Angkor Wat is the epitome of Khmer architecture. It’s a rite of passage for travellers in Cambodia to visit Siem Reap’s iconic temples which attracted 2.6 million visitors in 2018. What I didn’t realise is that Angkor Wat isn’t just one Temple, but a huge Temple complex housing many stunning, ancient buildings.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world, and is the most important religious complex in South East Asia. Within the Angkor Archaeological Park, there are around 72 Hindu and Buddhist Temples dating between 9th and 15th Century.
So how do you choose which temples to visit? Should you buy a one-day pass or three-day pass, and how much do they cost? What are the best temples to visit in one day? Which is the best temple for sunset? Is sunrise at Angkor Wat worth it? Where was Lara Croft Tomb Raider filmed?
Feet Do Travel help answer these questions. This is our ultimate guide to Cambodia’s Iconic Temples; Angkor Wat and the best temples to visit in Siem Reap.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world, and is the most important religious complex in South East Asia. Within the Angkor Archaeological Park, there are around 72 Hindu and Buddhist Temples dating between 9th and 15th Century.
So how do you choose which temples to visit? Should you buy a one-day pass or three-day pass, and how much do they cost? What are the best temples to visit in one day? Which is the best temple for sunset? Is sunrise at Angkor Wat worth it? Where was Lara Croft Tomb Raider filmed?
Feet Do Travel help answer these questions. This is our ultimate guide to Cambodia’s Iconic Temples; Angkor Wat and the best temples to visit in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat is so important to Cambodia it is featured on their national flag
The Angkor Wat Temple Complex - Angkor Archaeological Park
Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Complex is within the district of Angkor Thom, Siem Reap Province and it’s huge. A clue is in the name; Angkor means “City” and Thom means “big”.
Spread over 400sqkm it has around 72 Temples, some of which are unfinished or are in a state of dis-repair which you will see when wandering around the complex.
The district of Angkor Thom served as the Capital of the Khmer Empire and was also a military post. The large, elaborate and most famous Temple within the complex is Angkor Wat, and was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. It has such historical importance to Cambodia, in 1850 it was added to their national flag, it also features on Cambodian Riel banknotes. It is estimated that 50% of tourists coming to Cambodia visit the Temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park, which generated revenue of $117 million USD in 2018.
Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Complex is within the district of Angkor Thom, Siem Reap Province and it’s huge. A clue is in the name; Angkor means “City” and Thom means “big”.
Spread over 400sqkm it has around 72 Temples, some of which are unfinished or are in a state of dis-repair which you will see when wandering around the complex.
The district of Angkor Thom served as the Capital of the Khmer Empire and was also a military post. The large, elaborate and most famous Temple within the complex is Angkor Wat, and was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. It has such historical importance to Cambodia, in 1850 it was added to their national flag, it also features on Cambodian Riel banknotes. It is estimated that 50% of tourists coming to Cambodia visit the Temples at the Angkor Archaeological Park, which generated revenue of $117 million USD in 2018.
Angkor Wat Ticket Office
Buying your Temple Ticket
Tickets need to be purchased in person from the Angkor Enterprise Centre a few kilometres before the Angkor Complex, they are open every day from 5.00am to 6.00pm. A photo will be taken and affixed to your ticket which you need to show at the entrance of every temple. To reduce queues due to public demand, authorities are trialling online booking so watch this space.
Choose between the following ticket:
1 day - $37
3 day - $62 – valid for 10 days (don’t have to be consecutive days)
7 day - $72 - valid for 1 month (same as above)
If you purchase tickets after 5.00pm, that evening’s sunset viewing is free. You also won’t have to queue early the next morning with hordes of people, and potentially miss the sunrise or not get the best spot. Our accommodation arranged a return trip with a tuk tuk driver which included a sunset viewing for $6 USD (more information about getting around the Complex is at the bottom of this post).
Keep your ticket on you at all times, as mentioned, you will need to present it at every Temple. If it’s rainy season keep it in a waterproof bag, you will not be able to enter with a damaged ticket.
Tickets need to be purchased in person from the Angkor Enterprise Centre a few kilometres before the Angkor Complex, they are open every day from 5.00am to 6.00pm. A photo will be taken and affixed to your ticket which you need to show at the entrance of every temple. To reduce queues due to public demand, authorities are trialling online booking so watch this space.
Choose between the following ticket:
1 day - $37
3 day - $62 – valid for 10 days (don’t have to be consecutive days)
7 day - $72 - valid for 1 month (same as above)
If you purchase tickets after 5.00pm, that evening’s sunset viewing is free. You also won’t have to queue early the next morning with hordes of people, and potentially miss the sunrise or not get the best spot. Our accommodation arranged a return trip with a tuk tuk driver which included a sunset viewing for $6 USD (more information about getting around the Complex is at the bottom of this post).
