Travel Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat for 1 Day

Your complete discovery to Angkor Wat and Angkor Complex can’t exactly miss out either sunrise at itself Angkor Wat or sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Remember that both sites are always crowded.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple

Normally, you have to leave at the dawn (5.00am) straight to Angkor Wat temple or leave at 4.30am if you haven’t purchased Angkor ticket. Entering from the west Gopura of Angkor direct to the lily pond where you await to see the spectacular sunrise over Angkor Wat towers as well as the reflection from the lily pond. Once the sunrise ended, we advise you return to have breakfast at your hotel then leave again at 9.00am for the day exploration.

Day Exploration

Angkor Thom – The last capital city of Khmer Empire, was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Within Angkor Thom compound, it comprises some of interesting Angkorian temples and especially the main Bayon temple.

Start your exploration at the South Gate of Angkor Thom adorning with God & Demon balustrades which has a story about “Churning of The Ocean of Milk” whose sculptures are also found at the west gallery of Angkor Wat. Explore Bayon temple and other small temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of The Leper King and take some photos of Prasat Suor Prat. Resume visit Ta Prohm - the jungle temple with the stunning giant tree roots, it’s also where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.

Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat - the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.

Sunset at Phnom Bakheng

Phnom Bakheng is a temple mountain was founded by King Yasovarman at the end of 9th century in the purpose of dedicating to Shiva. Bakheng hill is considered as the best place to watch the beautiful twilight in the evening and it’s well appropriate for those who love taking photos of the sunset. However, Phnom Bakheng is only allowed 300 visitors maximum, it’s always touristy, there must be a queue and you have to arrive at the place before the allowance is out.

Bayon Temple

The most impressive classical style of Angkor temples, this Angkorian state temple was built in 12 century in the center of Angkor Thom, the arising 54 towers feature endless smiling stone faces and along with 2 large panels depicting mythological, historical and daily life scenes. At the temple, you will find it very interesting and there are a lot of chances to take beautiful photos.

Ta Prohm Temple

One of amazing Angkorian temples in the archaeological park away from Angkor Thom about 1km. Ta Prohm was built in the late 12th century in the reign of Jayavarman VII. The entire temple is being invaded by the jungle and covered by the intertwined tree roots which makes the temple looks more spectacular, photogenic as well as one of Angkor's most popular temples.

When is the best time to visit Ta Prohm?

While the crowds are gathering at Angkor Wat for sunrise, the temple should be less touristy around 7.00am but can’t guarantee because more and more tourists have had the same suggestion during this time. The photogenic and atmospheric moment will definitely cater your passion if you really love photographing.

Angkor Wat or Temple City

The incredible and the most extensive monument in the world, was built in 12th century by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu and later turned into a Buddhist temple. Surrounded by the moat and jungle, Angkor Wat is designed to represent Mount Meru - home of the devas in Hindu Mythology and it’s admired by large significant bas-reliefs depicting historical, mythology scenes, and also adorned by hundreds of Apsara sculptures including the one’s smile with teeth.  

Nowadays, the marvelous Angkor Wat is widely famed for her unrivaled masterpieces, unique architectures and incredible history that makes Cambodia one of the best destinations in Southeast Asia. Listed as one of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1992, Angkor Wat annually attracts more than 2 millions of tourists from over the world to come to visit her majestic complex and Angkor Wat temple is the must-see in your travel bucket when exploring Asia.

When is the best time to visit Angkor Wat and how long?

Angkor Wat is generally full of the crowds from the sunrise time to the evening but it seems a bit less touristy during the heat and low season (June to September) is an ideal to escape from the crowds. Spending 2 hours is the most basic to explore Angkor Wat and 1.3o hours when the top tower is not allowed to enter on holy days or you may spend more than 2 hours depends on your interest.

Dressing Code
Cambodia geographically stays in the tropical monsoon, its weather varies and annually brings wet and dry seasons, generally hot in during day time and a bit cooler at night, and in the early morning. You should wear whatever most comfortable but remember to dress appropriately to respect the locals and active religious sites; pagodas, temples and holy places. Clothes must cover your shoulders and knees when you wish to visit the top part at Angkor Wat.

Important: The top tower of Angkor Wat is strictly not allowed to enter on ceremony and special religious days. Additionally, the top part of Bayon temple is not allowed to enter the site from 01 January 2020 due to the maintenance.

