Angkor Park highlights in a day: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Phnom Bakheng

The spotlight of any journey to Siem Reap is visiting the well-known Angkor Wat temple complicated, this sprawling Hindu-Buddhist temple is a must-see on any Cambodia itinerary. Opposite to common perception, Angkor Wat isn’t only a single temple however a a sprawling temple complicated and regarded one of many largest spiritual constructions on the planet. I lastly bought to see it on my latest quick journey to Cambodia and it’s potential to see the Angkor Park highlights even with restricted time – right here’s how.

I visited Siem Reap in Cambodia on the invitation of Emirates after they launched their inaugural flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh in Might 2024.

In search of a information to carry you round Cambodia? My tour information Martine was a wonderful information, educated, pleasant and speaks English fairly effectively. Contact him on whatsapp +855 969 999 755 to make tour preparations and inform him I despatched you his approach!

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Northern Library Me Martine

Is 1 day sufficient for Angkor Park?

This largely will depend on how a lot you want temples. The 1-day go is what most individuals will take to see the highlights, however for those who plan to remain longer or need to take your time with the sights to keep away from the crowds (there are over 50 temples within the complicated), there are additionally a 3-day go and a 7-day go relying on how gungho you might be.

Tip: Purchase your ticket within the late afternoon about 5pm (the counters shut at 530pm). This manner you don’t should rush to purchase tickets the following morning for those who plan to catch the dawn, and you might be additionally allowed to make use of the ticket that night to catch any sundown spots.

My journey – 1 Day (and 1 free night): We headed to the ticket counters at 5pm on third Might (Fri) to purchase our 1-day ticket for 4th Might. That very same night on third Might, we had been allowed to entry the Angkor Park to see Phnom Bakheng for the sundown. The next day on 4th Might, we noticed Angkor Wat and Ta Promh, and would have seen Angkor Thom as effectively that afternoon however we had been exhausted previous measure from the warmth and opted to skip it.

Angkor Park in 1 day: You possibly can see all 4 spots in a single day for those who plan it effectively – Angkor Wat within the morning, Ta Promh and Angkor THom within the afternoon, after which Phnom Bakheng for sundown but it surely is likely to be fairly a rush and a really, very lengthy day for you.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat East Entrance — Leaving Angkor Wat at mid day – look how there have been completely no clouds in that sky!

The place to purchase Angkor Park tickets

in Siem Reap

The one authentic place in Siem Reap to purchase tickets to Angkor Archaeological Park is on the Angkor Park Cross Ticket Counters situated alongside Apsara Highway, subsequent to the Sokha Siem Reap Resort.

Siem Reap Angkor Park Ticket Counters — So many ticket counters

If you purchase your go, the counter workers will take a photograph of you and affix it to your go. Be sure to hold this go with you in every single place within the Angkor Park space as a result of they will and can test this go fairly stringently each alongside the roads in addition to the park entrances.

Angkor Pass Ticket 1-Day — What the bodily 1-day Angkor go appears like with particulars redacted – the dates are for the day we visited, my photograph on the correct was taken on the counter the day we bought the ticket

My 1-day go price US$37. There’s a 3-day go for US$62 (inside 10 day interval) and a 7-day go for US$72 (inside 30 day interval).

To stretch your go, purchase your ticket the day earlier than you utilize it, however after 5pm. You can be allowed to go to the sundown spots on that night (that shut at 7pm) AND nonetheless have full day entry to the park the next day.

Angkor Park Cross Ticket Counters [Google maps] Open 5am – 530pm.

On-line

You should buy your Angkor park and Koh Ker tickets on-line on the Angkor Enterprise Web site as effectively for those who want to get all the pieces finished beforehand. It’s fairly straightforward to arrange an account on make fee along with your bank card. You will have to have a latest photograph in jpg available to add as a part of the photograph ID.

The draw back is that I’m unsure you possibly can stretch your go with an extra night like I discussed above (let me know for those who’ve tried this!).

Map of Angkor Park highlights

Right here’s a helpful map of the Angkor highlights that I point out on this article that will help you visualise your route.

Angkor Wat – The Cambodian Icon

Angkor Wat is a type of main vacationer points of interest that’s and will probably be crowded on a regular basis. It’s the foremost purpose most individuals come to Siem Reap within the first place. The stupas of Angkor Wat will be discovered on Cambodia’s nationwide flag and regarded a nationwide image. Constructed within the early twelfth century, this temple complicated devoted to Hindu deity Vishnu the preserver is taken into account to be the world’s largest spiritual monument spanning over 160 hectares.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Sunrise Window Me — Hi there Angkor Wat, we lastly meet. Taken on the Northern Library

Anticipate to spend not less than 2-3 hours strolling round and taking within the intricate structure and carvings that cowl the gallery partitions of Angkor Wat and exploring the assorted buildings that make up the temple. HelloAngkor.com was a fairly helpful reference in understanding the structure and numerous areas inside Angkor Wat.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Terrace — Strolling alongside the terrace to the middle of the complicated

Dawn at Angkor Wat – is it value waking up for?

