While there are many interesting historical sites, Angkor Wat in Cambodia is one of the most beautiful. This UNESCO World Heritage site is in the middle of Siem Reap’s dense jungles and is a must-see for tourists who want to learn about old history and see amazing architecture. This guide to Angkor Wat will tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip.

The Beginning of Our Journey

The music and chatter in our hotel were loud and full. Almost every night it was like this. My niece was thrilled to see that this party spot was full of people who thought like she did. We are about 10 years apart in age. With her at age 18 and me at age 28. Even though we are very different in age, we didn’t have too many troubles.

It was easier to travel together than I thought it would be. That’s where we stayed when we got to Siem Reap, Cambodia: Mad Monkey. I thought it would be fun for my niece to visit a place that was full of tourists who liked to party, just like her.

Explore More Than a Hostel

It wasn’t a problem for me to drink until getting drunk every day. Then I felt like I was being held back. I didn’t want to just hang out in the hotel or only go out during the bar crawl. I wanted to see more. Because of this, I planned a trip and wrote an Angkor Wat book himself.

As we walked around town, I asked a few tuk tuk drivers how much it would cost to have them drive us to Angkor Wat for a whole day. The first one that was asked was outside the hotel, and he wouldn’t lower his price. We talked to another guy further down the street. I was able to get this guy to lower the price. For the two of us, it finally seemed like a fair price. He told us we had to be there before dawn. I didn’t understand, but in the end we agreed. This guy must be telling the truth.

Cost and Open Hours: Unveiling the Ticket Options

Before you start your trip to Angkor Wat, you need to know how much it will cost and what kinds of tickets are available. Tickets to see Angkor Wat and the other temples in the area cost different amounts based on how long you stay. From passes for one day to passes for more than one day. The Angkor Pass can be bought on Angkor Enterprise. From there, you can see that they have three choices: One day costs 37 USD, three days cost 62 USD, and seven days cost 72 USD.

Visitor Numbers: Understanding the Magnitude

When we walked inside, there were long lines of people. On the wall, there was even a computerized count. As many as a million people came! It wasn’t possible! I guess seeing the sun rise at Angkor Wat is pretty cool. Or, maybe this is how it looks when it’s not busy. The clerks’ windows were still closed. Finally, I hear the windows slam open one by one in a sudden event. It was pretty quick and easy when this happened. Let’s go to Angkor Wat!

The annual number of tourists to Angkor Wat is pretty high, and knowing how the crowds behave can help you plan your trip better. You can check Angkor Enterprise to see how many tickets have been bought in a certain amount of time. It is well worth the money to hire an Angkor Wat guide for your trip to these strange buildings.

A New Adventure Awaits!

I was starting to wake up as my sleepiness went away. My heart started to beat fast with the desire for the new experience. It was getting warmer outside. Getting blown around in a tuktuk while a cold wind blew our faces was fun. There was a gate ahead. It is time to look at our tickets!

After that, our driver took over and we were in. It was a huge space! Our driver must have been on the road for a while before we reached the start of the old buildings. I was amazed by the first one I saw. It was great! It is much better to see something in person than in a picture.

We got out of our tuk tuk and asked the driver where we could start to see the sunrise. All the tours go in the same way, so it’s not easy to get lost.

Next to the water, we found a nice spot that wasn’t too busy to wait. When we looked at Angkor Wat, we could see the sun coming up through the clouds. It was so beautiful that no picture could do it justice! We were there during the rainy season, so the clouds were moving around. I can see how it would be even more amazing on a clear morning. But I was happy with what we had; it was enough for me.

Exploring the Temples: A Glimpse into Ancient Grandeur

Angkor Wat is not just one temple; it is a huge complex with many beautiful buildings and ruins. In Angkor Wat, you should see the main temples, such as Bayon, Ta Prohm (my best), and Banteay Srei. Find out about their unique traits, architectural styles, and historical importance.

The churches were where we started our trip. As time went on, it turned into temple after temple. They were great, but by the time we got to the last temple of the day, I was pretty tired. We still hadn’t seen everything! There was still a lot more to see. But we both thought we had seen enough temples. It was like each temple had its own story and style. It was worth the trip!

Group Excursions: Shared Discoveries

When you visit Angkor Wat with a group, you can meet more people and have more fun. When you go on a group tour, you can meet people from all over the world. As you explore the sites with them, you’ll feel like a team. Group trips are usually led by experienced guides who give interesting commentary and make sure the schedule stays on track. These tours are usually less expensive than private ones, which is why budget-conscious tourists like to choose them. It’s important to remember, though, that the group size can change, so think about whether you’d rather have a quiet or lively environment.

Benefits of Guided Tours

There are a lot of good reasons to hire an Angkor Wat guide. The guides’ skills and information make your trip much more valuable in the first place. They can give you information about history and culture, tell you interesting stories and tales, and answer any questions you have. Guides also know how to get around the complicated area, so you won’t miss any of the most important sights. Also, tours usually include transportation to and from the churches, so you don’t have to worry about making your own plans. With all the tuktuks around, though, that might be pretty simple to figure out.

There are several different Angkor Wat guided tours that you can have with GetYourGuide. Learn more about them here.

Choosing the Right Tour Option

When choosing an Angkor Wat guide, you should think about your tastes, your budget, and how involved you want to be. Private guided tours are best for people who want a more personalized and in-depth experience. Group trips, on the other hand, are better for making friends and saving money. Before making your choice, you should also read reviews and suggestions, ask about the guides’ experience, and make sure you understand exactly what is included and what is not included.

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