Keep your ticket on you at all times, as mentioned, you will need to present it at every Temple. If it’s rainy season keep it in a waterproof bag, you will not be able to enter with a damaged ticket.
Look after your ticket - this piece of paper cost a lot of money and you cannot visit the temples without it
Sunrise and sunset – Which Temple should you choose?
It is said that the best sunrises occur during dry season, November to April. We visited during the rainy season (May to October), but luckily we had time to spare and were patient. Download the weather apps YR and Accuweather as they may help you, although they are by no means 100% accurate. The beauty of visiting during wet season is the moats are full for that beautiful reflective Insta-worthy photo
There are a few suggested sunrise and sunset Temples for you to choose from. For sunrise, there are only three temples open from 5.00am. For sunset, only a couple stay open past 5.30pm, we found this out the hard way when we went to Angkor Wat for sunset, and the gates closed at 5.30pm and we were ushered out.
General Temple opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Sunrise options: Angkor Wat, Pre Rup Temple, Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng mountain is a 70 metre high hill)
Sunset options: Pre Rup Temple or Phnom Bakheng.
Note: Phnom Bakheng is the most popular sunset site and numbers are limited to 300 people at the top. During high season, you may find yourself queuing to reach the top at the time of sunset.
It is said that the best sunrises occur during dry season, November to April. We visited during the rainy season (May to October), but luckily we had time to spare and were patient. Download the weather apps YR and Accuweather as they may help you, although they are by no means 100% accurate. The beauty of visiting during wet season is the moats are full for that beautiful reflective Insta-worthy photo
There are a few suggested sunrise and sunset Temples for you to choose from. For sunrise, there are only three temples open from 5.00am. For sunset, only a couple stay open past 5.30pm, we found this out the hard way when we went to Angkor Wat for sunset, and the gates closed at 5.30pm and we were ushered out.
General Temple opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm.
Sunrise options: Angkor Wat, Pre Rup Temple, Phnom Bakheng (Bakheng mountain is a 70 metre high hill)
Sunset options: Pre Rup Temple or Phnom Bakheng.
Note: Phnom Bakheng is the most popular sunset site and numbers are limited to 300 people at the top. During high season, you may find yourself queuing to reach the top at the time of sunset.
Angkor Archaelogical Park is huge
1 day or 3 day ticket?
If you only have one day to explore Temples, there are five which are listed in every standard tour. Although I found this is a good indication of which ones are considered the best, I personally disagree with a couple. My suggestion of which Temples to visit on a one-day tour, including sunset the previous day would be (in this order):
Pre Rup (sunset the night before)
Angkor Wat for sunrise
Ta Prohm
Preah Khan
Ta Som
Bayon
If I am 100% honest, if you are tired, have temple fatigue, your feet are aching or whatever, skip Ta Som. You don’t have to force yourself to visit all five just because you have paid for the ticket, as you may not appreciate their beauty.
Purchase a three-day ticket if you are a temple lover, then you can enjoy visiting the smaller, less visited temples.
I personally didn’t feel the three-day ticket was worth the cost and in hindsight, we would have been happy with a one-day ticket, but others may disagree. I do feel we did our best to get value from our three-day ticket but were totally “templed out” by the end.
If you only have one day to explore Temples, there are five which are listed in every standard tour. Although I found this is a good indication of which ones are considered the best, I personally disagree with a couple. My suggestion of which Temples to visit on a one-day tour, including sunset the previous day would be (in this order):
Pre Rup (sunset the night before)
Angkor Wat for sunrise
Ta Prohm
Preah Khan
Ta Som
Bayon
If I am 100% honest, if you are tired, have temple fatigue, your feet are aching or whatever, skip Ta Som. You don’t have to force yourself to visit all five just because you have paid for the ticket, as you may not appreciate their beauty.
Purchase a three-day ticket if you are a temple lover, then you can enjoy visiting the smaller, less visited temples.
I personally didn’t feel the three-day ticket was worth the cost and in hindsight, we would have been happy with a one-day ticket, but others may disagree. I do feel we did our best to get value from our three-day ticket but were totally “templed out” by the end.
All the iconic Temples are featured in this area
Our guide to visiting the Temples of Angkor Wat
Temple 1 – Sunset at Pre Rup
A Hindu Temple dedicated to Shiva, Pre Rup was built 961AD or 962AD. Its name means “turn the body” because Cambodian’s believe funerals were conducted here, and the ashes of the body were rotated as the service progressed.
Temple 1 – Sunset at Pre Rup
A Hindu Temple dedicated to Shiva, Pre Rup was built 961AD or 962AD. Its name means “turn the body” because Cambodian’s believe funerals were conducted here, and the ashes of the body were rotated as the service progressed.
