Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s biggest attraction.
Every year, roughly 2.5 million people flock to Siem Reap to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park.
The temples scattered throughout the park are all unique and magnificent in their own way, but Angkor Wat is the biggest and most popular of them all.
If you’ve been researching Angkor Wat, you’ve probably come across the legendary Angkor Wat sunrise.
And now you’re debating whether or not it’s worth waking up at 4:00am for.
As someone who has experienced the sunrise, I’m here to make your decision a little easier.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Angkor Wat sunrise (and the park in general).
Angkor Wat admission fees
First thing’s first – Angkor Wat admission fees.
There are three passes available that you can choose from.
- 1-day pass: $37 (valid the day of only)
- 3-day pass: $62 (valid for seven days from the date of purchase – can be used on 3 separate days)
- 7-day pass: $72 (valid for a month from the date of purchase – can be used on 7 separate days)
The ticket office is located about 7km away from the actual temple (which doesn’t make sense to me, but anyway).
The office is open from 5:00am-5:30pm.
Note: They accept any major credit card or cash (USD). Make sure your cash is in pristine condition, otherwise it won’t be accepted (just like everywhere else in Cambodia).
Transportation to Angkor Wat
You have a few options available in terms of transportation to Angkor Wat.
- Hire a tuk tuk driver: A private tuk tuk driver can be hired from your accommodation. If you want to do a half-day visit, it shouldn’t cost more than $18 for a private driver, or $7 for a shared driver. This means the driver will wait for you at every temple and drive you to the next one.
- Hire a private taxi driver: If you can afford it, you can hire a private taxi driver. It’ll cost you more than a tuk tuk (prices vary, so I’m not sure exactly how much). You can ask your accommodation or you can try booking one online.
- Rent a motorbike: You can rent a motorbike for the day for $10 and drive yourself. If you’re used to riding a motorbike in SE Asia, it really isn’t hard to navigate the streets of Siem Reap. The only threat it from cops pulling you over and fining you since you’re a foreigner riding in their city, but their checkpoints are normally on bridges, which you don’t need to cross to get to Angkor Wat.
- Rent a bicycle: If you’re not a fan of motorbikes, you can always rent a bicycle. The ride is about 7km from Siem Reap’s popular area (Pub Street). If you’re up for it, then by all means go for it. But keep in mind it gets extremely hot after 11am, so keep hydrated!
Note: You can also hire a certified guide to walk you through the temples and teach you the history of Angkor. Your accommodation should be able to help you find one.
Angkor Wat sunrise
Now for the piece de resistance.
As someone who hates waking up early, and who also considers “early” as being anything before 9:30am, I can assure you that the Angkor Wat sunrise is totally worth it.
Think about it – how often do you have to wake up at 4:00am in a year?
Probably just the once, and it’ll be for a once-in-a-lifetime view.
Here’s how to Angkor Wat sunrise itinerary goes:
- 4:00am: Wake up
- 4:20am: Have a small breakfast at your accommodation
- 4:30am: Tuk tuk driver picks you up
- 4:50am: Buy your Angkor pass
- 5:20am: Arrive at Angkor Wat
- 5:30am: Find a seat (on the grass/dirt) facing the temple, preferably in front of one of two ponds
- 6:00am: Be mesmerized by Angkor Wat sunrise and take loads of pics
- 6:30am: Explore Angkor Wat
Note: Bring a flashlight (or just the flashlight from your phone will do) as your walk from the parking area to the temple will be pitch-dark.
Another note: Dress appropriately. You have to cover your shoulders and your thighs. You can wear a t-shirt and pants (or shorts with a sarong wrapped around your waist).
Bayon Temple
Once you’re done exploring Angkor Wat, you can move on to Bayon Temple.
Its most distinctive feature is the multitude of faces carved in stones all throughout the temple.
Personally, this was my favorite temple out of the three we visited.
The faces as well as the intricate carvings on the walls are so impressive and beautiful.
If you’re short on time and only have a few temples to choose from, Bayon Temple should definitely be on your list.
Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb Raider temple)
Ta Prohm Temple is best known for being the location where Tomb Raider was filmed.
Is it as cool as you imagine it to be?
Yep.
There are huge trees with thick roots growing through and on top of the temple ruins.
Walking through Ta Prohm (and any other temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park for that matter) is like a portal through time to an ancient world.
Again, if you’re short on time, make sure you include Ta Prohm to your list of must-visit temples.