For full day Angkor discover tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/full-day-angkor-discovery

For sunrise & Angkor discover tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/sunrise-angkor-wat-tour

Table of Contents
Phnom Penh Capital & Things to Do, See
About Siem Reap & The Surroundings
15 Best Things to Do & See in Siem Reap
Beaches, Islands and Coasts
Battambang & The Bamboo Train
Tribal Villages, Jungles, Wildlife and Nature

Cambodia Frequently Asking Questions
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Guide to Exploring Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Village

Guide to Exploring Tonle Sap Lake & Floating Village

Tonle Sap or "The Great Lake" is the most important lake in Cambodia as well as the most extensive freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, supplies fishes to half of the country's population. Officially listed in 1997 as World UNESCO biosphere reserve, this ecological site is the significant home for many species including rare endangered water-birds and its inhabitants whose lives rely on aquatic resources, flooded forests and the wetland swamps plus. Tonle Sap covers an area of 2500 square kilometers during the dry season and variably enlarges up to 6 times (15000 square kilometers) with 5-10 meter depth in the wet season from mid of August to early October. Not only providing a great shelter for many species, biodiversity and irrigation system for agriculture but Tonle Sap also annually attracts millions of tourists to see its impressive floating communities in some of provinces including Kampong Chhang, Pursat, Battambang and Siem Reap with the most interesting Kompong Phluk, Kompong Khleang, Chong Kneas & Mechrey whose local lives are animated by fishing activities, trading on rowing boats and its unique way to make a living on the water.

When is the best time to see Tonle Sap Lake?

When the water culminates from September to Mid of October, it is pretty much easy for local motor-boats to get around all the way from the piers directly to its floating villages. Things look greener and more interesting river activities can be seen when the boats are cruising pass from one to others. However, the best time still continues until the end of December when the water stays calm and there is no rain from November.

Ideas of floating villages for best travel experience!

Kompong Phluk Stilt-House Village & Mangrove

is famed for its pleasant mangroves where you enjoy the rowing boat going closer to the lines of stilt houses arising from the water about 10m high then continue the canoe goes through the mangroves where you can catch beautiful photos and enjoy the serenity. Resume the boat excursion to visit Tonle Sap, learn about ecosystem, reveal lifestyle on the water and explore the surroundings. The village locates at the edge of Tonle Sap Great Lake which is widely known as the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, just about 22km (30-40 mins-drive) from central Siem Reap. Tourists can access Kompong Phluk by overland from National Road 6, pass Bakong district onward direct to Kompong Phluk village or it is accessible by taking a local boat from Chong Kneas floating village through Tonle Sap Lake, which takes approx. 1 hour or 1.30 hours depends on the weather.

When is the time to see Kompong Phluk Village?

The best time to visit Kompong Phluk village is from September to January and morning tour is the most appropriate. Note: If you expect to visit any floating villages, you will definitely get disappointed because Kompong Phluk village doesn’t have any floating homes.

More about Kompong Phluk: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/kompong-phluks-stilt-houses-and-mangroves-but-not-floating-village/

See tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/kampong-phluk-tour

Kompong Khleang Stilt-House & Floating Village

is the most extensive stilt-house community at the edge of Tonle Sap, renowned for its amazing clusters of high stilt houses and ideally admired by floating village. In 2-3 hours of boat excursion, you can visit both insights of interesting stilt houses & floating homes along with daily fishing/trading activities on rowing boats, learn about ecosystem, lifestyle rely on aquatic resources and observe how people make the lake as home.

In the very dry season occurring from February to May, the surrounding of stilt houses is accessible on foot, more ground activities can be explored including vegetable farming, smoked fish making, fixing fishing-net/traps, visiting school, local market trading and so on. However, the boat trip is available for visiting floating village at the other side of Kompong Khleang but keep in mind that the boat will probably get stuck in the mud and you should get the latest update information when you plan to visit Kompong Khleang from middle March to May.

See tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/kompong-khleang-floating-village

Mechrey Floating Village

Offers half day trip to see its less touristy floating community of the impressive Tonle Sap Lake whose daily life animated by fishing/trading activities on their rowing boats and learn how life relies on aquatic resources. Local school and Buddhist pagoda are available for strolling around when your boat cruises away 4km from the boat dock. Unfortunately, Mechrey floating village has a limited period of the year for a visit, so make sure you plan to visit this village from September to January. By overland from central Siem Reap City, the journey makes approx. an hour from your hotel, drives along national road 6 to the west of Siem Reap about 12km and with 35 minutes through the dirt road, passing beautiful countryside, rice fields dotting with palm trees where you can have a photo-stop to capture picturesque photos before reaching Mechrey boat pier.

See tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/mechrey-floating-village-tour

Chong Kneas Floating Village

is the largest floating village of Tonle Sap which is popularly occupied by tourists and it is accessible for all year round but the boat trip doesn’t smoothly run through the canal in the very dry season occurring from April to the end of July. However, there is NO choice if you plan to visit Tonle Sap in the very dry season that Mechrey, Kompong Khleang and Kompong Phlu are totally impossible.

Chong Kneas is remarked as the nearest floating community of Tonle Sap in Siem Reap, takes approx. 35 minutes by overland from central town and the boat excursion to visit the village and the surrounding is about 1 hours to 2 hours depending on your interest and if you have a local tour guide accompanying you, it will take an hour longer. The primary things to see are river life, fishing activities, selling goods & vegetables on rowing boats, floating school, market – overall it is quite similar to Mechrey & Kompong Khleang floating houses (except stilt houses). Moring, afternoon or late afternoon with sunset option are available per day and it is appropriate short day trip for those who don’t have much time to explore Siem Reap.

A full day trip from Chong Kneas combines Kompong Phluk is also a custom-made if you’re really font of discovering Tonle Sap’s ecosystem and its rich biosphere.

Chong Kneas to Kompong Phluk tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/tonle-sap-lake-tour-full-day

Chong Kneas tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/tonle-sap-chong-kneas-floating-village

Warning!

There a lot of tourists have had bad experience on Chong Kneas floating village and many bad reviews about scam, cheating, hidden cost, pushing etc. can be found on TripAdvisor and on other giant travel communities. Ideally, Chong Kneas floating village is the last option for those who have a few hours for this trip and those who travel in the very dry season while other floating villages (Kompong Khleang, Mechrey etc.) are not interesting and not accessible due to the water level.

However, you can obviously avoid the scam, hidden cost, cheating and pushing on purchasing things if you book the trip from the right place who provides you accurate information and especially you have to have a local tour guide accompanying you in the boat excursion from the beginning of the tour to the end. While being with a local tour guide, the boat-man daren't push you to buy anything or even not ask you to pay extra for other services, you will feel comfortable and you only pay one price for your trip to Chong Kneas floating village.

Is driver able to help with this?

If you're lucky and found a driver who is honest, informative and warn you on what a scam should happen there and he is willing to accompanying you in the boat trip, YES this should be FANTASTIC and very useful. Remember that most of drivers work with boat association to make extra money on selling boat ticket and so on, and most likely drivers will not accompany you because they have to take care of their vehicles while they're awaiting for you during your journey to Chong Kneas floating village.

Floating Village in Battambang

Famed for its Prek Toal bird reserve, the boat excursion to visit the bird sanctuary always includes the highlights of the significant river-life of the inhabitants in the floating community in Battambang. You don’t have to stay in Battambang to make your visit to Prek Toal bird sanctuary, a fully guided day tour can be arranged from Siem Reap either departs from Chong Kneas or Mechrey but departing from Mechrey pier is highly recommended in term of the landscape and the tour value. Roughly takes 2 hours in the boat excursion to Prek Toal bird sanctuary, it provides picturesque views of The Great Lake, passing some floating villages animated by fishing activities, learning from your tour guide how people make the lake as home and observing rare endangered birdlife in the reserve area.

When is it possible to visit Prek Toal bird sanctuary?

To avoid the disappointment, Prek Toal bird sanctuary can be only visible from middle of November to the end of December when most of water birds including Greater Adjutants, Spot billed Pelican, Lesser Ducks, Comorans, Darters etc. are gathering to seek for food during the end of the breeding period before those migrate to other parts of Tonle Sap Lake. However, ensure that you should check for the latest update if you plan to explore the specialty of Prek Toal bird sanctuary.

See tour sample: https://www.guidingcambodia.com/prek-toal-bird-sanctuary-tour

Across Tonle Sap to Phnom Penh or Vice Versa

In full sense to discover the most Tonle Sap Lake & grab the insightful river life, a few nights on River Cruise is the greatest boat journey to see the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Capture the stunning river views of Tonle Sap & the mighty Mekong combining picturesque beauty of Cambodia meandering river which is animated by interesting river life, fishing activities and the highlight of floating villages, the gentle cruising on Tonle Sap & Mekong offers the best experience along with fresh breathtaking while unwind yourself on the cabin balcony. Inspiringly, the cruise adventure allows you to interact local people while on foot, your tour guide provides you the best insights of Cambodian lifestyle, experience short ride with fun on ox cart, get blessed by ritual water blessing and admired by tuk tuk to discover the island silk workshop. Your cruise journey will accomplish in Phnom Penh Capital of Cambodia or you can make this journey vice versa.