Entrance to Pre Rup
After purchasing our ticket, our driver dropped us off at the entrance. We walked up steep steps to reach the top, and were greeted with stone Lion Statues. It was a popular sunset site and people were already taking their place for the view. So we did the same.
Around Pre Rup you will see beautiful stone lion statutes
As the sun sets, it turns Pre Rup into this rich burnt orange colour
As the sun sunk lower in the sky, it highlighted Pre Rup’s burnt orange colour. The sun dipped behind a cloud before it had fully set, so we took this opportunity to walk back down the steep steps before they became too precarious.
The steps down Pre Rup Temple - we are glad we did this at twilight and not in the dark!
At the bottom there was a small pond which provided a beautiful reflective opportunity of the Temple in the water. I am so pleased we walked down when we did, the reflective photo was a highlight for me, and gave a taster of what I would hope to see at Angkor Wat for sunrise. (Note: the pond will only be filled with water during the rainy season, it will not be here during the dry season and you will be unable to capture this photograph).
Stunning reflective shot of Pre Rup which you can only capture during wet season
This reflective photo of Pre Rup gave us a taster for what we hoped to see at Angkor Wat
This was the first temple we visited and in truth, I can imagine it could be underwhelming after visiting the other behemoths, but for a first sunset temple, I personally feel it was a good choice. This is also a popular temple to visit for sunrise, and would be far less crowded than Angkor Wat.
Pre Rup just after the sun has set
Temple 2 - Angkor Wat Sunrise
Angkor Wat was constructed by Khmer King Suryavarman II between 1122 – 1135 taking 30 years to build, and was originally a Hindu Temple dedicated to Vishnu. After 1432 when the capital of Cambodia was moved to Phnom Penh, Buddhist Monks looked after the Temple, and around the 16th Century it became a Buddhist Temple.
We wanted our sunrise at Angkor Wat to be as magical as we had seen in photos, so on a daily basis, we monitored the weather using the YR and Accuweather apps. For days the sky would cloud over at sunset or rain during the day, then we saw our chance. We booked a driver, it was a done deal.
The benefit of visiting a country in rainy season means it has less tourists, and at a place as heavily visited as Angkor Wat, this can only be a good thing. In truth, it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, it’s going to be busy. To get a good position for sunrise, we asked our driver to pick us up at 4.45am, the gates open at 5.00am.
After parking we knew where we were heading – to the pond for the iconic reflective photograph. Handing our tickets to the inspectors, we walked over the bouncy bridge into the main complex then turned left, following the path (and other people).
Angkor Wat was constructed by Khmer King Suryavarman II between 1122 – 1135 taking 30 years to build, and was originally a Hindu Temple dedicated to Vishnu. After 1432 when the capital of Cambodia was moved to Phnom Penh, Buddhist Monks looked after the Temple, and around the 16th Century it became a Buddhist Temple.
We wanted our sunrise at Angkor Wat to be as magical as we had seen in photos, so on a daily basis, we monitored the weather using the YR and Accuweather apps. For days the sky would cloud over at sunset or rain during the day, then we saw our chance. We booked a driver, it was a done deal.
The benefit of visiting a country in rainy season means it has less tourists, and at a place as heavily visited as Angkor Wat, this can only be a good thing. In truth, it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, it’s going to be busy. To get a good position for sunrise, we asked our driver to pick us up at 4.45am, the gates open at 5.00am.
After parking we knew where we were heading – to the pond for the iconic reflective photograph. Handing our tickets to the inspectors, we walked over the bouncy bridge into the main complex then turned left, following the path (and other people).
As you enter the gates of Angkor Wat, you will cross this bouncy bridge to head into the complex
Finding a good spot at the left pond we stood still, we had timed it just right! Literally within 15 minutes people were all around us. Some people stopped at the main gates of Angkor, some people stood in the pond to ensure no one was in front of them, and others took a bag or blanket to sit on (this is actually a good idea as you will be here for about an hour).
It's busy around the pond at 5am!
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As you can see, this is a popular sunrise spot
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From darkness, the sun slowly began to rise. Roosters could be heard and birds were singing all around. Patiently we waited then boom! We got what we came for – a sunrise with a reflective view. We timed our day perfectly and couldn’t be happier.
Staring at Angkor Wat before the sun begins to show is mesmerising
The sun is starting to rise behind Angkor Wat
Words cannot truly describe the feeling of watching the sun appear behind Angkor Wat
When the sun was past the horizon, it was time to wander around this ancient complex. You could easily spend an hour or two wandering up and down, in and around. There is a path around the outside with green grass and stone statues.
