Visa Advice for Traveling to Angkor Wat and How to Get There

Angkor Wat welcomes around 2.6 million tourists annually, and is an essential addition to any Cambodia travel itinerary. However, before planning to travel to Angkor Wat, you need to ensure you have the correct visa to enter Cambodia.

This is where our team at CambodiaGoVisas can help. On this page, you’ll find all the information you need to get your visa and travel to Angkor Wat.

Aside from the visa requirements for Angkor Wat, you’ll also find information on traveling to Angkor Wat from abroad and how to get to the site from Siem Reap. We’ve also gathered some tips to optimize your experience at this unforgettable historical site.

Visa Requirements and Conditions for Angkor Wat

Most foreign visitors coming to Angkor Wat will require a valid visa to enter Cambodia. Luckily, over 200 nationalities are now able to get a Cambodia visa online.

If your primary motive is sightseeing in the country, you’ll need to get the Tourist (Type-T) visa. You can apply for an e-Visa for tourism easily and efficiently here on CambodiaGoVisas.

A visa for Angkor Wat obtained through CambodiaGoVisas is valid for a 30-day stay. This gives you ample time to explore the Angkor archaeological park as well as any other tourist attractions in Cambodia you have on your itinerary.

Traveling to Angkor Wat from Abroad

Traveling to Angkor Wat from abroad typically involves flying to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI).

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airpor iis well-connected with direct flights to several key destinations in Asia, including:

If you’re coming to Cambodia from outside of Asia, it’s likely that you will need to take a flight to one of these airports and then a connecting flight to Siem Reap.

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is around 50 kilometers from the city center. The best way to travel to the city from the airport is by taxi, which will cost you around US$ 35 and take around an hour.

Angkor Wat from Thailand

Traveling from Bangkok to Angkor Wat is a popular route for tourists. The most efficient method is flying, which takes about an hour from Bangkok to Siem Reap.

You can also travel from Thailand to Cambodia by land. Bus services are available from Bangkok to Siem Reap, crossing the border at Poipet.

Alternatively, some visitors opt to fly to Phnom Penh first and then take a bus to Siem Reap, allowing for a stopover in Cambodia's capital.

Angkor Wat from Vietnam

There are several ways to travel from Vietnam to Angkor Wat. Direct flights are available from major Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang to Siem Reap International Airport.

The flight time is approximately 1-2 hours depending on the departure city. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air operate these routes regularly.

You can also cross into Cambodia from Vietnam by land. Bus services are available, typically involving a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (about 6 hours), followed by another 6-hour bus ride to Siem Reap.

Alternatively, you could opt to travel into Cambodia from Vietnam by boat on a Mekong River cruise.

Singapore to Angkor Wat

Traveling from Singapore to Angkor Wat is straightforward. Direct flights from Singapore to Siem Reap take approximately 2 hours. Singapore Airlines operates daily flights on this route.

How to Get to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is located just 5.5 km north of Siem Reap. The most popular options to get to the archaeological site include by taxi, tuk-tuk, or by bike.

Traveling by tuk-tuk is a popular and authentic way to experience the journey. These 3-wheeled vehicles offer an open-air ride. Additionally, many drivers speak English and can provide valuable insights about the temples and local culture.

Tuk-tuk tours typically cost around US $15-25 per day, depending on the itinerary and duration. Many drivers offer multi-day packages, with a 3-day tour costing approximately US $60-84.

Another efficient method is by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes and costs between $5 to $6. Alternatively, some visitors choose to rent bicycles or motorbikes.

Angkor Wat Ticket Information and Opening Hours

To gain entry to Angkor archaeological park, you need to have a ticket or pass. You can either get your pass from the official ticket office in Siem Reap, or online.

There are 3 options:

Your pass requires a photograph, so you need to purchase it yourself. Children aged 12 and under do not need a ticket, but may need to provide identification to verify their age.

You can purchase your ticket up to 3 days before your visit. The ticket office opens at 5am, so there is time to get a pass in the morning before a sunrise visit.

Most of the temples open to visitors at 7:30am, but Angkor Wat itself is open from 5am to 5:30pm. Additionally, the Pre Rup temple is open for both sunrise and sunset viewings, from 5am to 7pm.

Angkor Wat Optimal Visiting Seasons

The best time to visit Angkor Wat depends on various factors including weather, crowds, and personal preferences. Here's a concise overview of the optimal visiting periods:

The dry season from November to February is generally considered the best time to visit, offering comfortable weather and clear skies ideal for exploring the temple complex.

For the best experience, visit Angkor Wat during the early morning (5:00 am to 10:00 am) to enjoy cooler temperatures and optimal lighting conditions for photography.

Many visitors choose to arrive at Angkor Wat in time for the sunrise.

Angkor Wat Highlights

Here are some of the must-see attractions within the Angkor Archaeological Park:

To fully appreciate these sites, consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide or joining a guided tour.

Remember to purchase an appropriate pass for the duration of your visit and plan your itinerary to balance popular attractions with less crowded temples.

Appropriate Temple Attire when Visiting Angkor Wat

When visiting Angkor Wat, it's important to dress appropriately to show respect for the sacred site and comply with the dress code.

Here are the key guidelines for what to wear:

Avoid wearing:

For the most comfortable and respectful attire, consider loose pants or a long skirt with a t-shirt or blouse that covers the shoulders.

Bringing a light scarf or shawl can also be useful for additional coverage if needed.

Additional Tips for Visiting Angkor Wat

Here are some final tips to optimize your Angkor Wat experience and make the most of your visit:

By following these tips, you can enhance your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Remember to get your Cambodian visa in advance through CambodiaGoVisas for a smooth entry into the country.