Angkor Watt
Siem Reap

"Angkor Watt" was last updated on July 01, 2011
All information below is subject to change

Almost every one knows about the Angkor Watt -- we all have seen the pictures and documentaries about it!

To get the best of the temple, you should arrive there early in the morning (preferrably sunrise). Most drivers recommend this because you can see the true beauty of the temple.

By the way, I`ve heard from other backpackers that sunset here is spectacular as well!

Apsara...what's that?

If you see bare-breasted female figures with jewels who are holding flowers, it`s likely Apsaras you`re looking at. According to Khmer mythology, they were dancers and entertainers for the gods and a symbol of traditional Khmer dance (Apsara Dance).

And here`s a piece of Angkor's history...

Angkor Watt was originally a Hindu temple, but after the fall of Angkor it became a Buddhist temple. It was built early in the 12th century by the Angkor ruler, Suryavarman the 2nd. And it was constructed as a royal tomb. You`ll see Buddha images, and these were placed after the fall of Angkor.




Hall of Angkor Wat
One of the first things you`ll notice is the long and massive concourse leading to Angkor Wat. There are stone sculptures on both sides which take the shape of a snake, called naga. The nagas are generally regarded as guards of treasure.

When you enter the temple...

you'll notice bare-breasted Apsara and goddess (devata) carvings on the walls.

Apsaras are special in Buddhism because they represent an ideal of female beauty.

There's a lot more to see!

The galleries display scenes from the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata. They also display other Hindu myths. Impressive "Heaven and Hell" scenes are waiting for you.

Devata goddess Angor Wat
Devata Carvings in the "courtyard" at Angkor Watt

The East Gallery depicts the serpent, turtle and mountain with the sea life being destroyed by the whirlpool caused by the action. That`s because the Hindu Gods (Asuras) wanted to re-create the universe to extract the nectar of immortality. They used the mountain as a churning tool with the giant underwater serpent (Vasuki) as the rope. The gods took the tail end and the demons took the head.

The serpent began to vomit venom that threatened to poison the ocean. The God Vishnu took the poison, which turned his throat blue.

Eventually the mountain began to sink under pressure. Vishnu reincarnated himself as a giant turtle to support the pivot and complete the process, which took 1000 years.

To read more about Angkor Wat History, click here (opens in a new window)

Another thing...




angkor wat refelctions april 2010
Angkor Watt Reflections -- taken in April 2010
You can climb to the towers to take pictures of the pond next to it, or just the view of the Angkor area.

At sunrise, watch the sky become red/pink/purple/orange/yellow. Watch the sun rays hit the walls of Angkor Wat.

It will make you go WoW..

The bad part:

Beware of the huge possibility of encountering large tourist groups everywhere!

I got stressed out when I saw all the tourists standing on the main concourse to Angkor, waiting for the sun to come up. I took many pictures of the temple, and in every picture there was people in it (even when I thought I found a tiny area with no one standing in my way...)

A picture tip: To get your own Angkor-water-reflections, be there at sunrise or sunset.

Recommended time: 1 hour

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For tailored tours around Angkor Park, visit my page about Angkor Wat Tours

Where can I grab some food inside Angkor park?

At the food stalls outside Angkor Watt, Ta Prohm Temple, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan and Kbal Spean you'll get cheap food!

How's the food? Is it safe?

I didn't get sick by eating this food. There was lots of travelers and tourists who ate at the on-site restaurants, so that means high turnover of food.

Food prices at local restaurants inside Angkor park:

Noodle soup: 2.50 $

Steamed rice with vegetables: 2.50 $

angkor watt restaurant food stall rice with vegetables
Steamed rice with vegetables

angkor watt restaurant food stall rice with egg
Rice with egg

Beverages (coke, small water): 1-1,5 $

Small/big bottle of water: 1-2 $

Angkor beer, Tiger beer (can, bottle): 2-3 $

There are also food vendors and kids walking around the park, selling snacks and cold drinks. Cold water is a unbelievable good after you`ve been walking the whole day, in the scorching sun!

For tailored tours around Angkor Park, visit my page about Angkor Wat Tours

You're done with Angkor Watt, where do you go next?

If you`re interested in reading about the Tomb Raider temple:
Ta Prohm temple, click here.

The red sandstone complex of Banteay Srei

The 1000 Lingas of Kbal Spean

The labyrinth of Preah Khan

The faces of Bayon

Get an interactive Cambodia Map and detailed bus information for Cambodia

Read about Cambodia History

Read about Cambodia Culture

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