The entrance to Angkor Wat Temple
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Well preserved carvings are all around Angkor Wat
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One of the trees towering above Angkor Wat which helps provide such a beautiful sunrise photo
Bas relief carvings are on all four sides of the outer walls. For some, the Reliefs are one of the main reasons for visiting Angkor Wat. Each bas-relief section tells a story of a battle between the gods and demons. Inscriptions are written in both Sansrit and Khmer, to better understand these ancient drawings, you will need a guide.
There are hundreds of Bas Reliefs all around Angkor Wat
Each Bas Relief tells a story which can be relayed through a guide
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According to Hindu mythology, which the Khmer people absorbed from Indian traders, the gods live on the five-peaked Mount Meru, surrounded by an ocean. To replicate this geography, the Khmer King Suryavarman II designed a five-towered temple surrounded by an enormous moat. Construction on his lovely design began in 1140. Each of Angkor Wat's five towers is shaped like an unopened lotus blossom.
Our last few minutes at Angkor Wat Temple
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The final view before we leave
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Angkor Wat Sunset
Angkor Wat at sunset? But it’s not on the list of options? Correct, and we found out the hard way. We had bought a three day ticket and had only used two days, so planned to get the value out of the third day. We chose to visit Angkor Wat for sunset knowing there were less crowds later in the day.
Angkor Wat at sunset? But it’s not on the list of options? Correct, and we found out the hard way. We had bought a three day ticket and had only used two days, so planned to get the value out of the third day. We chose to visit Angkor Wat for sunset knowing there were less crowds later in the day.
Cheers!
We asked our tuk tuk driver to drop us off at the east entrance, walked up the quiet gravel path, and found a grassy area with large stones to sit down. We had purchased a couple of cans of beer to enjoy as the sun was setting. For us, a cold beer whilst watching the sun dip behind the horizon is the perfect way to relax.
The sky was a gorgeous blue but also slightly cloudy so wasn’t a perfect sunset, but it was pretty enough for us. The sun sunk behind the iconic spheres and it was beautiful.
The sky was a gorgeous blue but also slightly cloudy so wasn’t a perfect sunset, but it was pretty enough for us. The sun sunk behind the iconic spheres and it was beautiful.
Angkor Wat just before sunset
Hauntingly beautiful silhouette of the stunning Angkor Wat before sunset
Of course we weren’t meant to be here, and security guards patrolling the perimeter asked us to leave. But not before we captured just one more sunset photo …
Last view of the Temple at sunset. Good bye Angkor Wat, you have been epic
Temple 3 - Ta Phrom: The “Tomb Raider” Temple
Ta Phrom was built in 1186 as a Buddhist Temple by King Jayavarman VII, to honour his mother. It was originally called Rajavihara (Monastery of the King). Ta Promh is complimented by Preah Khan which was built to honour the King’s father.
Ta Phrom was built in 1186 as a Buddhist Temple by King Jayavarman VII, to honour his mother. It was originally called Rajavihara (Monastery of the King). Ta Promh is complimented by Preah Khan which was built to honour the King’s father.
Entrance to Ta Phrom "Tomb Raider" Temple
After the fall of the Khmer Empire in the 15th Century, Ta Phrom was left abandoned. The jungle began to grow in and around some of the stones, and huge strangler fig tree roots swallow them. Large moss covered stones and dilapidated towers lay in crumbled piles around the temple. When it was discovered, the jungle had reclaimed the ruins to such an extent, it was decided to leave it as it was.
After sunrise, we head straight to Ta Phrom about 10 minutes away. The Temple is still undergoing restoration, and there are areas closed off to visitors. Many of the precariously balance stones weigh more than a tonne, so for obvious safety reasons, you cannot just walk anywhere you choose.
After sunrise, we head straight to Ta Phrom about 10 minutes away. The Temple is still undergoing restoration, and there are areas closed off to visitors. Many of the precariously balance stones weigh more than a tonne, so for obvious safety reasons, you cannot just walk anywhere you choose.
You can see nature reclaiming the stones as soon as you walk into this jungle temple
Ta Phrom is very atmospheric, I could easily let my imagination run away, and can see why it was chosen for a Tomb Raider movie. In places, the Temple is more green than stone coloured, and the ancient sky-high trees towering above cast shadows all around. The “Tomb Raider” Tree is in the central sanctuary, but is currently roped off to stop tourists damaging the temple and the tree roots.
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Walking over steps, from room to room through thick stone walls and down narrow corridors we navigated the best route across sandy uneven rocks. I couldn’t help but feel a little like Lara Croft.
Walking through corridors of the Temple
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Crumbled dilapidated stones lay scattered like huge Jenga blogs. Nature has reclaimed this building making it a mysteriously beautiful temple.
