Bayon Temple intrigued travelers due to the hundreds of enigmatic faces of ancient gods carved on its imposing towers. Built by King Jayavarman II, he intended to dedicate the temple to the Hindu god Vishnu, but his successor converted to Buddhism, replacing the Hindu carvings with the depiction of Buddha. The inner court of Bayon Temple is accessible to tourists. The upper terrace has several mazes with doors, windows, and rooms for worship and filled with galleries of carved mythological characters.
After two hours, we were off to the jungle! Ta Prohm temple is where ancient, huge trees are located. So ancient that big roots cover the temple. Unlike Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm is not fully restored and the place looked more like a ghost area than a historic landmark. But it’s worth of your time because you will see here strange and large trees you might have never seen in your life.
Ta Prohm temple
Another temple ruin within Angkor Thom
Where is Angkor Complex?
Angkor complex is located in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. It is an eight-hour drive from Phnom Penh city, Cambodia’s capital. The complex is just a 15-minute drive away from the city proper. Tour guides are available, but you can visit it on your own just like what we did. It is a very safe place. We never encountered any inconveniences in Siem Reap city despite traveling there for the first time and we were all girls!
Creepy roots cuddling roofs of the temple
How To Get There
Cebu Pacific Airline is serving direct flights from Manila to Siem Reap City, but if you are traveling from Vietnam, the easiest way to reach Angkor is through Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city). Catch a bus from Saigon to Phnom Penh city (eight-hour travel time). The most ideal way to reserve a bus ticket is through an arrangement with the hotel receptionist. This arrangement includes a free pick up from your hotel. Spend a night in Phnom Pehn and make another arrangement with the hotel receptionist to reserve you a bus ticket for Siem Reap. Fare is US$10.00. Bus normally leaves at 9:00 in the morning and arrive in Siem Reap at 5:00 in the afternoon. Buses in Vietnam and Cambodia offer one free bottled mineral water and wet tissue.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels in the Angkor complex ground. Travelers stay at Siem Reap city which has several affordable 3-star hotels for budget travelers. During our visit, we stayed at Rithy Rine Angkor Hotel located in Wat Bo village, which was a lot cheaper compared to other hotels in the area, but still was equally comfortable and clean.
Getting Around
You can explore Angkor in any of the following means of transportation:
- Motorbike with a driver – can be arranged with your hotel for US$7.00/day
- Tuktuk – ideal for budget travelers/good for 4 – Rate: US$10.00/day
- Car with a driver – can be arranged with your hotel – Rate: US$45.00/day
- Bicycle – this can be rented anywhere in Siem Reap – Rent: US$1.00 a day
Best time to visit and what to bring
The best time to visit Angkor is between November and February when the weather is dry and temperature is at its coolest. Avoid visiting the complex between June to October because it’s rainy season in Cambodia and the whole area is very messy and muddy. March to May is summer season and the temperature is terribly hot.
Bring water and food when visiting Angkor because you will do plenty of walking along its massive ground which can be a little bit tiring. Food and water around the complex are a bit expensive, so better bring something to eat and drink with you beforehand.
Angkor Trek Expenses
Here are the costs to consider when planning a morning adventure to Cambodia’s most historic landmark, provided you are traveling with two to three companions:
1. Tuktuk ride on the day of arrival in Siem Reap City – US$1.33
2. Tuktuk ride to Angkor – US$10.00 (round trip)
3. Angkor Ticket – US$20.00
4. Tip to Tuktuk driver – US$1.00
5. Lunch at Angkor – US$5.00
Angkor Archaeological Park
Siem Reap province, Cambodia
Opening time: 5:00AM to 6:00PM
Admission rates: US$20.00 (1day), US$40.00(3days), US$60.00(7days)
Tickets can be bought only at the Apsara ticketing office in the Angkor complex
