Everything to Know About Visiting Angkor Wat, Cambodia travel
- Ankitha
- Jul 5, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Part two of our Southeast Asian series: Svakom (Welcome) to Cambodia! 1. Why Visit Cambodia?
We haven’t explored much of Asia before, but Cambodia changed that. With careful timing (May), we managed to avoid overwhelming crowds and experience the magical temples of Angkor Wat in peace.
From heart-wrenching history in Phnom Penh to serene sunrises at Angkor Wat, this Cambodia travel experience was unlike any other.
2. Cambodia Travel Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Vietnam → Phnom Penh→ Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Day 2: Fly to Siem Reap → Sunset at Phnom Bakheng
Day 3: Sunrise at Angkor Wat → Ta Prohm Temple
Day 4: Bayon Temple + Phnom Bok Hike → Sunset → Chill at Templation Villa
3. Travel Essentials for Cambodia
✈️ Flights + Visa
We flew from Vietnam to Siem Reap via Phnom Penh.
Used the Cambodia e-Visa system – quick, approved in 48 hours.
COVID documents were still being checked, so double-check requirements before travel.
🧳 Solo Travel
Safe for solo travelers with basic caution. Use group tours or private transport for added comfort.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Ideal: October–November or May–June
Avoid peak heat and tourist crowds.
💬 Language
English is widely spoken in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh — better than we expected!
💰 Currency
Use Cambodian Riel (KHR) for local markets and tips.
USD is also widely accepted, especially in Siem Reap.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. Getting Around Cambodia
🚖 Siem Reap Transportation
Tuk-tuks are everywhere — affordable and easy.
Walk within the city or haggle for short rides.
No need to pre-book drivers unless you're temple-hopping.
5. Do You Need a Guide at Angkor Wat?
You can visit the temples solo if you’re comfortable navigating. For a richer experience, we booked a private guide via 👉 Journey Cambodia – great service, great prices!
6. Costs & Duration of Stay
Cambodia is budget-friendly!
Angkor Wat entry: $37 per person (valid for multiple temples).
Most visitors need 3 full days to explore Angkor's major temples.
7. Vegetarian/Vegan Food in Cambodia
Khmer cuisine isn’t super vegetarian-friendly, but we found veggie options at our resort and a few cafes in town.
Pro Tip: Ask locals or hotel staff — they often know where to find hidden gems for plant-based food.
8. Where We Stayed – Templation Siem Reap
We stayed at Templation Siem Reap — and it was a dream.
Highlights:
Eco-luxury villas with private pools
Stunning bamboo interiors and tranquil setting
On-site Khmer massage & restaurant
Only 10 minutes from Angkor Wat
9. Cambodia Travel Highlights
🏛️ Phnom Penh – Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
A moving visit to the S21 Prison, where we met survivor Mr. Bou Meng, one of only 7 to live through the horrors of Khmer Rouge rule.
Around mid day to we visited the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a tragic reminder of the genocide of the communist Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot in the 1970s. We sought to see and understand this senseless reign of terror and at the end there was the meeting with one of only 7 survivors of the genoice, Mr. Bou Meng. In his book, he talks about how he was miraculously spared because of his paintbrush. Even though he could not save his wife or children, he was determined to bear witness and stand in a courtroom to tell the world of the horrors that unfolded behind these prison cells. Around 2 million Cambodians were killed between 1975 and 1979 by the Khmer Rouge. In this high school converted to a prison, around 18,000 were tortured and killed. Only 7 survived and Mr. Bou Meng was one of them. A story of courage, survival and truth.
🌄 Sunset at Phnom Bakheng
An alternative to the busy Angkor Wat complex, Phnom Bakheng offers a scenic hilltop view over the temples.
There are many temples to catch the sunset in Angkor wat, including the main complex itself but we went here as it is was the closest for us after. It was such a gorgeous, albeit overcast, sky.
🌅 Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Absolutely magical! The sunrise experience was the highlight of our trip.
🌅 Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Absolutely magical! The sunrise experience was the highlight of our trip.
Tips for Sunrise:
Book tickets online the day before
Arrive by 5 a.m.
Use the reflection pool for iconic shots
Bring bug spray & water
As one of the largest religious monuments in the world, this is the one temple you need at least 4 hours to complete What I found fascinating was the architectural influence of the Chola and Pallavas in Angkor Wat.
With its huge pavilions, towering spires and larger-than-life sculptures, this temple has a plethora of similarities with the South Indian temples I visited with mom & dad as a kid.
Though the temple was built by the Khmer rulers between the 9th and 14th century, the unmistakable link between South India and Cambodia is evident in every pillar.
🌳 Ta Prohm – The Jungle Temple
Made famous by Tomb Raider, this temple is slowly being reclaimed by nature. Ancient stones wrapped in giant tree roots — simply breathtaking.
I am not big on architecture or history. This place won me over simply because it was a place that was losing it’s battle to nature. Once you start making your way through the maze of the temple complex, you will realize that the entire temple is being swallowed by the jungle. I believe this is how the world was meant to be. One with the natural world around in every way.
The gigantic monster twigs adds to the allure and mystery of this ancient temple. I also loved that we were the only ones there early in the morning.
Travel tip: try to make it there by 9 30 a.m.& you may just escape the tour buses!
🧘 Chill Time at Templation Villa
After intense temple hopping, we relaxed in our villa — Khmer massage, fresh food, and calm surroundings.
😊 Bayon Temple – The Smiling Faces
Known as the Face Temple, Bayon Temple has 216 smiling Buddha faces carved into 54 towers.
Known as the 'face temple' thanks to its iconic structures, huge heads glared down at us, exuding power and a hint of all-knowing kindness in the smile!
🏞️ Phnom Bok – Hidden Gem
Off the beaten track, this mountaintop temple is quiet, scenic, and worth the 600-step climb. Ideal for sunset and reflection.
This place is truly a hidden gem that sits on top of a hill that overlooks all of Siem Reap. There is a sense of mystery surrounding these ruins, that was once a flourishing temple.
A visit to Phnom Bok is the best way to experience the Khmer region in all its (former) glory. You will get a sense of what once was.
Travel Tip: save this for the end, go for the sunset on your last day in Angkor Wat. You won’t regret it!
10. Final Thoughts on Cambodia Travel
This trip proved that timing really is everything. Post-COVID, Cambodia is still seeing fewer tourists, and it’s the best time to visit.
We spent 4 days in Cambodia, covering all major temples without feeling rushed. It was the perfect mix of history, adventure, nature, and rest.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or a cultural explorer — Cambodia travel is sure to win your heart.
We thought four days was great and ample time to explore the temples. You will probably need three days for the temples, unless you plan to explore them all. We went with a plan and covered the most unique temples in the complex. Making sure each one was different in it's own way.
Whether it's the history, the architecture or just another place you want to tick off, the Angkor wat temples won't disappoint you. You can relax, soak up the culture and much more in just a few days.
Drop your comments and feedback on Instagram if you wish to get in touch.
Cheers,
Anki
Wayfarer Footprints has captured the imagination of explorers and dreamers across the globe. Our travel journey—filled with immersive adventures, honest insights, and practical tips—has resonated deeply with readers who seek meaning beyond the map. From solo travel stories to offbeat discoveries, we’re proud to have been recognized by both Indian and international media.
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