At times it felt like we were treading somewhere secret. It was eerily quiet. There were many moments when we had the Temple to ourselves, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect visit.
At times it felt like we were treading somewhere secret. It was eerily quiet. There were many moments when we had the Temple to ourselves, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect visit.
Dilapidated stones look like huge moss covered jenga blocks
Temple 4 - Preah Khan
Preah Khan isn’t one of the temples on the standard tour but is featured on the Grand Tour. I personally feel it’s one of the must-see Temples because it looks and feels so different to all the others.
Preah Khan isn’t one of the temples on the standard tour but is featured on the Grand Tour. I personally feel it’s one of the must-see Temples because it looks and feels so different to all the others.
Preah Khan is a less visited temple, but one of my favourites
Built at the end of 12 century as a Buddhist Temple for King Javavarman VII, honouring his father who was King of the Khmer Empire between 1150 – 1160. The name Preah Khan means Royal or Holy Sword.
To reach the temple, you must first cross a bridge over a moat. The bridge contains stone soldiers pulling naga serpents. Many statues have lost their heads and are in a state of disrepair, but a few remain intact.
To reach the temple, you must first cross a bridge over a moat. The bridge contains stone soldiers pulling naga serpents. Many statues have lost their heads and are in a state of disrepair, but a few remain intact.
Entrance to Preah Khan
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This was the most enjoyable for me of the lesser known temples. The moat and the statues on the bridge made it quite special and unique, plus there were fewer tourists which makes for a more relaxed experience.
Hardly any restoration has begun on this Temple, and I found it surprisingly well preserved. Set within the backdrop of a jungle, this large, intricate temple has moss and red copper covered stones.
The jungle is claiming Preah Khan
Walk through stone rooms, corridors and chambers, admire the bas reliefs and carvings, it really is quite lovely and, as mentioned, my favourite of all the lesser known temples.
Temple 5 – Ta Som
Definitely the smallest of all the Temples, you could probably spend 30-45 minutes here. Ta Som was also built at the end of 12 century for King Jayavarman VII and, like Preah Khan, this temple honoured his father.
Ta Som was the smallest temple we visited
People compare Ta Som to Ta Phrom which I can understand as it has a jungle feel about it., but I would l say it’s a smaller version of both Ta Phrom and the Bayon.
There are a couple of stone faces, a couple of tree roots reclaiming the stone, and piles of crumbled stones covered in moss. With no crowds, Ta Som is a lovely temple to explore away from all the madness.
Note: The child sellers at this temple were very persistent but please do not give money to the begging children or purchase anything from them. Families send their kids to earn money instead of going to school and if you buy postcards or any other form of souvenir from them, you are encouraging this practice. Education is so important for the future of Cambodia.
There are a couple of stone faces, a couple of tree roots reclaiming the stone, and piles of crumbled stones covered in moss. With no crowds, Ta Som is a lovely temple to explore away from all the madness.
Note: The child sellers at this temple were very persistent but please do not give money to the begging children or purchase anything from them. Families send their kids to earn money instead of going to school and if you buy postcards or any other form of souvenir from them, you are encouraging this practice. Education is so important for the future of Cambodia.
Temple 6 - The Bayon: The Temple with Many Faces
The Bayon is one of the most popular temples with crowds forming from as early at 8.30am. If you visit later in the day, it will be quieter, but don’t skip it! Structure your day so you include The Bayon as a must-see Temple, famous for the huge 216 carved stone faces which jut out from 54 gothic towers.
Built at the end of the 12th century as the only Buddhist Shrine dedicated to Buddha, thankfully The Bayon is situated in the centre of the Angkor Thom complex. If your feet are aching/you have blisters from the heat, the good news is your tuk tuk can drive you to the entrance, and park right outside the Temple.
The Bayon is one of the most popular temples with crowds forming from as early at 8.30am. If you visit later in the day, it will be quieter, but don’t skip it! Structure your day so you include The Bayon as a must-see Temple, famous for the huge 216 carved stone faces which jut out from 54 gothic towers.
Built at the end of the 12th century as the only Buddhist Shrine dedicated to Buddha, thankfully The Bayon is situated in the centre of the Angkor Thom complex. If your feet are aching/you have blisters from the heat, the good news is your tuk tuk can drive you to the entrance, and park right outside the Temple.
The Amazing Bayon - the Temple with many faces
The faces can be seen staring down at you all around, sometimes it’s awesome, other times is eerie; eyes are looking at you wherever you turn.
Entrance to the Bayon
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A Bas Relief at the entrance of the Bayon
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The Bayon is nothing short of spectacular. The faces are a mixture of smiling and stony-faced (excuse the pun), and, if you position yourself correctly, you can capture the insta-worthy photo of you nose-to-nose with one of the huge faces. Cheesy? Maybe, but who cares? You are visiting one of the world’s most iconic Temples, so capture those moments (there will be plenty of people here having their own photo shoots!)
