"One's destination is never a place, but a new way to seeing things."
- Henry Miller
- Henry Miller
Angkor Wat tours and Cambodia travel information with the country specialist
Angkor Wat
Cambodia - Angkor temples overview
Angkor Wat, just outside Siem Reap in Cambodia, is the national symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag, and is the most significant of all the Angkor Temples. Since the publicised Angkor Wat temple "discovery" in the mid 19th century, it has been described as the largest religious building in the world, and is rightly spoken of as one of the wonders of the ancient world, along with sites such as Macchu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. The temple is located just over 6km from Siem Reap, is the centrepiece of the Angkor Archaeological Park, and has been UNESCO listed as a world heritage site since 1992. Angkor Wat temple highlights include the bas-reliefs that surround the lower galleries, and the chance to capture the sun rising over this architectural wonder.
Angkor Wat Tours
Angkor Wat's popularity means it is more important than ever to tour the temple with an experienced guide. Our Angkor Wat Tours page gives you the vital information to get an edge on your fellow visitors.
Angkor Wat tour notes
To visit Angkor Wat temple is around 6km north of Siem Reap, and travel takes about 10 minutes by car, or 20 mintues by tuk-tuk, following the main road north out of the town). An Angkor Wat temple plan is useful as this is a large temple. An expert local tour guide from Siem Reap will ensure you get the very best from your Angkor Wat tour, and enable you to see Angkor Wat without the crowds. As well as enabling you to see the best of the temple, your guide can explain the full Angkor Wat history, and discuss Angkor Wat restoration projects.
Itinerary planning
- Angkor Wat Cambodia - Sunrise at Angkor Wat, explore the temple, then drive out to Banteay Srei, returning via the twin temples East Mebon and Pre Rup.
- Angkor Wat Cambodia - Morning visit to Angkor Wat, then visit the Great Circuit temples of Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Banteay Samre, finishing with sunset at Pre Rup.
Frank Vincent in 1872...
"The general appearance of the wonder of the temple is beautiful and romantic as well as impressive and grand... it must be seen to be understood and appreciated"
Angkor Wat floor plan
Angkor Wat history summary
One of the largest Angkor temples, Angkor Wat was built under King Suryavarman II, the founder of Angkor Wat in the early 12th century. Originally built as a temple to Vishnu, it has been in continuous use as a Buddhist shrine since the adoption of Theravada Buddhism by the Khmer people, meaning it has remained in excellent condition over the centuries. Because of its symbolic representation of ancient Khmer nationhood, the temple survived the Khmer Rouge years relatively undamaged, and tourist numbers have increased steadily since the political situation stabilised.
ABOUTAsia Head Guide says
"Sunrises at Angkor Wat can be beautiful, but to avoid the crowds have an extra hour in bed and visit before 7am. The sunrise crowds will be ahead of you, yet the main rush will not be there until after 8am, so you can enjoy the temple at your leisure in the cool of the morning."
Cambodia travel information and Angkor Wat tour specialists ABOUTAsia are based in Siem Reap just 4km from Angkor Wat. At the heart of the organisation is a guiding research centre providing Cambodia vacation advice and industry leading tours planning.
Peerless service standards and local positioning have made us the tour operator of choice by international luxury travel groups and discerning independent travellers to Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
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