The temples of Angkor are located a few kilometers north of Siem Reap. Here are some tips to visit Angkor Wat and other temples! A magical place that I visited during my trip around the world between 2013 and 2014.
Staying in Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat
The city of Siem Reap, Angkor temples forces rather tourist … Nevertheless, this town is charming and welcoming! You can easily stay in Siem Reap for less than $ 10 (Guesthouses prices ranging generally between $ 6 and $ 12). For my part I stayed in “Smiley’s Guesthouse” for 3 days for $ 8 and then to the “Ryda Angkor Guesthouse” to 6 small dollars! You will find many of this type Guethouses around Taphul Road (located a few minutes north of the Night Market and West of the great Sivutha Road)
As for food, you’ll find everything in Siem Reap! But know that you can eat cheaply in local restaurants. On Taphul Road, for example, I ate with local for just $ 1! I also took my meals for my lunch breaks at the temples of Angkor … Nothing like a good picnic for cheap!
Practical information :
If you plan to take a bus to go to another city, I highly recommend the company Capitol Tour and unbeatable prices! (3.75 dollars to get to Battambang and Phnom Phen for $ 5) It is in the Old Market Street and Boulevard between Sivanha 10.
For withdrawals, be aware that many banks charge a fee of several dollars per transaction. I advise you to the bank EBID because even if the ceiling is limited to $ 500 per day for withdrawal with a Visa card, there is no charge!
How to visit the Temples of Angkor?
To visit the site of Angkor, it is necessary to purchase a “pass” to the park entrance. You can choose to visit the main sites in one day and only pay $ 20, which well take your time with three days of visits for $ 40 (if you are afraid of being tired with three days of visits, know that you n ‘are not obliged to use them consecutively as they are valid on 3 days a week). And if you’re big fans of old stones, you can also choose to visit the site on a whole week for the sum of $ 60 (valid for one month). I recommend the pass three days to quietly visit the majority of the Angkor site because it will stay a single moment of your stay in Cambodia. You can well appreciate these remains at your pace and enjoy its beauty.
To move inside the temples of Angkor Park, you will obligatorily a means of locomotion. From the most basic bike the most luxurious luxury car, you have a choice! However, if you made a minimum attention to your budget, two principal means are preferable:
The tuk-tuk and a means of transportation rather convenient if one wishes to visit the Angkor temples without too tired and without breaking the bank too. It will cost you about $ 15 for a day. Feel free to set your route in advance with your driver to avoid unpleasant surprises
The bicycle is the means of transport for small budgets who want to explore the temples at their own pace and in complete freedom. I myself opted for this means of transportation for my 3 days of sightseeing in Angkor. I’ve spent so little that one dollar a day for the renting of my city bike! You can also find mountain bike but they are a bit more expensive (about $ 5) and not really comfortable … Yes, my little buttocks always better feel on broad saddles! The site is large enough but the road is still rather flat and well shaded, so I do not suffer from heat or distances (note that there is 5.5 kilometers from Siem Reap to Angkor Wat night about 30 min . bike) I do not regret choosing the bike, the ride was really nice!
Practical information about Angkor:
The site is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A photo will be taken at the site entrance to the pass (no need to bring)
You find something refuel on site
Remember to bring something to cover your shoulders and legs (because it is compulsory for some sites)
A temple map is available in bike rentals
The most beautiful temples of Angkor!
There are many temples that are worth visiting in Angkor but you’ll definitely some “DROPS” for some of them … Here are my top 5:
Angkor Wat: no need to present the most famous temple of Angkor. A pride for Cambodians (they have even placed their flag), Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious building in the world! It has never been invaded by nature because it is almost always remained active since its construction. It is advisable to arrive early for the sunrise as it is of unparalleled beauty … You can also visit the quietly since just after the horde of tourists usually come only from 9 / 10h inside the temple. Guests can peacefully admire the sunset from Angkor Wat around 18h since all tourists are gone where congregated on the hill of Phnom Bakheng.
When you are inside Angkor Wat, feel free to admire the long bas-reliefs around the entire outside of the walls of the central temple. The diversity and quality of the performances are fascinating … You will see the Hindu gods (Vishnu, Shiva, Hanuman …) formidably represented in mythical scenes! The many apsaras (celestial nymphs) carved around the temple are also superb.
Ta Prohm: it is one of the most magnificent temples of Angkor. Ancient Buddhist temple, it is covered with lichens and plants. Its structure has been overrun by nature and beautiful trees surround the stones … You’ll really feel the heart of a cult film like Tomb Raider or Indiana Johns!
Bayon: in the center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, Bayon temple is a one of a kind! You will surely be amazed by the 216 Monumental faces that adorn the temple. Representative power, authority and benevolence, those faces, although similar, have different expressions … And if you look closely, you certainly will feel a warmth come over you. I advise you to visit the late afternoon to the tranquility of the site and for the light of the setting sun that subtly illuminates the faces.
Preah Khan: this temple located to the north of Angkor Thom is rather large and pleasant. I advise you to go there by the door is because you will discover beautiful trees with gigantic roots around the walls. The effect is impressive beauty. Moreover, in general, the trees give an incredible charm to the Angkor temples … Without this luxuriant nature, the effect really will not be the same.
Ta Nei: this small temple located north of Ta Prohm is little known. The path to be accessed is not tarred but you can easily get there by bike within minutes. I recommend this temple because it is the way (so you’ll be virtually alone) and it has not yet been restored … Enough playing budding explorers!