Angkor
Cambodia

"A personal guide to Angkor Cambodia
and Angkor Thom"

View of Angkor Watt -- Angkor Cambodia

Welcome to Angkor Cambodia!

In this article you`ll read about the temples Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Preah Khan and Bayon.

Some of the most beautiful Wats are in Asia, especially the Angkor Temples outside the north of Siem Reap town.

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The temples represent a cultural diversity because of its mix of the Khmer, Chinese and Indian culture.

It's not a surprise that the temples have made their way to the World Heritage List (1992), and on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

In this article you`ll find:

What should I watch out for?
How To Get There
When You Get There
How much time do you need
What to bring
Best time to visit
Links to the Angkor Temples

At that time, the great value of the temples was deeply affected by plundering. You can witness this by taking a look at the many sculptures. The heads were removed so they could sell them abroad..

What should I watch out for?

Have in mind that you shouldn`t touch the sculptures or the carvings. The sweat of our hands can cause deterioriation and some of the temples are already in a bad condition.

Also watch out when you walk in small corridors, so your rucksack don`t come in touch with the walls.

And another thing:

Here you shouldn`t be thinking "off-the-beaten-track," because there are mines in the area! And you can get lost in the huge rainforest of Cambodia...

If you still decide to explore, do it with a authorized local guide.

How do you get there?

angkor cambodia Macaque siem reap cambodia backpacking

One of the hungry macaques inside Angkor Park -- Angkor Cambodia

If you take a Tuk-Tuk (motorcycle trailer), expect to pay around
10-15 dollars for the all-day Tuk-Tuk drive.

The price depends on how far they have to drive you.

For instance: It cost more to visit Kbal Spean or other outlying attractions.

And the ride from town takes about 15 minutes. When the driver picks you up, he will usually ask if you already possess a ticket. If you don`t, he`ll drive you to the ticket booths.

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The drivers you can trust wear numbered grey vests.

Rent a bike or a moped in Siem Reap, and explore Angkor in your own pace! But watch out for the crazy traffic and suspicious paths, as mines are still a huge issue.

Bicycling is becoming more popular, and the roads are paved. Many guest houses in Siem Reap downtown rent out bicycles between 1-3 dollars. It`s the cheapest way to do a Angkor-tour. But of course, it takes time to get from temple to temple.

Renting a bike?

Well, you will need some help with the distances in Angkor Cambodia! ;-)

Distances (in km):

Siem Reap town to park entrance: 3 km
Siem Reap town to Angkor Wat: 7 km
Angkor Watt to the South gate of Angkor Thom (Bayon, Terrace of the Leper King, Terrace of the Elephants): 1,7 km
Angkor Thom to West of Ta Prohm: 1 km
Bayon to Preah Khan: 2 km
Angkor Watt to Banteay Srei: 37 km
Banteay Srei to Kbal Spean: 5 km

When you get there...

You buy Angkor pass at the main entrance on the road to the park. Cambodians come in for free, so you don`t have to buy a ticket for your driver!

Prices for Angkor pass:

1-day: 20 USD dollars.
3-days: 40 USD dollars
7-days:60 USD dollars

From July 1, 2009, new ticketing structure will apply. The results -- the 40 US dollar-ticket will be valid for one week. And the 7-days ticket will be valid for one month. The purpose behind this is to try to make the tourists stay longer in Angkor.

To save time by the entrance, bring a passport-sized photo if you want to buy the 3- or 7 days Angkor pass. If you forget to bring a photo, you can take one for free at the main entrance. But there`s usually a long waiting line.

Visiting hours:
From 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Now for the big question!

... How much time do I need for Angkor Cambodia?

A few hours or one day is enough time to see the most important temple ruins, but this highly depends on your time and interest. I only bought a one-day pass because I was more interested in seeing Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, Kbal Spean and Bayon. On top of this, I also went to the Land Mine Museum...

Time goes fast here, so plan what you want to see! In my opinion you should buy the three-day pass, if you want to get a better impression of Angkor.

Here`s my Angkor route.

It lasted from 05.30 a.m. - around 05:00 p.m. (includes the time I used at each temple, transportation + lunch):

Angkor Watt (1 hour)
Ta Prohm (2 hours + lunch 45 minutes)
Bantay Srei (30 minutes)
Kbal Spean (3 hours)
Land Mine Museum (1 hour)
Preah Khan (1 hour)
Bayon (2 hours)

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What should I bring?

You should bring sunglasses, sun screen, bottle of water, scarf (protects your head from the sun and dusty roads if travelling with moped/motorbike/Tuk-Tuk). And of course mosquito repellent if you`re heading there for the sunrise or sunset.

I recommend wearing sports sandals or trainers, because you will walk on uneven steps and heaps of fallen stones at most temple sites.

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There are plenty of tourist groups with local guides walking around the park. I used to either easedrop from a distance, or blend in a big crowd. I got away with it because of the size of the group.. A sleezy way, but I`m pretty sure I`m not the only one who has done it..

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The best time to visit Angkor?

Angkor Cambodia

Your real question is:

"How do I avoid the tourists?"

The truth: The Angkor site is always going to be popular! So, you will always encounter tourists.

But to avoid the big crowds...

... you should avoid visiting Angkor in Siem Reap during the cool season, from November to February. Most tourists travel during the cool season because they like the combination of sunny days and cooler nights.

However, the period from April to October is considered as the low (wet) season for tourists.

If you don`t care about the weather, I can tell you that...

... Angkor is at its best in the wet season -- the jungle is lush and deep deep green, and the moats and water pools are full. It`s picture-perfect!

But if you choose to visit Angkor Cambodia during this period, you have to expect that it will rain and this will temporarily flood the roads.

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More of Angkor Cambodia...

Click onto the links to find out more about...

....Angkor Watt -- the major hot spot for travelers and tourists!

Have you seen the Tomb Raider movie where Hollywood sets foot inside the deep jungle of Angkor Siem Reap? That's jungle Monster Ta Prohm near Angkor Thom

A remote, but beautiful temple site! The red Banteay Srei

Experience the 1000 Lingas of Kbal Spean and the secluded waterfalls! Off-the-beaten-track Kbal Spean

Get lost in the labyrinth of Preah Khan -- you won't regret it!

Angkor Thom: Who are those faces staring at you? Find out! Faces of Bayon

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Angkor Tips, Stories and Recommendations

Did you enjoy the Angkor Temples and have any recommendations? Or maybe you own a tour company and want to promote it?

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Cycling in Angkor Not rated yet
There is no better way to experience the beauty of Angkor than on a bicycle. Forget the motorbikes, rickshaws, taxis -- just get a bicycle!

Reason ...

You're done with Angkor Cambodia, where do you want to go next?

Need a place to stay in Siem Reap?

Go off the beaten track to Kampong Phluk! The stilted village!

Want do contribute in some way? Visit the Land Mine Museum in Angkor Park!

Return from Angkor Cambodia to Backpacking Tips Asia.

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