Table of Contents
Phnom Penh Capital & Things to Do, See
About Siem Reap & The Surroundings
15 Best Things to Do & See in Siem Reap
Beaches, Islands and Coasts
Battambang & The Bamboo Train
Tribal Villages, Jungles, Wildlife and Nature

Cambodia Frequently Asking Questions
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Cambodia Frequently Asking Questions

Frequently Asking Questions

Where is Cambodia?
Cambodia is in the tropical monsoon, situates between Vietnam and Thailand, and shares border with Laos at northern part, Southeast Asia. Cambodia covers 181,035 square kilometers of land and has a population of 15 million with density of 82 people per square kilometer.

Is Cambodia safe?

Yes, Cambodia is a truly safe country. There are occasional reports of petty theft and the occasional bar fight, but these can easily be avoided (especially the latter) if you exercise common sense. Do not leave your bag sitting at your feet while riding around in a tuk tuk or leave your expensive jewelry, cash or any valuable objects at unattended in a hotel’s room (better to keep it in a safety box). You will be warned not to carry much cash with you whenever you are on a trip. You don’t have to worry about landmines when you travel with local tour guide, 90% of landmines have been disarmed since the war completely ended. However, you are not allowed to enter a zone where you can see warning landmine boards especially the areas in the jungles near the borders.

How to get to Cambodia?

• By flight:
  Cambodia has two important international airports in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville & Siem Reap. If you travel from Europe, you always transit in Thailand or Vietnam and there are direct flights to Cambodia if you travel from Asia countries including Philippine, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam etc.
• By border crossing:
  Thailand: Poi Pet (Aranyaprathet) in Banteay Meanchhey, Cham Yeam (Had Lek) & Daun Lem (Ban Laem) in Koh Kong, O’Smach (Chong Jom) & Anlong Veng (Chong Sa Ngam) in Preah Vihear.
  Vietnam: Ba Vet (Moc Bai) & Kaam Samnor (Ving Xuong) in Svay Rieng, Phnom Den (Tinh Bien) in Ta Keo and Prek Chak (Ha Tien) in Kampot.
  Laos: Dom Kralor (Veun Kham) in Stung Treng.
• By speed boat:
  Vietnam: If you visit Mekong Delta River & Can Tho in Vietnam, you can catch speed boats from Chau Doc border (Cambodia’s site: Kao Orm Samnor) to Phnom Penh Capital. The boat excursion takes approx. 6 hours depending on the water level.

Who needs visa & how to get visa?

Some of Asian passport holders are officially allowed to enter Cambodia without visa and can stay in the country at least 15 days up to 30 days depending on ASEAN member-countries (Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam etc.) except Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan and Sri Lanka while most of European passport holders such as American, Canadian, French, Germany, Italian, Brazilian, Portuguese and Australian can obtain visa on arrival and online (e-visa).

Tourist visa for most nationality is available for 30 days either can be applied in advance (E-visa: $36) or on arrival ($30) at international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and at border crossing including Poi Pet (Aranyaprathet), Ba Vet (Moc Bai) and Koh Kong (Had Lek).

You can apply for e-visa through government official website: https://www.evisa.gov.kh

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, has at least one blank page and need a passport-size photo. If you don’t have this, you can pay a $2 fee and they will scan the photo from your passport.

What’s the weather like?
Cambodia geographically stays in tropical monsoon, dry (mid Oct to May) and wet (Jun to Oct) seasons but you probably experience a bit cool period at the end of December to early January. The Average temperature is from 34-37 degrees C in dry season while April to May sometimes reaches 40 degrees C. The rain begins from June and lasts through October, the rain is not constant, however, and may be characterized by afternoon or evening downpours. Some roads in the countryside will be impassable at this time as they get flooded or washed out.

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

We can say peak season (November to February) is the best period for your holiday trips to Cambodia but if you don’t want to see much crowd and get annoyed to push your way out, green season (June to October) would be an ideal as the best time in your mind to visit Cambodia when every things look green, wet, cool off and very less touristy.

Do I have to use local currency in Cambodia?
You don’t have to do exchange money when you arrival in Cambodia. The exchange rate is always behind a scam at the border crossing especially at Poi Pet. US dollar is largely accepted in Cambodia. One US dollar is equal 4000 Riel in the local currency. You will get small change in Riel if purchased items cost less than a dollar.