One of many bucket listing issues to do in Cambodia is to catch the dawn at Angkor Wat and get that ‘gram-worthy shot of the solar rising over the stupa of the primary temple. Angkor Park solely opens at 5am, so you will have to depart your lodge by about 430am if you wish to get to the park early sufficient to seize a great place.

Curiously, Angkor Wat is uncommon for a temple as its foremost entrance truly factors west in the direction of the sundown as an alternative of in the direction of the east for dawn and good power, but it surely’s nonetheless a preferred dawn spot regardless.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Sunrise Entrance Wait — Arriving on the west entrance about 445am. There have been already different individuals ready to enter the park which opens at 5am (official workers in purple)

The prime spot most individuals head for is close to the West Entrance the place the Rainbow Bridge is. There’s a reflecting pond in entrance of the Northern Library with a primary view of the stupas of Angkor Wat.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Sunrise Blue — Solar has risen however not peeked over the horizon but so issues are nonetheless kinda blue

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Sunrise Pond Crowd Pano — Right here’s a pano shot of what it seemed like, SO MANY PEOPLE.

We managed to seize an important spot proper in entrance of the water, and very quickly in any respect the place behind us was stuffed up with individuals! Dawn that day was at 520am, however the time that the solar will probably be positioned over the stupa was about an hour later, so be ready to do a whole lot of ready whereas surrounded by crowds.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Sunrise Reflecting Pond — I like the colors that had been taking place right here which had been extra vivid in particular person

There was some cloud cowl that day so about 6am++ we determined to surrender our spot and stroll round as an alternative. Fairly actually, I feel there are many different fairly spots to get a shot of Angkor Wat from apart from the pond, so except you need that particular postcard shot, I wouldn’t hassle.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Crowds — What it seemed like after we left. The solar was hidden behind the clouds nonetheless.

However no matter whether or not you need to catch the dawn, I like to recommend visiting Angkor Wat within the morning simply because it’s not as sizzling because the afternoons can get, particularly in the summertime. We had 38ºC however really feel liks 44ºC temperatures after we visited…

As a result of it was so early, our lodge packed breakfast for us to go, and we headed over to the little eateries within the space to purchase a drink from them and use their tables to have our meal.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Shops Eateries — Lunchbox of assorted pastries, and sipping on coconut juice and different drinks within the morning

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Shops — Memento retailers on website close to the eateries

Outer Northern Library

This small constructing behind the reflecting pool turned out to be one in every of my favorite spots to {photograph} Angkor Wat. It’s a low constructing behind the reflecting pool and whereas it’s referred to as a library, it was principally a spot utilized by the Khmer Kings as a dressing room or holding space again within the day.

There are a number of spots each inside and outdoors the constructing which have locations to pose with Angkor Wat within the background.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Northern Library Sunrise Me — Taken within the entrance archway of the Northern Library going through Angkor Wat – you possibly can see a tiny little bit of the reflecting pond on the correct

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Northern Library Greenery Away Me — I like the carved bars you could find on the home windows – this can be a good various for those who’re bored with photographing the spires

Outer: Galleries with bas reliefs

Spiritual buildings are often house to stunning examples of artisan and craftsmanship, and Angkor Wat isn’t any exception. There are 4 lengthy galleries that kind an outer ring across the central towers that includes lengthy stone partitions lined in intricate bas reliefs. Every fresco tells totally different tales from legendary Hindu epics just like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to historic Cambodian occasions together with a procession of Khmer royalty.

There are some small write ups about every story on the ends of the galleries, although having a information inform you what you’re taking a look at would make it simpler so that you can perceive what you’re taking a look at. You possibly can nonetheless respect the sheer quantity of artistry and talent that went into carving out these immense partitions although.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Mural Detail — Take a look at all that element

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Mural Corridor — Such big partitions of carvings – there are boundaries however that hasn’t actually stopped individuals from touching ‘sacred’ components of the wall murals

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Corridor Me — The galleries are open air

Center: Corridor of a thousand gods

Climb up a small flight of stairs to the center ring the place Preah Poan or the Corridor of a Thousand Gods/Buddhas is situated.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Stairs Group Photo — My Emirates media FAM group on the staircase – I adore it we seem like some type of pop band

There are lots of statues right here, together with a Buddhist shrine of kinds the place you possibly can go away choices at, and there are 4 sunken areas that give this space its cross-shaped kind that had been apparently sacred ponds.

