The Temples of Angkor

The place at a glance

A few kilometres from Siem Reap, Angkor Archaeological Park preserves the remains of the ancient capitals of the Khmer Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vast complex includes Angkor Wat, famous for its five towers, Bayon and its carved faces, and Ta Prohm, where gigantic tree roots have taken over the ruins.

What we loved

We spent three days exploring Angkor by scooter, and every temple had its own surprises in store. We loved discovering Bayon with hardly anyone else around, then visiting Ta Prohm just after a tropical storm, when the wet stones and enormous roots looked even more impressive. But our favourite memory has to be sunrise at Angkor Wat. Watching the sky turn from blue to pink and then orange, with the temple towers reflected in the water, was absolutely beautiful!

Our tip

We really recommend the three-day pass (US$62, valid over seven days), so you can explore the temples without rushing. Buy it online from the official Angkor Enterprise website to avoid a detour to the ticket office and save time. We explored by scooter at our own pace, but a tuk-tuk is also a good option. Above all, don’t miss sunrise at Angkor Wat: plan to wake up around 4 a.m.! We were able to visit in shorts without any problems, but the official dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered in sacred areas, so pack suitable clothing.

Read the article: Siem Reap, we came for the temples and stayed for the nightlife