Joanna James
Magical, ethereal and exuding serenity– Angkor Wat, Cambodia's temple complex attracts visitors from around the world – keen to discover the rich history and intricate beauty of the Angkor Wat. To make sure your visit to Angkor Wat is a hassle-free one, read on to discover some key tips.
The truth is it's impossible to take everything Angkor Wat has to offer in just one day. The temple complex issues three kinds of passes: one day, three days and one week. The best part about these is they do not have to be used sequentially. Visitors can use their three-day passes at any time within a given week. While you can certainly squeeze your Angkor Wat visit into a single day – you will be only confined to only the main sites – which also happen to be the most crowded.
Typically, most visitors opt to have one tuk-tuk driver for their visit to the temple complex. Usually, they will stick with you throughout your time there – and this includes driving you to and from your hotel such as FCC Angkor and of course in between all of the temples that you plan on visiting. It's important to keep in mind that these types of tours are the bread and butter of local tuk-tuk drivers, so it's best to let them in on what kind of experience you are after and where they can take you to avoid any unpleasantness afterwards.
Exploring this famous temple complex is a very physical experience and will require plenty of walking and climbing along with the relentless tropical heat and hot sun to contend with. So, it's important not to rush. Be sure to drink plenty of water and take regular breaks under the cool shade of majestic trees. Consider opting to see a handful of temples thoroughly as opposed to simply rushing around and merely glancing around the temples.
Watching the sunrise over the central Angkor Wat temple is one of the most sought-after experiences in Cambodia. To experience this truly magical sight will require some effort however with a 4.30 am deadline to meet your tuk-tuk driver at your hotel. After catching the sunrise and spending some time at the complex consider having a spot for breakfast or lunch at any of the top restaurants in Siem Reap.
The weather might be hot, humid and admittedly sticky. However, Angkor Wat is still a highly respected religious site so it's imperative that anyone visiting respects the accepted dress code. Shirts covering your shoulders and long pants over the knee are considered appropriate wear when touring Angkor Wat. It's also a good idea to carry along a cotton shawl or sarong along with you to cover up where necessary.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