All through Angkor Wat and Cambodia’s temples, you will note a whole lot of headless statues. One chance is looting, one other is that whereas the Cambodian tradition is an attention-grabbing mix of Hinduism and Buddhism, there was a time after they had been warring so the heads had been eliminated when the regime modified.

There’s additionally a specific little chamber on this space, the place for those who lean in opposition to the wall and strike your chest gently, that pounding sound will get tremendous magnified in right here. Look carefully on the partitions and see all the beautiful decorations, with hints of pink and gold paint – think about how vibrant these rooms should have been again within the day.

Inside: Bakan & Central Shrine

Angkor Wat has higher ranges that had been largely for royal entry again within the day however are open to the general public immediately. Proper within the centre of its compound, a really steep staircase leads you as much as the Bakan on the third degree – think about individuals climbing up the precise slippery stone stairs earlier than they constructed the right staircase that we use immediately, which continues to be no joke by way of steepness.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bakan — See the staircase on the left main upwards? Some individuals truly hen out midway up.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bakan Stairs Steep — Yup it’s nearly like going up a ladder at this level

Right here within the Bakan, 4 corridors kind a sq. ring across the central shrine, and you may pop down into sunken uncovered roof areas as effectively. There’s a beautiful view of Angkor Wat from above and it additionally feels cooler and extra windy.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bakan View — Wanting down

Additionally you possibly can snap a detailed up shot of the central temple spire from up right here. I knew it was massive, but it surely by no means occurred to me how massive precisely till I used to be dwarfed by it up shut.

Siem Reap Angkor Wat Bakan Me — Take a look at how tall the primary stupa is.

Angkor Wat ប្រាសាទអង្គរវត្ត [Google maps]. Open 5am – 530pm.

Ta Prohm – Tomb Raider & Tall Timber

A well-liked cease simply 10 minutes east of Angkor Wat is Ta Prohm. Ta Promh was constructed by King Jayavarman VII for his mom again in 1186 however immediately it’s best often known as the Tomb Raider temple the place the 2001 motion flick Lara Croft: Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.

This video by Miloufromsaigon on Youtube has some clips from the Tomb Raider film that present Ta Prohm.

Ta Prohm temple is totally different from Angkor Wat it that it feels far more derelict, largely as a result of very massive bushes which have sprung up between the buildings and damaged by the partitions with their big roots, and piles of particles from centuries of neglect left to lie across the space.

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Tree Temple Crowd — Large bushes taking on the temple!

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Temple Shade — Paths are first rate, however numerous damaged brick/particles mendacity round

You possibly can’t actually inform these days, however Ta Promh was an enormous complicated that was each a monastery and college. Many Apsara dancers walked these halls, and the primary temple had partitions completely lined with jewels!

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Tower Interior — the temple has lengthy been looted, however think about all these holes crammed with gems and the sunshine shining in!

Not like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm is smaller and never all of the buildings will be visited as not all the pieces has been restored. There’s a common footpath and route that most individuals observe for visitors management, and we spent about 1.5-2 hours right here. There aren’t explicit ‘sections’ like in Angkor Wat so I’m not doing a full breakdown, however simply displaying you bits that I believed had been attention-grabbing.

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Tree Building — Extra bushes taking on

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Trees Temple — Nature vs structure – who would be the ultimate boss?

The mysterious dinosaur

One fairly unusual factor to seek out in Ta Prohm is is an inexplicably Stegosaurus-shaped carving amidst the extra conventional animals and Apsaras present in Khmer structure. It’s situated close to the west entrance and whereas some say that it is likely to be a boar or one thing surrounded by foliage, it simply actually appears like a stegosaurus.

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Dinosaur — Stegosaurus within the center, however even the opposite 2 carvings look fairly dinosaury

Ta Prohm ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម [Google maps] Open 730am – 530pm.

Phnom Bakheng – Hilltop Sundown spot

Phnom Bakheng is a small hill that’s sandwiched between Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom that’s most well-known for sunsets due to its west going through and that its later closing time.

On its peak is a temple constructed within the late ninth century

Should you purchase your Angkor park tickets

The paths up Phnom Bakheng

There are a number of paths that lead you up Phnom Bakheng. It actually doesn’t take too lengthy to climb although it’s an uphill slog for about 15-20 minutes irrespective of which route you’re taking, however anticipate it to be fairly crowded if you’re visiting at sundown and that there’s little shade on the peak so carry a hat.

Principal pathway – to the correct aspect of the East entrance, this stairway is effectively paved and general a effectively maintained path up the hill that’s not too steep and probably the most used highway by vacationers.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Entrance — Principal path is to the correct. Should you look on the left although, you possibly can see the unique loopy steep climb individuals needed to take to stand up the hill!

