How To Visit Angkor Wat In 2026
The Best Way To Visit Angkor Wat
How to visit Angkor Wat comes down to one number first: gates open at 05.00 AM, and if you’re not through them before sunrise, you’re honestly visiting a different attraction to the one everyone’s Instagram feed promised you.
That’s the short answer. The longer one covers how many days you actually need, whether a tuk-tuk driver beats a moto or a tour bus, and where in Siem Reap you should actually be sleeping.
I got the three-day Angkor Pass. I’ll be honest, by day two I was already kicking myself for not going straight for the seven-day option instead. That’s not the answer most bloggers give you when they’re trying to sound like they nailed it in a single sunrise visit. I’m still torn on whether three days was genuinely enough, or just enough to leave me wanting to go back.
Here’s my slightly unpopular opinion. Skip the big group tours and hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day instead, unless you’re happy driving a moto yourself. It’s cheaper, it’s flexible, and your driver ends up somewhere between a taxi service and a local mate who knows exactly which temple to hit before the coach parties arrive.
Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, it all comes down to the same three questions. When to actually go, where to base yourself in Siem Reap, and how to see the temples properly without melting by 10.00 AM.
That’s what I’m covering here, without dragging you through 500 words to get there.
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Getting To Angkor Wat From Siem Reap
You have a few options for visiting Angkor Wat from Siem Reap.
Tuk-Tuk
The best way to get to Angkor Wat is to hire a tuk-tuk driver.
Why? Because they know the best routes, and you can leave a few things in the tuk-tuk while you are exploring the temples.
The last thing you want is to carry water, lunch, snacks, and sunscreen on your back. A full day exploring Angkor will drain your energy.
You can expect to pay KHR 60,543 ($15.26/€13.18/£11.27) for the day. This is the only way I suggest getting there. Make sure you agree on the duration with the driver and maximise your time at the temples where you can. I booked the driver through the hotel. All hotels will have contacts.
Tip if you feel it was of value. The driver will likely look for a tip, from my experience.
Car
You can book a car in Siem Reap with Kayak.
While I went via a tuk-tuk, I was quoted a two-day rental for KHR 399,641 ($100.75/€87.00/£74.38), but I do not think it is the best option. Tuk-tuk drivers can quickly take you exactly where you want to go. No checking maps every minute, and no dodging other cars or tuk-tuks on the way.
Save yourself the stress and enjoy the temples more.
Take A Tour
Guided tours are a good way to see parts of Cambodia, like Angkor Wat.
However, you will give up some freedom by having to follow the group. That is not always a bad thing, but I found exploring alone far more liberating and enjoyable. Still, feel free to book the tour below, which includes 3 days of exploration.
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Minivan
You can book a minivan to Angkor Wat.
But note that it only leaves a few times per day. It takes about an hour and costs KHR 45,936 ($11.58/€10.00/£8.55) per person, but I do not think it is the best option because it lacks freedom and flexibility. It is not what you want unless you are in a large group.
Taxi
This can work.
If you really value comfort, air con, and privacy, it could be for you. I found the tuk-tuk experience so much fun that a taxi felt far more boring, but it depends on what you want. Ask your hotel to book to and from Angkor Wat; it should not be an issue.
Bicycle
Cycle to Angkor Wat – if you are crazy!
The humidity alone will ruin the trip before you even get there. It’s 8 kilometres, and I don’t see the point unless you’re an experienced cyclist. You can rent a bike online or through your hotel. A better way is to rent a motorbike, should you have all the insurance, licence, and so on.
1-day ticket: KHR 149,600 ($37.00/€32.15/£27.49)
3-day ticket: KHR 250,700 ($62.00/€53.87/£46.06)
7-day ticket: KHR 291,100 ($72.00/€62.56/£53.49)
Best Time To Go
If you can, visit Angkor Wat between November and February.
The weather was far cooler than in June when I visited.
I had temperatures of 33°C to 34°C (91°F to 93°F), with no rain and high humidity. It was not very comfortable, but I loved every minute. If you go between November and February, expect roughly 24-30°C (75-86°F).
Go for sunrise or sunset if you can.
I visited for sunrise, and while it was packed around the reflecting ponds, once the sun came through it felt special. It went so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I was right at the front, but when I turned around I realised I’d forgotten just how many people were behind me. It was surprising how quiet it got.
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How To Behave In Angkor Wat
Show respect and you’ll be fine.
What that actually means is covering your knees and shoulders.
If you’ve been to Southeast Asia before, this is standard. Don’t shout or swear in public spaces. The same goes for the temples at Angkor.
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Where To Stay In Siem Reap
I made a full post highlighting the best hotels and neighbourhoods in Siem Reap.
For the shorter version, I recommend staying at Blossoming Romduol Boutique.
I stayed there, and the pool and restaurant really won me over. The rooms were huge, with balconies where I could sit out and watch the thunder and lightning crack across the sky.
Consider Maison 557 for an affordable stay, or Steung Siemreap Hotel for a bit more luxury.
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How Many Days For Angkor Wat
I recommend at least 3 days for Angkor Wat.
There are loads of fun things to do in Siem Reap too, so stay 3 to 6 days in the city and maximise your time at the temples.
The 3-day ticket was great, but I have to admit I still felt there was more to see when I left. If you can swing the 7-day ticket and time allows, go for it.
Most people spend one or three days in Angkor Wat, then a couple of days in Siem Reap.
Best Order To Visit The Temples
Here is my take after visiting.
Angkor Wat, then Bayon, then Ta Prohm is the order I’d stick to if you’re doing one day, or add Banteay Srei, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King if you’ve got more time.
I visited Angkor Wat at sunrise and it was special.
I left around 04.00 AM with packed fried rice from the hotel, stopped at the ticket office first, then drove about 20 minutes to Angkor Wat.
You’ll see the sun rise over the temples with hundreds of others. Next, head to Bayon nearby. The stone faces are impressive, and I’d recommend grabbing a quick tour guide like I did if you want a deeper understanding of the temple. I paid KHR 20,208 ($5.00/€4.32/£3.69) for an hour which was worth it.
By mid morning, head to Ta Prohm.
This place is awesome.
Think Tomb Raider, with temples swallowed by trees bigger than some of the structures themselves. If I’m honest, it was just as impressive, if not more, than Angkor Wat because of the trees. You have to see it to believe it.
I visited all of these, and each is worth making time for.
🇰🇭 Check Out My 3-day Siem Reap Itinerary Which Includes Full Days Exploring Angkor Wat’s Best Temples 🇰🇭
Conclusion
This is my take on the best way to visit Angkor Wat, the best time to go, and the other key info you need.
You can visit in the best season, between November and February, but don’t shy away from other times. As I mentioned, summer was still a great experience for me, even though it was very hot. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water help a lot.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my guide to the best things to do in Cambodia and my packing for Southeast Asia.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
- Things To Do In Cambodia (2026): My Honest Guide After Visiting
- My Two Weeks In Cambodia Itinerary (From Someone Who Spent Nearly A Month There)
- How To Visit Angkor Wat In 2026
- Best Restaurants In Siem Reap: Where To Eat And What To Order
- Where To Stay In Siem Reap In 2026 (Neighbourhoods And Hotels)
