Angkor Wat
Cambodia, Asia
The largest religious monument on Earth, slowly being reclaimed by jungle.
A vast 12th-century temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the largest religious monument in the world. Built as a Hindu temple and later turned Buddhist, its towers and bas-relief carvings draw crowds at sunrise.
Our honest take
Angkor is extraordinary but most people do it wrong, they buy a 1-day pass, see 3 temples at sunrise with 5000 others, and leave exhausted. Buy the 3-day pass, skip sunrise at Angkor Wat (go at 2pm instead), and explore the jungle temples where you'll be alone.
Why go
- Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider temple) with tree roots consuming stone is unforgettable
- The scale of Angkor Thom's Bayon faces is impossible to photograph
- 3-day pass lets you find temples with zero tourists
Skip if you can
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat main reflecting pool, 3000 people, same photo as everyone else
- Tuk-tuk drivers who rush you through the 'small circuit' in 4 hours
Things to do
Where locals eat
Cambodia's signature dish: fish in a coconut-and-kroeung (lemongrass curry paste) mousse, steamed in a banana leaf. Milder and more fragrant than Thai curry.
Cuisine Wat Damnak or Malis in nearby Siem Reap, the base town for visiting Angkor
Stir-fried marinated beef served over lettuce and tomato with a lime-and-Kampot-pepper dipping sauce and often a fried egg.
A local Khmer restaurant
Rice noodles topped with a green fish-and-lemongrass gravy and piles of raw vegetables, the classic Cambodian breakfast.
A morning market stall in Siem Reap
Crab stir-fried with fresh green Kampot peppercorns, Kampot pepper is a prized Cambodian product with protected-origin status.
A seafood-focused Khmer restaurant
Costs
Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).
Temple pass: $37/1-day, $62/3-day, $72/7-day. Tuk-tuk: $15-20/day. Meal: $3-8.
Getting there
Where to stay
Central, walkable, restaurants, nightlife
Quieter, local feel, boutique hotels
Resort hotels with pools, further from centre
Good to know
- Extreme heat, start at 7am, rest midday, return at 3pm
- Bring 3+ litres of water per day
- Dress code enforced: shoulders and knees covered
- Watch for loose stones and steep temple stairs
- Landmine areas exist outside main temples, stay on paths
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.
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