June 30, 2023 | Posted by misfitwanders | Adventures, Cambodia, Jungle, Lifestyles, Party, Traveling, Trekking
When it comes to captivating historical landmarks, few can rival the awe-inspiring beauty of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Nestled amidst the dense jungles of Siem Reap, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in ancient history and architectural marvels. In this comprehensive Angkor Wat guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
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Our hostel boomed with music and crowds of people chatting away. It was like this almost every night. My niece was filled with excitement to see this party place full of like minded thinkers. Our age difference is about 10 years. With her at 18, and me at 28. Having that huge age gap, we actually didn’t run into too many problems.
Traveling together went smoother than I had expected. We chose Mad Monkey as our hostel once we reached Siem Reap, Cambodia. I thought it would be nice for my niece to experience a place brimming with other travelers that were about partying, like her.
I was fine with the drinking until being hammered was a daily occurrence. Then a trapped feeling began to pull at me. I wanted to explore, not stay cooped up in the hostel or only go out when it is the bar crawl. So I took it into my own hands and planned a trip and created an Angkor Wat guide.
When we roamed the streets, I asked a few tuk tuk drivers separately how much it would be for a day to Angkor Wat with him as our driver. The first one that was asked was outside of the hostel and he wouldn’t budge on his price. Farther down the street, we talked to another guy. This guy I was able to talk down the price. It finally felt like a reasonable price for the two of us. He insisted that we must be there for sunrise. I was baffled, but finally we agreed. This guy must know what he’s talking about.
Before embarking on your Angkor Wat adventure, it’s essential to understand the costs and ticket options available. The ticket prices for visiting Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples vary depending on the duration of your visit. From single-day passes to multi-day options. You can get the Angkor Pass on Angkor Enterprise. There, you’ll see they have three options: 1 Day- 37USD/ 3 Days- 62USD/ 7 days- 72USD
Learn more about it here!
The night before, my party-loving niece and I drank. I switched to just oj as the nightlife began to come around. After a glass, I went to bed, 4:30 will be coming soon. That little girl, I think she finally passed out only a couple of hours before we were planning on leaving. The time had come, and in the darkness I got ready for our new adventure. I even was able to wake up Ahna (my niece) with no problem! We both walked out of the hostel feeling a bit groggy. Ahna was way out of it still. Maybe she was still drunk. Our tuk tuk was around the corner waiting for us.
It felt strange to be up and about at 4:30am. But as we looked around, we saw there were other vehicles and tuk tuks buzzing by. First thing we had to do was stop and get tickets at an office. Since it was so early, I thought, no problem. Boy, was I wrong! When we made it to the place, there were cars and tuk tuks everywhere!
Once we walked inside, we saw lines sprawled out, filled with tourists. There was even a digital counter on the wall. It was up to one million visitors! It was unbelievable! I guess sunrise at Angkor Wat is kind of a big deal. Or maybe, this is what it looks like NOT crowded. The windows for the clerks had not opened yet. Finally, in an abrupt movement, I hear the windows one by one, slam open. When this happened, it went relatively quick and easy. Now, onward to Angkor Wat!
Angkor Wat draws a significant number of visitors each year, and understanding the crowd dynamics can help you plan your visit more effectively. Check out Angkor Enterprise to see how many tickets have been purchased in a certain time period. Having an Angkor Wat guide is well worth it for your adventure to these magical temples!
As my drowsiness was subsiding I was starting to wake up. My heart began to hammer with an urge for the new adventure. The day was beginning to warm up. So it felt nice riding in a tuktuk with the cold breeze whipping against our faces. There was a gate up ahead. Time to check our tickets!
Then we were in with our driver at the wheel. The place was huge! It felt like our driver had driven for a while before we made it to the beginning of the ancient structures. The first one I saw, left me in awe-struck. It was amazing! When you see something in person, it is so much better than photos.
Our tuk tuk driver parked and explained where we can start to see the sunrise. It would be hard to get lost with all the toursits going in the same direction.
We found a nice place to sit that wasn’t so crowded next to the water as we waited. As we looked at Angkor Wat, we could see the sun’s rays peaking through some clouds as it came up. It was beautiful and no photo could do it justice! Since we were there during rainy season it had those wandering clouds. I could imagine that it would be even more spectacular during a clear morning. But what we had was enough for me, I was pleased!
Angkor Wat is not just a single temple but a vast complex comprising several stunning structures and ruins. Visit the prominent temples within Angkor Wat, including Bayon, Ta Prohm (my favorite), and Banteay Srei. Discover their unique features, architectural styles, and historical significance.
We began our journey through the temples. It became temple, after temple, after temple. They were amazing, but I was beginning to feel rather burnt out when we reached the last temple for the day. We hadn’t even seen all of it! There was still much more to see. But we both felt we had seen our fair share of temples. Each temple had its own story and personality. It was worth the visit!
While exploring Angkor Wat independently is an option, like the two of us did. Many visitors get guided tours to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of the temples. We’ll delve into the various tour options available, from private guided tours to group excursions, and discuss their benefits and costs. Whether you prefer a knowledgeable guide by your side or wish to navigate the temples at your own pace, we’ll help you make an informed decision.
Private Angkor Wat guided tours offer a more personalized and tailored experience at Angkor Wat. With a knowledgeable Angkor Wat guide by your side, you’ll have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the temples. These tours allow you to set your own pace, focus on specific areas of interest, and have a more intimate experience with the site. While private tours tend to be more expensive compared to other options, the personalized attention and in-depth knowledge provided by the guide make it a worthwhile investment for many visitors. This is something that I wished we had done since there’s so much to learn about this wonderful place.
Group excursions give a more social and interactive experience at Angkor Wat. Joining a group tour allows you to meet fellow travelers from around the world, fostering a sense of a team as you explore the temples together. Group tours are often led by knowledgeable guides who provide informative commentary and facilitate a structured itinerary. These tours are generally more affordable compared to private options, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, it’s important to note that the group size can vary, so it’s worth considering your preferences for a more intimate or lively atmosphere.
Deciding on having an Angkor Wat guide comes with several benefits. First and foremost, the expertise and knowledge of the guides add much more value to your visit. They can provide historical and cultural context, share fascinating stories and legends, and answer any questions you may have. Guides are also well-versed in navigating the complex area, ensuring you don’t miss out on any significant highlights. Additionally, tours often include transportation to and from the temples, saving you the hassle of arranging your own logistics. But that can be pretty easy to figure out with all the tuktuks around.
The costs of guided tours at Angkor Wat can vary depending on factors such as tour duration, group size, inclusions (such as transportation and meals), and the reputation and expertise of the tour operator. Private guided tours tend to be more expensive due to the personalized service and exclusivity they offer. Group excursions, on the other hand, are generally more affordable, especially if you join a larger group. It’s essential to research and compare different tour operators to find the best value for your budget and preferred level of service.
There are several different Angkor Wat guided tours that you can have with GetYourGuide. Learn more about them here.
When selecting an option for an Angkor Wat guide, consider your preferences, budget, and desired level of engagement. Private guided tours are ideal for those seeking a personalized and in-depth experience, while group excursions offer a more social and cost-effective option. Additionally, read reviews and recommendations, inquire about the expertise of the guides, and clarify the specific inclusions and exclusions before making your decision.
Are you an adventurer and want to wander somewhere new? Check out my Travel page and learn more about what to do before beginning your journey. I have a ton of articles of places that I have traveled that can inspire to find your next destination as well! Check it out here!
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