The
best known temple in Cambodia, and possibly all of south east Asia, Angkor Wat
is an atmospheric and awe-inspiring structure to visit, but did you know it is
only one of several enormous temple complexes in the Siem Reap area? Here are
my tips on how to visit Angkor Wat.
Plan
ahead
Some
of the Angkor temples are better known than others, but there are over a dozen
temples, and some of them are vast complexes that take a few hours to explore
thoroughly. With a bit of research, you can decide which temples are your
priorities and make sure you don’t miss ‘the best bits’.
Sunrise
and sunset
Speaking
of ‘best bits’, two of the best times to visit the temples are sunrise and
sunset. The dramatic colours of the sky enhance the views of the temples and
also cast warm light over them, which make photos look incredible.
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| Angkor Thom, Cambodia |
Consider
the climate
Avoiding
the rainy season, which starts in May, will make visiting the temples easier.
However, even during other times of the year humidity can be fierce and can
deflate even the most enthusiastic visitor. Getting up early to visit the
temples will avoid the worst of the heat.
Get
informed
Local
guides speaking various languages can be hired for about USD $40 per day. They
provide a good understanding of the temples without you running the risk of
falling in a hole while checking a detail in a guidebook. While this may sound
like an avoidable cost don’t forget you can learn a lot about local life and
culture when you spend a day chatting to a local who speaks your language.
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| Angkor Wat, Cambodia |
Getting
around the temples
It
is possible to hire a bicycle and cycle the seven kilometres from Siem Reap to
the temples, but unless you are pretty fit (and have nerves of steel in the
traffic) it may be an exhausting start to your visit. Tuk tuks can be hired to
visit the temples, as can cars, which provide welcome air-conditioning in
between temples.
Once
you are at the temples the ground is uneven and within the complexes there are
frequent steps and plinths to step over. It will be challenging for those with
limited mobility.
Dress
appropriately
The
temples are ruins and some have been taken over significantly by nature so not
only is there a lot of ground to cover, it is mostly uneven ground. Some people
get around in flipflops but I’d really recommend some comfy reliable shoes.
The
temples are religious monuments and there are certain areas where shoulders and
legs need to be covered. A long skirt or loose trousers are the easiest things
to wear with a T-shirt to meet the cover-up requirements. They will also help
avoid sunburn.
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| Buying souvenirs at Angkor Wat, Cambodia |
Shop
for souvenirs
Gangs
of children hang around outside the temples offering souvenirs to visitors. If
you want to buy a few souvenirs it is worth checking out their products as
their prices are a lot lower than the local markets and shops. For example guidebooks
were for sale for USD $1 outside Angkor Wat but were $15 in the museum. Books
of 10 postcards were $1 from children at the temples, but $4 to $7 in the
shops.
Have
you visited the Angkor temples? If you have any other tips please share them in
the comments below.
