A Five Day Tourist Itinerary for Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is one of the most famous ancient Hindu temples that is located in Cambodia. This temple is still in use today since the local Buddhist population uses it to carry out various ceremonies. So you can apply for a Cambodia tourist visa to explore the religious place and imbibe the positive energy.
We’ve compiled a 5-day plan for you below to help you with that.
Why Should You Visit Angkor Wat?
Apart from the spiritual significance of the temple itself, the location of the same is another factor that should compel you to visit the place.
The lush landscape and the opportunities for exploring the place are also why you should make Angkot Wat a compulsory place on your bucket list.
This temple was built by King Suryavarman II between 1100 and 1199 to honour Lord Vishnu, one of the gods of the Hindu Trinity. Later Cambodia transitioned from Hinduism to Buddhism and the temple was adapted to serve as a Buddhist temple.
At the time, the Angkor Kingdom ruled over a significant portion of the Southeast Asian mainland. In fact, about a million people used to live in its capital, Yasodharapura.
The temple also enjoys the honour of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat
You should consider visiting between the months of November to January for an ideal experience. This will ensure that you can enjoy the sight of the lakes filled with water, as well as the lush greenery, apart from the temple itself.
We would recommend that you visit as soon as the temple opens, since you will be able to avoid unwanted crowds that way. The Angkor park is 154 square miles, so you can explore other sites to avoid the crowds.
The West Gate can remain crowded at sunrise, so you can ask your guide to take you to the East Gate instead at that time to avoid crowds.
Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap and First Impressions
The focus is on settling in, and getting your first taste of the local culture on day one. First, you will reach Siem Reap. This place is considered to be the gateway to Angkor Wat.
You can start your exploration of this place with a mix of sightseeing and sunset views, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. After spending an entire day exploring, you can visit the various bars, shops and restaurants to let your hair down.
Try some street food from there and feel the vibe come alive. After that, you can explore the local handicrafts of Cambodia while enjoying an evening walk.
Following that, you can head back to your hotel and relax. Prepare yourself for the upcoming days with excitement.
Day 2: Exploring Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
On your 2nd day, we would recommend visiting the iconic temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
These sites are the essence of the Khmer Empire. It offers insight into the glory of a lost civilization. Once you arrive there, you should prepare yourself for a view of the sunrise, which a lot of people love to capture.
Reach early to secure a good spot as it is one of the most popular sunrise locations in the world.
The Eastern entrance of Angkor Wat or Srah Srang is also a popular place to experience the sunrise. These areas tend to be less crowded providing a beautiful morning view. Experience a peaceful and stunning image of the Siem Reap in the morning by visiting this place.
Your journey continues towards Angkor Thom after experiencing the sunset. This temple was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 1100s. The city contains impressive temples and historical landmarks.
Explore the South Gate which is flanked by a long bridge lined with some statues. You will see a grand entrance that will provide amazing photo opportunities and set the tone for upcoming exploration ahead.
Bayon temple is the other remarkable temple in Angkor Thom. It is known for over 200 gigantic stone faces. In addition to this, head to Baphuon temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and more to know about the Thom in detail.
Day 3: Discovering Ta Prohm and Preah Khan
On day 3, you will venture deeper into Angkor Park with a view of 2 most iconic temples: Ta Prohm and Preah Khan. The temples are significant historical sites with fascinating glimpses into the unique relationship between nature and the ruins of the Khmer Empire.
This temple is also known as the Jungle Temple due to the presence of nature in the form of a banyan tree that has made its way into the temple. A lot of people love visiting this place for its scenic setting.
The temple is unique for existing in the same way it was found.
Wander through the ruins observing how nature and architecture have blended over centuries. The intricacy of the carvings is still visible on the temple walls.
Preah Khan is a less crowded but equally fascinating temple. The name means sacred sword. The temple’s size and layout make this temple one of the biggest that you will encounter in the Angkor complex. The layout was designed to reflect the concept of a microcosm of the universe with each part representing different elements of the cosmos.
Day 4: Visiting the Outskirts of Angkor
Take a break from the more well-known temples and head to the outskirts of Angkor on day 4. Banteay Srei temple and Tonle Sap Lake offer distinct experiences on the carvings and floating villages.
The Banteay Srei temple is also known as the “Citadel of Women”. It is popular due to its intricate carvings. This temple was built in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the gods of the Hindu Trinity.
After that, we would recommend visiting Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater. The unique ecosystem is home to several floating villages and provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local communities that live on and around the lake.
Day 5: Leisurely Exploration and Departure
Your final day in Siem Reap is a great opportunity to relax and revisit any sites that captivated you during the trip. That’s because spending your time here will give you the opportunity to soak in the sights and smells of the town before you leave.
After spending long days exploring temples and the bustling town of Siem Reap, take it easy on your final morning. We would recommend a spa session or a traditional Khmer massage. This will help you recharge before your journey towards home.
Before you leave your hotel, double-check your flight details, passport, and other travel documents. If you have bought any items like local crafts, remember to keep your receipts handy in case of any custom requirements at the airport.
Additional Tips for Your Angkor Wat Visit
When visiting Angkor Wat, there are several tips to ensure you experience the best:
- Start your day early or late. This will help you avoid crowds.
- Wear light and breathable clothing as you will be walking around large temple complexes. Don’t forget to ease your feet also. Put on comfortable shoes for a walk.
- We would recommend staying hydrated as the weather is mostly humid there.
- Ensure you carry a valid passport while travelling. Apply for a Cambodia tourist visa along with the passport.
Hence, Angkor Wat is a spiritual and historical treasure besides being a tourist attraction. So when you visit this place, you can enjoy the history and beauty.
This is why you should apply for Cambodia tourist visa in time to experience an enjoyable time. Furthermore, we would recommend carrying all your documents like your passport, etc. as you might have to showcase them if required.
Lastly, research the cultural aspects of the place to ensure that you can dress accordingly and not offend anyone when you visit. Have a great time ahead!
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