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Angkor Wat's towers reflected in a pool at sunrise

No. 22 Top Landmarks & Attractions 2026

Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The world's largest religious monument, a 12th-century Khmer temple near Siem Reap.

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Photo: Reinhard Onasch, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Angkor Wat is No. 22 in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026 ranking of the top attractions in the world. The Khmer king Suryavarman II built it in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, and it later became a Buddhist site. It is the largest religious monument in the world and appears on Cambodia's national flag.

Angkor Wat is the best known of the many temples of Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Its five towers represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods, and the temple is surrounded by a wide moat.

Bas-relief of the battle of the gods and demons in the galleries of Angkor Wat
Bas-relief of the battle of the gods and demons in the galleries of Angkor Wat. Photo: PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

The dry season from November to March is the most comfortable. April and May are very hot, and the rainy season runs roughly from May to October, when the countryside is green and crowds are thinner. Arrive before dawn for sunrise, or visit around midday when the sunrise crowds have left.

Highlights

  • 1

    Sunrise

    The classic view is of the towers silhouetted against the dawn sky and reflected in the pools in front of the west entrance.

  • 2

    The bas-reliefs

    The galleries of the outer enclosure are lined with long carved reliefs, including the Churning of the Ocean of Milk and battle scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

  • 3

    Apsaras

    Hundreds of carved celestial dancers decorate the walls, each with her own jewellery and hairstyle.

  • 4

    The upper sanctuary

    Steep stairs lead to the highest level, the Bakan. Numbers are limited, and it closes on some Buddhist holy days.

  • 5

    Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm

    The same pass covers the Bayon with its giant stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where trees grow through the ruins.

Getting there

Angkor Wat is about 6 km north of Siem Reap. Most visitors hire a tuk-tuk or a car with driver for the day, or join a tour, and some cycle. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023, is about an hour's drive east of the town.

Practical tips

Angkor Pass
A 1-, 3- or 7-day pass is required. Buy it online or at the official ticket centre, and keep it with you, as it is checked at the temples.
Dress code
Cover your shoulders and knees, especially for the upper sanctuary.
Time needed
At least half a day for Angkor Wat; most visitors spend two or three days at Angkor.
Currency
The US dollar is widely used alongside the Cambodian riel (KHR). Small dollar notes are useful, and change is often given in riel.
Safety
Carry water and sun protection, and take care on steep, uneven steps. The police emergency number is 117.
Visa & entry
Most visitors need a visa. An e-visa is available from the official government site (evisa.gov.kh), and visas on arrival are offered at the main airports. Check the current rules before you travel.

Official information: Angkor Enterprise (official tickets). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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