Visiting the famous archaeological site of the temples of Angkor is a must during a trip to Cambodia. Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is easily recognized by its Khmer-influenced architecture. Do you really want to visit Angkor? I totally understand you! We will give you all the information you need to make your stay enjoyable. We are sure that with the few tips we are going to give you, you can easily find your way around!
So off we go, on the road to Phnom Pen/ SIem Reap
Located in the middle of the tropical jungle of Tonlé Sap, Angkor is 7 km from the city of Siem Reap. The site of Angkor site is a heritage of immense archaeological ruins and a vast collection of ancient remains, split between Hindu beliefs and the Buddhist way of thinking.
What is Angkor?
If you have decided to go on a trip to Cambodia, you cannot miss the temples of Angkor. This former Khmer capital offers you sumptuous landscapes. We invite you to visit the main temples of the citadel, Angkor Wat, the famous Bayon, and the temple of Ta Prohm. Temples with imposing sculptures, witnessing the history of the Cambodian people. As you must surely suspect, it is perfectly possible to visit these different temples, but you still have to organize your itinerary well.
A 12th century masterpiece, the Temple of Bayon will amaze you. In other words, you will really be able to see one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. And for good reason, the temples are positioned in a rich geographical area, half of which are invaded by the trees of the jungle. It should also be noted that you can get around with the help of a tuk-tuk or auto-rickshaw, in the enclosure of the temple (pass required). You will come across villagers and peasants who cultivate their rice fields. A change of scenery is guaranteed!
The Bayon Temple
One of the masterpieces of Angkor Wat, this large, Buddhist temple is embellished with rich decorations. It features a selection of 216 carefully carved, extremely peaceful and serene huge stone faces on its many towers. This is actually the most recent construction in Angkor Wat, and it dates from the late 12th or early 13th century. Its style is quite different from the other temples in the complex. The temple sits at the very center of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital.
Ta Prohm a film set not to be missed!
Ta Prohm is nicknamed "Tomb Raider" as it served as the setting for the famous film with Angelina Jolie, which makes it one of the most popular and most visited monuments of Angkor.
The Ta Prohm temple is one of the most popular on the Angkor site. A former 800-year-old monastery where the plants merge with minerals. Unlike Angkor Wat or Angkor Thom, this temple has remained in a natural state. This immense tangle of tree roots, combined with stone in the middle of the jungle is simply incredible. Lush vegetation mixes with the old stones and the roots of the Strangler trees intertwine, giving beauty and mystery to this magical place! Not to be missed!
Angkor Wat, the “Khmer Versailles”
Angkor Wat is the largest of the temples of the monumental complex of Angkor in Cambodia, the most well known and the most breathtaking. A true national pride, it is the most famous temple in Cambodia, it is also on the Cambodian national flag as a symbol of the soul of the Khmer people. Despite the crowds, the sunrise and sunset over Angkor Wat remains a grandiose spectacle and an unforgettable travel memory.
How to visit the temples of Angkor?
First, you need to work out the number of days you want to stay: you can perfectly adapt your trip according to this timing. Nevertheless, two days would seems sufficient, if you want to do other activities besides the temples.
Don't forget to have suitable clothing for visiting the temples. It is better to opt for long clothes that cover the legs, but also the shoulders. To visit the temples, you will also need to choose a means of transport. By minivan, tuk-tuk or by bicycle, all are perfectly possible to visit the temples of Angkor.
How to avoid people when visiting Angkor?
Like any tourist site, it is perfectly possible to find crowds. And if you want to avoid the latter, there are times of the day when there are a lot less people. If you decide to go there at dawn or between 12pm and 2pm, there are fewer tourists and you can easily visit the temples as you wish..
As you can see, Angkor is a must-see place when you spend a vacation in Cambodia, so do take a little detour to Siem Reap, where the hotels and restaurants are excellent.
