how to get your tickets… So what’s next?
It’s time to figure out the best way to get around this massive park. We decided to hire a tuk tuk driver for the day, but really there are 4 choices that you have. Let’s break them down!
Tuk Tuk: Cost: $20-25 USD
The tuk tuk in our opinion is the best way to get around. You will negotiate the rate and what to include beforehand. Such as sunrise, small or large circuit, and sunset.
The good thing about the tuk tuk driver is they also act as your Angkor Wat guide. If you decide this please try to book from your hotel.
There are dozens of horror stories about tourists being charged more once they got to the temples, or even abandoned by their drivers. Booking a driver directly through your hotel is just a small step you can take to ensure a great day.
Bicycle/Electric Bike: Cost: $3-12 USD
Depending on if you get a normal or electric bike, this is one of the cheapest ways to see Angkor Wat. We always prefer bicycles as a fun form of travel in Asia, but we just couldn’t do it.
The sun is so uncontrollably hot in the afternoon that we opted for the small amount of shade that the tuk tuk provides. Make sure to plan for the heat if you decide to rent a bike!
Tour Bus: Cost: $12-15
Large and small tours are huge throughout Angkor. You can buy tickets from almost any hotel or information center, and they include transport, a tour guide, and water.
The price is right for what you get, but we didn’t want to be locked into a group or with an Angkor Wat guide during our visit.
Moped: Cost: $15-20
There is a great moped debate in Siem Reap. Essentially, tourists are not able to rent them because of the countless motorbike accidents that have happened.
The strange thing is that you will still see them for rent! Our understanding from talking to a shop owner was that you just can’t take them to see the temples.
Yet if you do then you can try to go into one of the small checkpoints and not the main gate… Confusing right?
He also slid in the fact that if something happens (such as a crash) you’re on your own. We think it’s best to stay safe here, and leave the mopeds for the islands.
Tour Guide or Self-Guided
It comes as no surprise that there is an overwhelming amount of Angkor Wat information you’ll be taking in on your visit. That is why many people choose to hire a guide to join them on their day of exploring the temples. If you decide to hire an Angkor Wat guide, as always do it through your hotel.
Also, it’s important to make sure to lock the rate in before you leave. Guides should cost $20-30 USD per day depending on what circuit you choose. If you do hire a guide, you will also have to hire a tuk tuk to get your group around.
Plan for $50-60 for a full day guided tour with transportation included. Also, be sure to follow the Angkor Wat dress code which we will go into next. Remember, this does not include the cost of your Angkor Wat entrance fee.
→ If you are looking for a tour of Angkor Wat make sure to check GetYourGuide! You can find everything from sunrise to private guides and exploring the temples by bicycle.
More Helpful Angkor Wat Information
Climbing Steps: Some of the temples have over 100 very steep steps. Make sure to use with caution when visiting.
Finding Food: There are food stands throughout the park. We also recommend packing some snacks and extra water!
Bathrooms: There are a handful of toilets around the park, but not inside the temple complexes. Ask your driver and be prepared, and know that it might take a few minutes to get there.
Angkor Wat Tickets: To enter the area and each individual temple you will have to show your ticket. Make sure to have it on you at all times, and don’t leave it behind in the tuk tuk!
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Luxury – Park Hyatt Siem Reap – Ultra luxury in the heart of Siem Reap. We’ve recommended a lot of Park Hyatt’s over the years as they’re one of the nicest hotel chains in Asia.
Fun – Chateau d’Angkor La Residence – Stay near all the action, but still have the ability to escape the craziness of Siem Reap and Pub street. Upscale hotel with traditional amenities and a beautiful pool to cool down.
Budget – Chamraoen’s Home – Quick walk to the Siem Reap Night Market, and amazing local food in the area. Great wifi, clean rooms, and owned by a very helpful family. They can easily set up a tuk tuk driver for Angkor Wat!
Hostel – Mad Monkey Hostel Siem Reap – There’s plenty of hostels in Siem Reap as it’s a huge backpacker haven. Mad Monkey is a popular chain in SEA with travelers who like to socialize. You can pick form dorm as well as twin beds and there is a large pool.
→ 12 Top Tips & Things to Do in Siem Reap Before the Temples
Ready to Visit Angkor Wat Cambodia?
We know this has been a whirlwind of Angkor Wat information! It was important for us to put everything that we learned into one helpful post. Have any questions about the Angkor Wat dress code or want to share your own experiences at this special place in Cambodia? We would love to hear about it in the comments.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Cambodia Travel Planning
Cambodia: Make sure to check out all our Cambodia articles including our popular 2 to 3 Week Cambodia Itinerary! We cover everything from Koh Rong & Koh Rong Samloem to the Kep Crab Market and Kampot boat tour!
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Thailand to Siem Reap Cambodia for under $50 USD!
Transportation: 12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and private transfers while traveling through Southeast Asia.
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Cambodia. You can book everything from an Angkor Wat small group sunrise tour to visiting the Kompong Phluk floating village, and even take a Cambodian pottery class!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