Unique Stairs – flanked by two guardians at its base, the unique stairway up the hill is now blocked off to public, however you possibly can see the way it was a loopy steep direct climb up the aspect of the hill. Extraordinarily steep, very small and uneven steps, positively not the most secure choice as of late so fortunately we don’t should climb it anymore.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Stair Lions — Unique stairs marked by two gardens. The trail to the left is the elephant path.

Elephant path – To the left aspect is a barely rougher trying dust path which doesn’t have any stairs and is usually much less crowded. That is the trail that elephants used to take when carrying individuals up the hill previously. Our information introduced us up the hill by this route – we encountered another vacationers however positively not as many as the primary path.

Sundown on Phnom Bakheng – is it definitely worth the crowd?

On the high of Phnom Bakheng, you’ll see the temple and one other flight of stairs it’s important to ascend. Just like Angkor Wat, the unique stone steps are simply approach too steep and small, in order that they’ve constructed a correct staircase above it. It’s nonetheless a little bit of a ladder climb although.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Temple — Phnom Bakheng Temple

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Stairs — Yup extra steep stairs

On the highest of the temple, there’s a small shrine/tower within the center, and to the south you possibly can see Angkor Wat within the distance if the climate is good. The west aspect is the place all of the persons are gathered and ready patiently for the solar to go down.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Sunset Temple — Shrine within the center

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Sunset — Wanting west – that’s the West Baray reservoir within the distance

I imply it once I say it will get crowded right here. Right here’s what it actually appears like behind the scenes.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Crowd — So many individuals…

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Sunset Crowd — It’s important to go early if you wish to get a spot with none individuals in it!

As soon as the solar units, individuals begin leaving the temple in droves to make sure they will trek down earlier than it will get too darkish.

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Stairs Crowd — Extra crowds

Siem Reap Phnom Bakheng Stair Exit — Exit down the primary stairway the place all of the tuktuks are ready

Phnom Bakheng ប្រាសាទភ្នំបាខែង [Google maps] Open 7am – 7pm

To go to: Angkor Thom

So Angkor Thom was initially on our itinerary, however we had been fairly pooped by the point we had been finished visiting Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm and after lunch, determined to name it a day and head again to our lodge to relaxation as an alternative. 38ºC climate in excessive humidity is just not enjoyable, of us.

I’d have beloved to see Bayon Temple on the centre of Angkor Thom, the traditional capital of the Khmer empire earlier than it was relocated to Phnom Penh. The highlights listed below are the over 200 serene smiling Buddha faces that protrude from the rock surfaces, and the intricately carved Terraces of the Elephants and Leper King.

Siem Reap Ta Prohm Face — This was taken in Ta Prohm, however the protruding rock faces are prime examples of what we’d have seen throughout Angkor Thom

The place to remain: Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor

I stayed at some fairly fancy digs on this journey to Cambodia. In Siem Reap, we spent two beautiful nights on the Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor. Constructed within the Thirties, this was all the time a flowery French colonial type lodge to welcome intrepid European travellers seeking to discover Siem Reap in type, and the Raffles Lodge group took over administration on the behest of the Cambodian authorities within the late Nineteen Nineties.

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Entrance — Welcome to Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Bedroom — My beautiful room – I like how that they had each air-con and followers within the room

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Toilet — Good spacious rest room with a tub

There’s a pool right here which is a godsend on heat days, although apparently on this warmth those that did take a dip stated it was a bit like being in an onsen (lol).

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Pool — Every room had a balcony! Mine was a type of overlooking the pool

This lodge additionally has a really previous elevate that’s over 100 years previous however nonetheless functioning! It will possibly solely match 5pax in it and it’s in all probability quicker to run up the steps but it surely’s helpful for transporting your baggage up.

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Lift — Quaint little elevate

We additionally popped into the Elephant Bar right here and had been served with the Siem Reap model of the Singapore Sling – this sling makes use of Cambodian Natural Kulen Gin and a little bit of Galangal for that native twist.

Siem Reap Raffles Grand d-Angkor Bar — Siem Reap Slings!

Naturally the Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor isn’t the most affordable choice – final I checked, the most affordable room charges begin from about US$250 / S$330 per evening and up.

Location clever, the lodge is situated subsequent to the Angkor Nationwide Museum and about 15 minutes away by automotive/tuktuk from Angkor Wat. It’s additionally a brief 5 min experience (or 20 min stroll) from the extra touristy Pub Avenue space to the south.

Raffles Grand Lodge d’Angkor [Google Maps] See their web site or test them out on reserving.com [affiliate link]

Have you ever visited Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples? Inform me what I ought to see if I’m going again in future, or learn extra about my journeys to the encompassing Indochina area:

Angkor Park highlights in a day: Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Phnom Bakheng

Is 1 day sufficient for Angkor Park?