Cheesy got-to-be-done nose to nose photo with a giant face!
Which Temple was used for filming Lara Craft: Tomb Raider?
Most people associate Ta Phrom as the Tomb Raider Temple, but actually we noticed a few. I will tell you the scenes and Temples below, however I suggest you re-watch the movie before or after your visit. It’s always good watching a movie after you have visited iconic scenes!
Most people associate Ta Phrom as the Tomb Raider Temple, but actually we noticed a few. I will tell you the scenes and Temples below, however I suggest you re-watch the movie before or after your visit. It’s always good watching a movie after you have visited iconic scenes!
Phnom Bakheng – It’s from this popular sunset hill that Lara takes out her binoculars and spies her rivals Alex West (Daniel Craig) and Manfred Powell (Iain Glen) trying to get into the tomb.
The Bayon – Cut to the scene looking through Lara’s binoculars. Alex West and Manfred Powell are ordering their minions to pull faster on tug-o-war ropes and open the many-faced temple of the Bayon.
Ta Phrom – The most popular Temple and most associated with the movie. After Lara spies her rivals through her binoculars, she drives in her landrover to Ta Phrom. As she walks through this temple, Lara picks a jasmine out of the ground, which opens up to swallow her.
Angkor Wat – After Lara retrieves the triangle half, she visits a Monk at Angkor Wat who heals her cut arm. This is where she telephones Manfred Powell to arrange their meet in Venice.
The Bayon – Cut to the scene looking through Lara’s binoculars. Alex West and Manfred Powell are ordering their minions to pull faster on tug-o-war ropes and open the many-faced temple of the Bayon.
Ta Phrom – The most popular Temple and most associated with the movie. After Lara spies her rivals through her binoculars, she drives in her landrover to Ta Phrom. As she walks through this temple, Lara picks a jasmine out of the ground, which opens up to swallow her.
Angkor Wat – After Lara retrieves the triangle half, she visits a Monk at Angkor Wat who heals her cut arm. This is where she telephones Manfred Powell to arrange their meet in Venice.
Watch the Tomb Raider movie before your visit and you will see this iconic shot
What Tomb Raider did for Cambodia was amazing, and possibly helped put the country back on the map. During the two weeks of filming in 2001, there was a $10,000 per day charge, and this money was used to help repair and preserve Temples in the complex. In the movie, over four hundred locals played a part, including 100 genuine Buddhist Monks. You can even have a Tomb Raider themed cocktail consisting of Cointreau, soda and lime which is said to have been Angelina Jolie’s favourite drink during filming.
I enjoyed a Tomb Raider cocktail at the Temple Bar in Pub Street, one of the best rooftop bars in Siem Reap. We then crossed over the road and had an Anchor Beer in the Angkor What? pub opposite. Cliché? Abso-flaming-lutely!
I enjoyed a Tomb Raider cocktail at the Temple Bar in Pub Street, one of the best rooftop bars in Siem Reap. We then crossed over the road and had an Anchor Beer in the Angkor What? pub opposite. Cliché? Abso-flaming-lutely!
A Tomb Raider cocktail
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A pint of Anchor in Angkor What? bar after visiting Angkor Wat
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Getting around the Angkor Complex
Tuk Tuk Cost: A 5 temple/7 hour trip is anything between $13 = $15, plus a $5 sunrise pick up.
The Angkor complex is huge, so you will need a way of travelling between temples. If you are on a budget you can cycle to the complex and between the temples, but be prepared to cycle in the heat (or the rain). The distance from Siem Reap City the Temple complex is around 6.5km.
When you are at the Temples, you can walk at your own pace, hire a guide, or do an audio tour. We chose not to have a guide, as we prefer to wander around at our own pace.
Tuk Tuk Cost: A 5 temple/7 hour trip is anything between $13 = $15, plus a $5 sunrise pick up.
The Angkor complex is huge, so you will need a way of travelling between temples. If you are on a budget you can cycle to the complex and between the temples, but be prepared to cycle in the heat (or the rain). The distance from Siem Reap City the Temple complex is around 6.5km.
When you are at the Temples, you can walk at your own pace, hire a guide, or do an audio tour. We chose not to have a guide, as we prefer to wander around at our own pace.
Tours are a popular and stress-free way of visiting the temples
The easiest way of getting between the temples is to hire a tuk tuk driver, your accommodation can arrange this or you can haggle with someone on the roadside. For one of our day tours we used Nasa Angkor Driver tel: 017332270 / 081325080 / 0977274700.
