Angkor Wat

The ruins of Angkor are found to the north of the Tonle Sap Lake near modern-day Siem Reap and many people visit Siem Reap with the sole intent of using it as a base from which to visit Angkor. The largest pre-industrial city in the world at 400sqk, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the wonders of the world.

The site features some 30 Hindi and 20 Buddhist temples and many have been left to crumble into disrepair but are still fascinating and unforgettable places to visit. At the heart of the site is the Hindi Phnom Bakheng temple with its 108 surrounding towers and the much-photographed Angkor Wat itself stands to the side in the jungle.

Because of the sheer scale of the site it's recommended to hire a guide in Siem Reap over a few days.

What to see in Angkor Wat

There are about 60 temple ruins in the Siem Reap area alone so you need to choose according to your schedule and level of interest. On the "must see" list are the legendary ruins of Angkor Wat, the giant faces of Bayon and the Giant tree at Ta Prom. The famous South Gate of Angkor Thom can be seen on route to Bayon. Angkor Thom has some interesting terraces and the massive "temple-mountain of Baphuon and Phimeanakas is worth seeing. Other temples you should visit if time allows are Pre-Rup, Preah Khan, Neak Pean and Ta Som. If you have more time, visit the Roulous Group around 12 km outside Siem Reap, which contains monuments and early Angkor Art. Further away (38km from Siem Reap) Banteay Srey is also well worth a visit.
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Angkor Wat Tours

Angkor - One of the wonders of the oriental world and a UNESCO world heritage site, needs at least 3 days for a visit. Classic 3 - 5 Day tours include accommodation, fees and guides.
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Tour Review: Three Days in Angkor

Day One: After complimentary breakfast at our hotel just outside Siem Reap we head out in a minivan to Angkor Thom, 'The Great City', built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century ('Angkor' is Khmer for 'city'). It's not too far away from town and is quite an impressive place at 10sqk with five monumental gates and a 100-metre wide moat plus surrounding walls...

Where to Stay in Siem Reap and around Angkor Wat

Siem Reap hotels and resorts at the best rates, from Five Stars resorts such as Amansara or Angkor Howard Hotel, to budget accommodation like Angkor Riverside Hotel or La Noria Guesthouse, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for.