What kinds of clothing are suitable?

People should wear whatever they are most comfortable in but a fair amount of modesty should be exercised. Importantly, when visiting religious temples, women should cover their shoulders and properly dress below knees especially when visiting Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and at Agkor Wat in Siem Reap. To show your respect to the locals when visiting their villages or you are invited to visit their home, you are highly advised to address appropriately (not too revealed). Swimwear is acceptable on the beaches and at hotel’s poolside.

What to bring along?

A hat is also recommended to keep the hot sun off your face, apply sunscreen when go on the beaches, visit Angkor temples as most of them are exposed in the open, apply insect repellent when you go for adventure trips through the jungle, mangroves or at countryside for overnights. Walking shoes, sneakers and sandals are good for sightseeing tours while strong footwear is highly recommended for remote adventures, trekking and hiking. As it is tropical monsoon and to keep you rehydrate, you should bring extra bottles of water with you. Mini first aid kit is also essential.

Drinking water in Cambodia
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Cambodia. Filtered water is a better option, try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks if you don’t really know where it’s manufactured. Bottled water can be found and purchased at local stores and many at the street sides, and at mini marts.

What is an ideal budget for accommodation?

That entirely depends on your style of travel and the level of comfort that you are accustomed to. You can easily find guesthouses from as $9-$15 (Fan or Air Conditioning) while hostels are ranged from $5-$8. Standard accommodation is start from $20-$30, mid-range from $35-$55, comfort is from $60-$120 and luxurious comfort is from $130-$360 and top luxury is up to $400-$1200.

What’s the best way to get around?

The Romork (or tuk tuk) is affordable with fun and very popular in Cambodia. You come across Romorks all the way out when you come out of the exit gate at airport. For short distance from your hotel to pup street or super markets, the charge is about 2-3 bucks and a full day service is from $15-$25 depending on places you go but for long distance from 45km up, air conditioning car should be an ideal. The most comfortable and escape from the heat, air conditioning cars are the best option, and price is $30-$45 for general tourist attraction sites. Electric-bike or bicycles are available for rent at the central area. Mountain bike cost $5-$7 and Electric-bike is $8-$12 per day. Motorcycle is not allowed to rent for tourists.

Is a visitor required to have a local tour guide?
No, a guide for the Angkor Complex is not required and it is an entirely up to visitors to decide if they need guide service or not. A guide will definitely enrich your experience and can offer you detailed cultural, historical information and save much of your time on considering or researching but may prefer to go without a guide. A local English speaking guide service is generally charged from $35 per day without sunrise or adventure/remote trips. Tour guide service can be arranged by your hotel, guesthouse and other local travel agencies.

How much is Angkor pass, how does one get it and how is it used?

The Angkor Wat pass can be purchased at the toll booth en route to Angkor Archaeological Park. There is always queue, payment is made in cash and they will take photo for you. Once you get the pass, make sure you keep it with you safely (or use name tag) because you have to show your pass to authority guards at the entrance of each temple.

A). 1-day pass is USD 37

B). 3-day pass is USD 62 (Valid within 10 days)

C). 7-day pass is USD 72 (Valid within 30 days)

Temple hours: The Angkor Wat complex opens at 5:00am and closes at 6:00pm. Banteay Srei closes at 5:00pm and Kbal Spean closes at 3:00pm, so plan your itinerary carefully.

Passes are not required for the following, however there is a toll levied Phnom Kulen ($20), Koh Ker ($10), Beng Melea ($5), Preah Vihear ($10), Sambor Prei Kuk ($10), Banteay Chhmar ($5) and Preah Khan Kampong Svay ($5).

What should one bring to give to the kids?

Bringing things and hand out at random is never a good idea as it just encourages begging and make jealousy. Purchasing items from street children is just to enhance them to stay on the streets, missing school and missing out on an education. If you wish to help out children in Cambodia, arrange to visit a school or an orphanage and bring supplies directly to them. You can buy school supplies and toys at the local markets or a stationary nearby. Not only this benefits the local business but also you can purchase those items in a fair price and you won’t have to fill your suitcase with items from home. If you will be visiting a home of the locals, bring them some household items such as soap, shampoo, cooking oil, salt, soup base etc. which will be more useful than a decorative object.

Table of Contents
Phnom Penh Capital & Things to Do, See
About Siem Reap & The Surroundings
15 Best Things to Do & See in Siem Reap
Beaches, Islands and Coasts
Battambang & The Bamboo Train
Tribal Villages, Jungles, Wildlife and Nature

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