Angkor Wat

Full-day small-group and private Angkor Wat tours run from Siem Reap and take visitors around the complex; epic helicopter tours allow you to see the Hindu temple ruins from above; and sunrise or sunset tours are especially popular for photo opportunities. Many also combine a visit to Angkor Wat with the Angkor National Museum, to learn more about the construction of Angkor Wat and this historical site’s significance. If visiting independently, you can pick up 1-, 3-, and 7-day passes for the archaeological park at the entrance.

• Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most popular attraction, which makes for large crowds; book your tour in advance to guarantee entry.

• Angkor Wat is a sacred site for Khmer people, and visitors should dress modestly—to visit the top tier, you must have your upper arms and thighs covered.

• At any given time, a limited number of visitors can ascend to the top tier for views of the surrounding landscape.

• A lawn in the outer ring has two free-standing roofless libraries that serve as peaceful places to escape the inevitable crowds.

• All visitors enter through the west-facing main entrance; from here, the five inner and four outer towers serve as orientation points.

• Angkor Watt is not wheelchair accessible.

Angkor Wat is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of the town of Siem Reap in the Siem Reap Province. Travelers can arrive by tuk-tuk or choose a guided Angkor tour with round-trip transportation from the city.

Peak season at Angkor Wat is between November and February, when cool, dry weather makes for a pleasant visit. Huge crowds gather in the early morning to capture photos of the sun rising over the temple and its reflection in the site’s long pools. To beat the crowds, visit other temples first and save Angkor Wat for midday or try sunset instead.

The ancient temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park can take days to explore, but highlights include the masterpiece Angkor Wat, built to represent a temple mountain in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu; Ta Prohm, where banyan tree roots encroach on crumbling structures; the South Gate of Angkor Thom; the Bayon Temple, where ancient smiling stone faces sit atop high towers; and the high wall at the Terrace of the Leper King. Visitors with more time can also see further-flung sites like the pink stone temple of Banteay Srei, dating to the 10th century, or take a boat ride on Tonle Sap lake.

The best months to visit Angkor Wat are between November and April, the dry season in Cambodia. Heat and humidity plummet during this period, which makes exploring the sprawling archaeological complex far more comfortable. For better deals and fewer crowds, visit after the peak holiday season in February or March.

You don't need a tour guide for Angkor Wat, but you must buy an Angkor Wat ticket in the form of the Angkor Pass. However, exploring with a guide means you’ll be party to important historical and cultural information contextualizing the ruins. Tours often include transport between the temples, which are pretty far apart.

Yes, there is a dress code at Angkor Wat. The archaeological complex is one of Cambodia’s most sacred sites, so you must wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. While at some temples in Southeast Asia, it’s acceptable to cover your shoulders with a scarf, you'll need to wear a full t-shirt when exploring Angkor Wat.

One of Cambodia’s most iconic activities is visiting Angkor Wat at sunrise when the temple looks most magical. However, this is the most crowded time to visit the temple, so if you want to explore the site with fewer people, visit during the late afternoon and stay to watch the sunrise at one of the temples. Avoid midday when the sun reaches its peak.

Here are some handy things to know about Angkor Wat: Head to the complex early to avoid the midday heat; wear respectful clothing that covers your knees and shoulders; take a tuk-tuk between temples to save time; don't smoke in the complex; take plenty of water as shade is limited.

Yes, you should book an Angkor Wat tour in advance to ensure you get a spot on the experience that best suits you. Tours also take care of your Angkor Pass, which you can’t buy online and can only purchase from the ticket office on the day of your visit.