Angkor Wat stands in the Angkor Archaeological Park, just north of Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia. It was built in the early 12th century by the Khmer king Suryavarman II, first as a temple to the Hindu god Vishnu, and it became a Buddhist temple towards the end of that century. You need an Angkor Pass to visit: US$37 for one day, US$62 for three days or US$72 for seven days, sold by the official Angkor Enterprise. Most first-time visitors spend two to three days covering Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm.
Is Angkor Wat worth visiting?
Yes. Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1992, and the park covers about 400 square kilometres of temples, moats and forest. It holds the remains of Khmer capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Angkor Wat alone covers 162.6 hectares, and its outer wall is 3.6 km long. Plan for hours of walking, not a quick photo stop.
What to see in Angkor Wat and the temples around it
Angkor Wat
- Watch sunrise from the reflection pools in front of the west entrance.
- Walk the galleries of carved bas-reliefs that run around the temple.
- Go with a licensed guide or an audio guide if you want the history behind the carvings.
Angkor Thom and the Bayon
Angkor Thom is a walled royal city a short ride from Angkor Wat. Inside, the Bayon temple is known for its many carved stone faces. Nearby are the Baphuon temple and the Terrace of the Elephants.
Ta Prohm
At Ta Prohm, giant tree roots have grown over the walls and doorways. It became widely known after scenes for the film Tomb Raider were shot there. It fills up quickly, so go early.
Further out
If you have a third day, add outer temples. Separate tickets cover Koh Ker (US$15), Beng Mealea (US$10) and Kbal Spean (US$5), which are further from Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat tickets and opening hours
| Ticket | Price | How long it is valid |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor Pass, 1 day | US$37 | One day |
| Angkor Pass, 3 days | US$62 | Three visit days, used within 7 days |
| Angkor Pass, 7 days | US$72 | Seven visit days, used within 30 days |
- The Angkor temple park is open from 5:00 am to 6:30 pm, and Angkor Wat itself from 5:00 am to 5:30 pm.
- A pass bought after 4:45 pm also lets you in that same evening for sunset.
- Children under 12 enter free. You may need to show their passport as proof of age.
- The 3-day and 7-day passes carry a photo for identification. The 1-day pass does not.
- Buy only from Angkor Enterprise, the official seller, online or at its ticket counters.
Prices and hours change, so check the official site before you go.
How to get to Angkor Wat from the UAE
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) serves the temples. There is no non-stop flight from the UAE. Since June 2025 Emirates has flown Dubai to Siem Reap three times a week with a stop in Bangkok on the same flight (EK370/EK371). Or connect yourself through Bangkok or another hub. Compare options on the Dubai to Bangkok flights page. From Siem Reap, the temples are a short tuk-tuk or car ride north.
Most nationalities need a Cambodian visa. The only official e-visa site is evisa.gov.kh. Watch out for lookalike sites. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Best time to visit Angkor Wat
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool and dry | November to February | The most comfortable weather and the biggest crowds |
| Hot | March to May | Very hot middle of the day. Visit early and late |
| Rainy | June to October | Green scenery, full moats and fewer visitors |
In any season, early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the gentlest heat.
How many days do you need at Angkor?
Two days is the minimum to see the main temples without rushing. Three days lets you add outer temples and still rest in the afternoons. A simple plan:
- Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap, buy your pass after 4:45 pm and watch sunset.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then Angkor Thom and the Bayon.
- Day 3: Ta Prohm early, then nearby temples or one outer site.
Tips for first-time visitors
- Start early. To see sunrise, leave your hotel before 5 am.
- Dress for the temples. Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes you can walk in for hours.
- Plan your transport. Tuk-tuks and drivers can be hired by the day. Arrange airport transfers before you land.
- Bring US dollars. Both US dollars and Cambodian riel are widely used.
Planning more of Southeast Asia on a budget? See our guide to budget-friendly international destinations, which includes Cambodia.