There is a standard Small Tour, Grand Tour, or you can custom make your own. The cost will vary, plus there is a supplement to pay for sunrise.
My advice is not to try and see too many temples in one day, otherwise you won't appreciate their beauty, and you will feel “all templed out” with temple fatigue. Although we paid for a 5 temple/7 hour tour, we only saw 3 temples on the first day and were out for 5 hours (including sunrise).
Temple Tips and Code of Conduct
There is a standard Small Tour, Grand Tour, or you can custom make your own. The cost will vary, plus there is a supplement to pay for sunrise.
My advice is not to try and see too many temples in one day, otherwise you won't appreciate their beauty, and you will feel “all templed out” with temple fatigue. Although we paid for a 5 temple/7 hour tour, we only saw 3 temples on the first day and were out for 5 hours (including sunrise).
Temple Tips and Code of Conduct
Please respect the Visitor Code of Conduct
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Dress Code: The Temples are places of worship, so you need to dress respectfully. Both women and men need to cover their shoulders and knees, you will not be allowed entrance if you aren’t dressed in a respectful way. Walking shorts are fine, but take the zip off legs just in case.
Footwear: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or trainers. There are a lot of steps, some very narrow and steep, and you will be doing a lot of walking into each temple. Child beggars: Do not buy anything from the children in or around the Temples. You may think they are cute and yes their families need the money, but you will be entering into a vicious cycle of keeping the children away from school and their education. Education is the key to children’s future, not your $1. |
Elephant rides: Please, for the love of elephants and the pain and suffering they endure for humans to ride them, Do not ride an elephant at any of the temples.
Toilets: If you see one – use it! We only saw one at Banteray Srei out of all the temples we visited.
Cameras: Do make sure your camera battery and your spare battery are both fully charged. You will need it!
Toilets: If you see one – use it! We only saw one at Banteray Srei out of all the temples we visited.
Cameras: Do make sure your camera battery and your spare battery are both fully charged. You will need it!
Wondering what to pack for your next trip? Let us help you with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!)
Travel and Visa information
- A 30 day tourist Visa (cost is $30) can be obtained on arrival at Siem Reap and Phnom Penh airports. It’s the quickest, most efficient visa application we have experienced.
Note: You may have to show an onward flight. We flew from Singapore with Jetstar. At the document check counter, we were asked to show our flight out of Cambodia. This is the first we had heard about having to provide proof of an onward journey, but thankfully we had a ticket. I am unsure if other airlines ask for this, whether the man was having a bad day, or if it’s required at border crossings by land, but I thought it’s worth a mention. - Official currency – Cambodia uses two currencies; Cambodian Riel and US Dollars. Most prices are quoted in US$ but you can pay with a mixture of both currencies. Change will often be given the same way. Eg: A $2 taxi ride can be paid with $1 and 4,000 riel.
$4,000 riel = $1.
5,28 = £1
4,764 = Euro - Driving – right hand side of the road.
- Tipping – Not compulsory or expected, however if tipping is your country’s custom, or you feel you had a nice tuk tuk driver, good tour guide or tasty meal, then by all means feel free to tip a $1, or tell them to keep the change.
- Data – Buy a Smart sim card for $3 which lasts for 1 month. At the airport, we saw a sign for 26G data for $6, in town we bought 4G for $5. Download the Smart App to monitor data, or dial *087*888# from your phone.
- Pass App or the Grab App are cheap and easy ways of getting around the city.
How to get to Siem Reap
Fly: Siem Reap has a good size International Airport.
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Bus: from Phnom Penh: Giant Ibis tickets cost $16 (plus $1 booking fee), the journey takes 6 hours. You can book online in advance with 12Go Asia.
There is good legroom, charging point, wi-fi, plus 2 stops for toilet/lunch A portion of Giant Ibis ticket sales goes towards BirdLife International, who help preserve Cambodia’s critically endangered national bird, the Giant Ibis. |
Getting around Siem Reap
There is no public transport so Khmer Tuk-Tuks and rickshaws are the only way to travel. If you enjoy haggling for the best price, use a street driver, fares should be between $1-$2. For a haggle-free experience, download the local Pass App or Grab App, they are often cheaper than the street drivers.
There is no public transport so Khmer Tuk-Tuks and rickshaws are the only way to travel. If you enjoy haggling for the best price, use a street driver, fares should be between $1-$2. For a haggle-free experience, download the local Pass App or Grab App, they are often cheaper than the street drivers.
Khmer Tuk-Tuk
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Rickshaw
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Where to stay in Siem Reap
We stayed in these three different places:
Budget: Panda Angkor is a little further from the centre (Pub Street), but was clean and comfortable, breakfast included.
