Here's Why Your Next Holiday Should Be to Angkor Wat

Cambodia is a country rich in culture and natural beauty. With a host of monuments and heritage sites, the country is a huge tourist attraction in south-east Asia. Experiencing the history, food and arts of Cambodia can be enriching no matter where you go, but by far the most popular destination is, and should be, Angkor Wat and the surrounding Siem Reap region. Take a look.

The resplendent Angkor Wat is an iconic temple complex and internationally celebrated as one of, if not the, largest such religious monument in the world. If you’re looking for a dose of history, culture and architectural wonder then you have to visit the site in Cambodia. Originally a temple built by a Hindu king in honour of Vishnu, Angkor Wat eventually became a Buddhist monument centuries later.

You’ll find guides calling out to be hired {we suggest you do} and young artists by the roads, drawing and selling their sketches. If you feel like getting a walking tour of the complex you should go ahead, there isn’t a better way to hit all the major temples. You’ll even get to see the Ta Prohm temple, our favourite spot because of its appearance in the Tomb Raider film!

Perhaps the best {read fun} way to explore Angkor Wat is by renting bicycles that can be rented from locals around the complex. For those of you who prefer a more leisurely way of travel there are always the elephant rides to take you from temple to temple, or just hop on a local bus. However, by far the most popular methods of getting around are by cab and tuk tuk, but be ready to negotiate your rate once they see you’re a tourist.

Get to Angkor Wat just before dawn to watch the sun rise—have a camera ready—and we promise it is an experience you’ll never forget. You can then grab some breakfast at any of the small stalls by the complex, where you can find delicious pancakes and juices.

Besides visiting the temple complex, there is much to do in the region of Siem Reap. If you feel like being cultural, but don’t want to walk, we suggest giving the Angkor Museum a visit. If it’s a photo opportunity you’re looking for, then check out the intriguing floating villages of Tonle Sap.

But lets face it, on a long holiday sometimes you want nothing more than to sit back, relax, and have a drink. If you’re so inclined then head to the famous Pub Street in Siem Reap which is packed with bars, restaurants and shops {perfect for haggling!}; the ultimate tourist destination for the evenings.

We also recommend definitely checking out the Khmer temple known as The Bayon. A richly decorated, and architecturally stunning, ancient temple, it is located in Angkor Thom, just a kilometre away from Angkor Wat.

Passes for the complex are for one, two or three, and seven days. We suggest you go for two or three, since not every one has a week, and you will need at least that much time to explore the temples {and even then we doubt you’ll see everything}.

Where: Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia

Timings: 5am – 5.30pm

Price: $20 for a one day pass, $40 for a three day pass, and $60 for a seven day pass.

Let Cox & Kings plan the perfect trip for you. Check out their itinerary and book here.

This story is in partnership with Cox & Kings.