Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument on earth
Wikimedia Commons
Good to know before you visit
- Dress respectfully — shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the upper levels. Sunrise over the towers (around 05:30) is the iconic darshan; expect crowds.
About Angkor Wat
Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu and is the largest religious monument in the world. Its five lotus towers, vast moat and bas-reliefs of the Samudra Manthan make it a masterpiece of Khmer-Hindu architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aarti Timings
- Sunrise viewing05:00
- Closing17:30
Timings are indicative and may change on festival days.
Festivals & Sacred Days
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
AprilThe most important festival held at Angkor, when Cambodians gather at the temples with games, music and offerings; the wider Angkor Sankranta celebration centres on this UNESCO site.
Visak Bochea (Buddha Day)
MayAngkor Wat is today an active Buddhist site, and this full-moon observance honouring the Buddha's life sees monks and devotees worship within the ancient galleries.
Angkor Sankranta
AprilA large cultural festival staged around the New Year with traditional dance, sport and food showcasing Khmer heritage at the monument.
Poojas & Sevas
Buddhist Offerings
Though built as a Vishnu temple, Angkor Wat has long been a Buddhist place of worship; visitors and monks offer incense and lotus at the shrines that remain in active use.
Vishnu Heritage
The central sanctuary once housed an image of Bhagwan Vishnu, to whom King Suryavarman II dedicated the temple; the famed Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean of Milk) bas-relief recalls its original Hindu devotion.
Travel Guide
Address
Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Nearest Airport
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI), about 40 km; the older Siem Reap airport is closer but no longer in commercial use.
Nearest Railway
No rail to Siem Reap; most visitors fly in or travel by road/bus from Phnom Penh, then reach the park by tuk-tuk, car or bicycle.
Best Season
November to February for cooler, drier weather; the green of the rainy season (June–October) is lush but humid.
Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the upper levels; this is a sacred site as well as a monument. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
How to reach
From Siem Reap town it is a short tuk-tuk or car ride; an Angkor Pass is required and is checked at the entrance. Arrive before dawn for the iconic sunrise.
🛫 Plan Your Visit
Find flights, hotels, and trains to Siem Reap for your darshan.