How to visit the Angkor temples in Siem Reap? Discover 6 ideas for seeing this unique site with fresh eyes!
The archaeological site of Angkor needs no introduction. Emblematic of Cambodia, it inhabits the collective imagination with a particular intensity. Its temples are vibrant witnesses to a civilization that has now disappeared: the Khmer Empire. Powerful, ingenious and refined, it once shone throughout Asia. Although this era is now a thing of the past, exploring its remains promises an extraordinary experience. Head to Siem Reap province to discover this priceless medieval treasure! In this article, you’ll discover 6 ideas for a successful visit, so you don’t miss out on the magic of the place.
The temples of Angkor in a nutshell
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Efired
The archaeological site of Angkor is located in the tropical forests north of the Tonlé Sap, on the edge of the town of Siem Reap. This immense complex is made up of numerous remains that bear witness to the greatness of the Khmer Empire. Angkor was the imperial capital between the 9th and 15th centuries. At its peak, this incredible city was home to almost a million inhabitants! However, the reasons for its collapse remain a mystery.
A visit to the temples of Angkor is an opportunity to fully grasp the power and complexity of the Khmer Empire. You’ll discover a wealth of relics, dazzling you with their beauty and refinement. Stone mingles with luxuriant jungle, which seems intent on smothering a sulphurous past. It’s as if you’ve discovered the ruins for yourself. This unique atmosphere enhances your immersion. Along the way, you’ll come across Hindu and Buddhist temples. Among them, the most famous, Angkor Wat, is considered the eighth wonder of the world.
1. The guided tour
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Efired
Do you think visiting the temples of Angkor unaccompanied is out of the question? Would you like to know all the details? Then we recommend a guided tour. It’s the ideal way to understand the historical, cultural, social and religious complexity of the city.
But how do you find a good guide to visit the temples of Angkor? The archaeological site does not offer official guided tours. So you’ll have to find one on your own. The safest option is to contact travel agencies and dedicated associations. This will enable you to benefit from the knowledge of certified tour guides. But you can also do your research on the Internet and trust in the opinions of others. In any case, give preference to local guides.
You can also hire an audio guide in Siem Reap from specialized companies. It’s a great way to see the sights at your own pace!
How much does it cost?
- French-speaking guide: between €40 and €50 / day;
- English-speaking guide: between €30 and €40 / day;
- Audioguide: between €4 and €8 / day.
2. The bike tour
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fabio Lamanna
Would you like to visit the temples of Angkor on your own? Go at your own pace, get off the beaten track… Of course, it’s possible to visit on foot. However, the site is huge and the sun beats down hard. If you’re looking for freedom, you’re better off renting a bike from Siem Reap.
The bicycle is an economical and ecological solution. Silent, it lets you enjoy the sounds of the Angkorian jungle. In fact, the calls of monkeys, the songs of birds and the rustle of insects are all part of the immersion! However, Cambodia’s heat and humidity can be a deterrent. If you’re tempted to rent a scooter, you should know that this has been banned for some years now. In theory at least, as you’ll still come across motorcyclists on site. However, we advise you to opt for an electric bike.
How much does it cost?
- Bike hire: approx. 2 € / day;
- Electric bike hire: between €5 and €10 / day.
You can negotiate prices if you want to rent the bike for several days.
How can you find out more about the history of Angkor if you visit the site on your own?
We recommend starting your visit with a tour of the Angkor National Museum. It displays some superb artefacts, mostly found on the archaeological site. This will enable you to find out more about the city before you discover it. Browse freely through the museum’s various exhibits, which chronologically retrace the history of the Khmer Empire.
You’ll also find many books about Angkor. You’ll even have the chance to buy some on the spot, including « Angkor, cité khmère » by Claude Jacques. A very good book, it usually sells for less than five euros.
3. The tuk-tuk tour
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The tuk-tuk tour strikes a balance between the first two ideas. It gives you the freedom to decide where you want to go. But it also allows you to be accompanied on the tour! Of course, tuk-tuk drivers are not tour guides. Nevertheless, some of them know the history of the site inside out. They’ll be able to guide you around the temples of Angkor. Finally, the tuk-tuk can take you directly from your hotel to the temples.
Which tuk-tuk driver to contact and how to choose? You can do your research on travelers’ forums. Many Internet users share the contacts of drivers whose services they have appreciated. You’re sure to find both English-speaking and French-speaking drivers.
How much does it cost?
- Short circuit: between €10 and €15 ;
- Grand circuit: between €15 and €20.
4. Hot-air ballooning
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sigit Prasetio
Why not take to the skies to appreciate the city’s splendor? A hot-air balloon ride gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire site. It’s an unusual way to visit the temples of Angkor, where you’ll rub shoulders with the clouds! Quieter companions than the throngs of tourists, the experience is usually offered by Angkor Balloon. A hot-air balloon flight will remain etched in your memories, a true moment of escape during your trip to Cambodia. You’ll even have the chance to contemplate the beautiful Cambodian countryside around you. A word of advice: choose sunset…
Some agencies also offer helicopter flights, but we don’t recommend this option. As well as being extremely polluting, it doesn’t offer much in the way of interest. In fact, it’s forbidden to fly over the temples. All you’ll be doing is flying around them…
How much does it cost?
Here are the prices for a hot-air balloon ride (about 10 minutes):
- Adults: between €15 and €20 ;
- Children: between €5 and €10.
5. sunrise or sunset over Angkor Wat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Muzhik
Enjoying sunrise or sunset over Angkor Wat is a must. The purple and saffron sky rests on the delicate silhouette of the temple, offering a spectacular landscape. If you want to punctuate your stay with a breath of romance, this is not to be missed! Despite the time of day, crowds flock to watch the spectacle. So don’t expect to find yourself alone. Nevertheless, there are spots where you can avoid the crowds. The best thing is to get there on your own.
Tip: the temptation is great, but don’t visit Angkor Wat just after sunrise! It will be crowded. Better to come back later.
6. Events in Angkor
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Carleen Thomas
The archeological site of Angkor is sometimes the scene of events. These are golden opportunities to visit the Angkor temples in a different way. They take on a special, less artificial atmosphere. The Khmers reclaim the site. Watching the sudden hustle and bustle blossom amidst the ancient stones offers a striking contrast between ancient and contemporary culture. Photography festival, dance performances, religious festivals… If you’re lucky enough to visit the site on the right dates, make the most of it!
Angkor events calendar
Here are the main events taking place on the Angkor site:
- Angkor Sankranta: April 13-16 is the Khmer New Year, or Bon Chaul Chhnam. Festivities take place on the Angkor site;
- Visak Bochea: in May, this is the Buddha festival. Monks carry out torchlight processions around the Angkor Wat site;
- Pchum Ben: in September, the Khmers celebrate the festival of the ancestors. Many Buddhist monks visit the temples of Angkor;
- Bon Om Touk: in November, the Water Festival is also celebrated in Angkor. You’ll see parades and dugout races in the Angkor Wat moat;
- Angkor Photo Festival: from late November to early December, photographic workshops and exhibitions showcase Khmer artists;
- Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: held every December. Thousands of international athletes run among the remains of the temples. Proceeds go to charity.