Visit the temples of Angkor: How many days?
25 July 2024
THE Angkor temples, these architectural masterpieces which bear witness to the greatness of Khmer civilization, have withstood time and the vagaries of History. They constitute an essential step during a trip to Cambodia. These ancestral monuments, classified as world heritage UNESCO, attract thousands of curious and dazzled travelers every year. But how many days does it take to visit Angkor in all its glory ? This is the question we will try to answer.
The must-sees: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
These are both iconic temples of Angkor that you cannot miss during your visit. Angkor Wat, Or Angkor Wat, is the largest and most famous of the temples. It is often the first that visitors discover, attracted by its beauty and majesty symbolizing Mount Meru, home of the gods in Hindu mythology.
Angkor Thom, the great royal city, is equally impressive with its numerous temples including the Bayon, recognizable by its sculpted faces, and the Baphuon, nicknamed the “Bronze Tower” for its color at sunrise. A full day is usually needed to visit these two jewels of Angkor.
In-depth discovery: Banteay Srei, Preah Khan and Tonle Sap
If you have several days, other sites deserve your attention. Banteay Srei, called “the citadel of women”, is a small temple with refined sculptures. Preah Khan, “the sacred sword”, is a vast monastic complex and, ultimately, it is impossible to miss the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, on the outskirts of Angkor.
It would also be interesting to take a detour through Siem Reap, a town near Angkor, to discover the night market and taste local specialties. This additional day of visit will allow you to deepen your knowledge of Khmer culture.
Bike Tours and Sunrise in Angkor
For a more original and eco-responsible immersion, why not opt for a bike tour temples of Angkor? This formula, which can extend over two to three days, offers you the opportunity to discover the temples at your own pace, while enjoying more direct contact with nature.
Another must-do during your visit: admire the sunrise at Angkor. This spectacle, which requires getting up at dawn, remains engraved in the memory of many travelers. Allow an extra day for this unique experience.
Visitor pass and recommended length of stay
L’APSARA Authority (Authority for the Protection of the Site and Development of the Angkor Region) offers different types of visit pass: a day pass, a three-day pass and a one-week pass. The three-day pass, which can be used over a week, is the most popular and seems to be best suited for a first visit.
In the end, with two days for the must-sees, one day for in-depth discovery, one day for cycling and one day for sunrise, it is recommended to dedicate a week to visit the Angkor temples in depth.
The experience of visiting the Angkor temples is much more than just a tourist tour. It is a journey through time, a return to the sources of a civilization which left its mark on the history of the world. A week therefore seems a good compromise to visit the temples of Angkor in a complete way, taking the time to appreciate every detail, every sculpted stone, every sunrise and sunset. So prepare yourself to experience a Adventure as enriching as it is exotic, where every day will be a new discovery.
So, are you ready to embark for Angkor?
