Exploring Angkor Wat: The Experience of a Lifetime

If I were to tell you a love story about any country, it would be Cambodia. Maybe it’s because this is the country where my new boyfriend almost left me and flew home on day our first day of vacation (a story for another time), but most likely it’s because this country is full of ancient temples, humble people, and lush jungles—just my cup of tea. Exploring Angkor Wat was high on my travel bucket list and I couldn’t wait to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site firsthand. 

My first-ever South Asian country, everything about Cambodia has me longing to return. It’s a truly incredible place. From the friendly people to the amazing natural backdrop of jungle, this is a place that truly makes you feel like Lara Croft.

My journey to Cambodia with plans to explore Angkor Wat started in Siem Reap. Flying in, I was amazed by the picturesque rice fields and water villages on Cambodia’s largest lake, all seen from above.  My wonder continued as I began to make my way through the largest ancient city I had ever witnessed. I was absolutely delighted to brave the dirt roads and visit some neighboring mountains and Buddhist shrines (and meet some elephants along the way).

I’m so excited to share all the details from my trip to Angkor Wat! It wasn’t just the ancient city that amazed me. It was everything I witnessed and experienced along the way. This post may include affiliate links that help me earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you choose to make a purchase.

What Is Angkor Wat?

My first day in Cambodia, I pictured myself swinging on vines and rappelling into the deep undiscovered chambers of some of the many temples around Siem Reap. My imagination ran wild as we drove into the ancient Angkor city with our local English-speaking guide. To give you some history, Angkor is one of the most important archeological sites in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the largest archeological sites in the world. It was literally lost to the world after the Khmer society moved to a new city in the 1600s and the jungle took it back, covering the temples with earth, vines, and trees.

When the English came into Cambodia, kicking out the Thai in the 1800s, these temples were rediscovered and the first phase of unearthing and restoring this magnificent city began. Covering more than 400 kilometers, the Angkor Archeological Park (which includes Angkor Wat) contains the remains of the two capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th century.

UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard this symbolic site, which has many different countries aiding in the rebuilding efforts. Angkor was an exceptional civilization with several urban plans and huge reservoirs showcasing the heightened intelligence and technology of this civilization. The architecture and layout also showcase the high level of social order, another pillar of its UNESCO status.  Its cultural, religious and symbolic values as well as architectural, archeological, and artistic significance are big parts of its UNESCO status.

While the buildings look remarkably well preserved in Angkor, that is all that remains of this super power.  Surprisingly, no written records of this civilization have ever been found. There are dozens of temples within Angkor city, but most travelers will be set on exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and the Tomb Raider temple made famous by the 1990s blockbuster.

Exploring Angkor Wat: A Guide & Tuk Tuk

The day we set out with plans for exploring Angkor Wat was hot, steamy, and absolutely ripe with a sense of adventure. Our tuk tuk (a motorcycle driven cart) drove us to the entrances of many of the great temples and we got out to explore with our guide. She was fantastic!

As a history lover, having an English-speaking guide was the best way for us to hear about the meanings of the temples—why they were built and who they were built for.  Most of them were built when new kings started their rule. If you can spare the extra cash, I would highly recommend getting a guide as it really deepens the experience.

I learned that unlike most national parks or protected areas in other countries, Angkor still has people living inside the city, selling their wares and adding some culture and life to this once great city.

Travel Tip: Make sure you stop at one of the restaurants in the city and grab lunch while you’re exploring Angkor Wat and the ancient city. I highly recommend getting Fish Amok and a papaya salad. It is delicious!

FAQ’s For Visiting Angkor

• Women will need to wear long sleeves and long pants or skirts. You will not be allowed inside the temples with bare legs or arms, which are seen as disrespectful inside the temples. I wore a light cardigan over my tank top and a long skirt to cover my legs.
• Wear lightweight linen or something loose to stay cool because temperatures and humidity are high.
• Invest in a good reusable water bottle with a filter like Larq—their bottles kill bacteria and germs for stress-free, clean water. These are great to have in countries where tap water is subpar and plastic pollution is high.

Kulen Mountain Park & the River of 1,000 Lingas

Two hours outside Siem Reap is the picturesque countryside of the Kulen mountain. The road to Kulen Park is pot-holed and, at times, harrowing. The bumpy road takes you up into the mountains, where you can walk up to the big Buddha (a sacred spot for Cambodians) and visit the River of 1,000 Lingas. Lingas are carvings in the river bed, all devoted to various Hindu gods.

These carvings continue for 2 kilometers, ending at the Kulen waterfall. It is a remarkable and beautiful path that will take you to the base of the falls where you can watch the water spray or go for a dip. There are places to eat at the waterfall as well as stands selling local arts and crafts. On the way back, there are countless villages where locals sell traditional Khmer baskets—it’s a craft they have been making for hundreds of years.

Food & Entertainment at Angkor Wat

The food in Cambodia is fantastic in general. Make sure and try Fish Amok! This traditional soup is made of fish and vegetables, often served inside a hollowed-out coconut with a sweet and delicious coconut broth. Khmer Red Curry is another dish you must try. It’s similar to curry from neighboring countries, but not as spicy and made with creamy coconut milk. You will also find a plethora of fish and seafood from nearby Tonle Sap Lake.

Pub Street

If you are looking for a lively place in Siem Reap, you have to stop at Pub Street. This area is known for American and UK-style pubs and restaurants, but is also full of shops, places to get fish pedicures, and other tourist-friendly establishments. If you can’t miss a futbol game, need a cold Coors Light, or just want a plate of nachos, this is where you should go. I also loved the street performers, one of which lit hoops on fire and jumped through them with ease!

Traditional Dance & Dinner

Something you should always do when visiting a new country is experience the culture. I love live performances, and in both Cambodia and Bali, I joined lots of other tourists to watch a traditional Khmer dance while enjoying a buffet of local cuisine. I visited Koulen Restaurant, which offers unique local cuisine and exotic Khmer dance shows. You can enjoy local delicacies, such as the classic Amok Cambodian curry and Khmer barbecue meats, served in a beautiful and traditional setting. It’s a vibrant experience where you learn about the history of Cambodia through dance, and it’s great for all ages. 

Where to Stay Near Angkor Wat

• FCC Angkor Boutique Hotel: Outstanding boutique hotel located on the riverfront in Siem Reap, just a short ride away from the temples and Pub Street. Prices are around $140/night, which includes breakfast. The boutique hotel has spa, great restaurant, and swimming pool.
• Villa Agati: Villa Agati is a eco-friendly boutique hotel. Nested in lush surroundings and featuring an alluring swimming pool, the hotel offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere just a kilometer away from Siem Reap center.

The tantalizing Western and Khmer dishes, well-equipped pool-view rooms, reliable tour guide, and exceptional service at both of these hotels will make your stay fulfilling. Villa Agati is a truly sustainable outfit. Renewable energies are used, wastes are recycled, the natural approach or alternative is always considered first, and the use of single-use plastics is reduced as much as possible.

My only regret about my trip exploring Angkor Wat was that it was over too soon. My trip to Cambodia was extremely short because it was one leg of a three-week trip that spanned China, Malaysia, Bali, Australia, and Cambodia. I had just a few short days in each destination. I would love to return to Cambodia one day and explore more of the countryside!

What activities would be on your list when exploring Angkor Wat and other ancient temples in this lush and vibrant country? Where should I visit next? I’d love to hear from you in the comments! 

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