Quiet Hostel: The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker is more like a hotel than a hostel. Excellent location in the Wat Bo area, and a 10-15 walk along the river into the centre. Quiet, decent sized room, swimming pool, but breakfast isn’t included.
Mid-range Hotel: Soria Moria Boutique Hotel (now Everland Boutique Hotel) was amazing. Excellent location in the Wat Bo area, and a 10 minute walk along the river into the centre. Huge rooms, quiet, breakfast included.Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel also receives rave reviews.
Other options to consider:
Party Hostel: If you want to party, Mad Monkey or Funky Flashpacker both receive rave reviews.
Luxury Hotel: Angkor Note Residence (formerly Jaya House River Park) receives rave reviews. Park Hyatt Siem Reap is another favourable hotel, they also serve an amazing afternoon tea.
We stayed in these three different places:
Budget: Panda Angkor is a little further from the centre (Pub Street), but was clean and comfortable, breakfast included.
Quiet Hostel: The Siem Reap Chilled Backpacker is more like a hotel than a hostel. Excellent location in the Wat Bo area, and a 10-15 walk along the river into the centre. Quiet, decent sized room, swimming pool, but breakfast isn’t included.
Mid-range Hotel: Soria Moria Boutique Hotel (now Everland Boutique Hotel) was amazing. Excellent location in the Wat Bo area, and a 10 minute walk along the river into the centre. Huge rooms, quiet, breakfast included.Baby Elephant Boutique Hotel also receives rave reviews.
Other options to consider:
Party Hostel: If you want to party, Mad Monkey or Funky Flashpacker both receive rave reviews.
Luxury Hotel: Angkor Note Residence (formerly Jaya House River Park) receives rave reviews. Park Hyatt Siem Reap is another favourable hotel, they also serve an amazing afternoon tea.
Our room in The Chilled Backpacker
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Our room in Soria Moria
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Learn the lingo
Learning just a few words of the local Khmer language will bring a smile to locals’ faces, and make you feel part of their culture instead of just another tourist.
Hello - Susadei (soos-a-day) NB: informal
How are you/I am fine - Soksaby (soks-a-bye) NB: The same word used for both
Goodbye - Lee hi – Goodbye NB: informal
Thank you - Arkun
No - Ot The (ot-tei) – (you will need this for the persistent tuk tuk drivers!)
Sorry or excuse me - Som Dtoh (som-toe)
Learning just a few words of the local Khmer language will bring a smile to locals’ faces, and make you feel part of their culture instead of just another tourist.
Hello - Susadei (soos-a-day) NB: informal
How are you/I am fine - Soksaby (soks-a-bye) NB: The same word used for both
Goodbye - Lee hi – Goodbye NB: informal
Thank you - Arkun
No - Ot The (ot-tei) – (you will need this for the persistent tuk tuk drivers!)
Sorry or excuse me - Som Dtoh (som-toe)
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra, the small commission we may earn will help support the FeetDoTravel community.
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This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity and download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this post.
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Need more advice? The Lonely Planet books have always been my first point of reference! Alternatively, other people prefer the style of The Rough Guide - take your pick!
Have you visited Angkor Wat? Which was your favourite Temple? Do you have any tips you can share with us? Talk to us in the comment section below!
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Travelling around Cambodia & South East Asia? Check out these related posts!
Siem Reap Pagoda Cats - Better Than Any Cat Cafe
Best Rooftop Bars in Siem Reap
Street Art in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
My Chiang Mai
Temple Tour Chiang Mai
Why You Should Visit Chiang Rai
Temple-Tastic Chiang Rai
Elephant Valley Thailand - Where Elephants Come First
It's a Monk's Life (Interview with Buddhist Monks)
Ping Pong at Patpong
Penang: City of Surprises
Penang Street Art
20 Free Things to Do in Singapore
15 Things to Do in Canggu, Bali
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Is Pink Beach Lombok worth Visiting?
Lembongan - Bali but Better
Gili Air - The Perfect Island?
Gili Trawangan - Not Just a Party Island!
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Komodo, Flores: More Than Just Dragons
If you are travelling around Cambodia and Asia, we recommend you check bus, boat and train schedules ahead of time with 12Go Asia. You can also book your tickets in advance online (as we did) to save time and hassle.
Do you want to be a better traveller and reduce your single use plastic? Hop over to our Travel Shop for inspiration. Refillable water bottles, reusable cutlery, bamboo straws, bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste power, shampoo bars and many more ideas.
Book your Siem Reap, Cambodia, Asia, weekend break or any holiday hotel through our website. We always use Booking.com, and are proud to have a partnership with them. Click on the icon and search as normal. (If you are on a mobile phone, turn the device horizontally, the “search” button will be bottom right).
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