Angkor Wat is the image on Cambodia’s flag and the reason most travellers come to Siem Reap, and it is even bigger and finer than the photographs suggest. King Suryavarman II built it in the first half of the twelfth century as a temple to Vishnu and, probably, as his own funerary monument, and it later became a Buddhist shrine, as it remains today. A causeway crosses the broad moat to the western gate, and beyond it the temple climbs in three terraces to five towers shaped like closed lotus buds, a stone model of Mount Meru, the home of the gods. The long galleries of the first level carry nearly a kilometre of bas-reliefs, including the celebrated Churning of the Ocean of Milk and scenes of heaven, hell and the king’s army on the march. Seeing the towers turn from black silhouette to gold at sunrise is the great Angkor moment. This page links to a sunrise guided tour on Tiqets with air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide and two hours inside the temple after dawn.
How to visit: Angkor Wat is about six kilometres north of central Siem Reap and opens at 5:00, earlier than most temples, so you can be in place for sunrise; it closes at 18:00. Every visitor needs an Angkor Pass from Angkor Enterprise, the only valid seller, and it is not sold at the temples. Fares for 2026 are 37 US dollars for one day, 62 dollars for three days used within a week and 72 dollars for seven days used within a month, and children under 12 enter free. The ticket office on Road 60 opens at 5:30, too late for sunrise, so buy online in advance or at the office the afternoon before.
The tour: the Tiqets sunrise tour, run by Journey Cambodia, meets at a cafe on Achar Sva Street at about 4:20, watches the sunrise and then spends about two hours inside with a guide, covering the galleries, the central chambers and the upper terraces. Cold towels and water are included; the Angkor Pass and hotel pickup are not. Free cancellation runs until 19 hours before.
Making the most of it: the upper level, the Bakan, has a steep stair, a strict dress code covering shoulders and knees, and shorter hours than the rest of the temple, and children under 12 may not climb it. Bring a torch for the dark walk in, and stay after the crowds leave for breakfast, when the bas-reliefs are quiet.
What to expect
The experience
A pre-dawn ride to the temple, sunrise over the five towers, then a guided walk through the galleries, chambers and terraces of Angkor Wat.
Best time
The dry, cooler months from November to February give the clearest sunrises, and staying on after the sunrise crowd leaves gives you the quietest galleries.
How long
About three to four hours from the sunrise meeting time, although the tour is sold as a longer block.
Tips
Buy the Angkor Pass online beforehand, cover shoulders and knees for the upper level, bring a torch for the walk in and carry water and insect repellent.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor, photographers and anyone who wants to see the world’s largest religious monument at its most dramatic moment.
- Families
- Children under 12 enter free, but the very early start is tough on small ones and under-12s may not climb the upper level.
- Couples
- Watching the towers emerge from the dark together is one of the most memorable sunrises in Asia.
- Pair with
- Angkor Thom and the Bayon the same morning, just a few minutes north by tuk-tuk.
- Time needed
- Half a day for the sunrise and a proper look inside, and a full day if you add Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm.
Good questions
How much is the Angkor Pass in 2026?+
The Angkor Pass costs 37 US dollars for one day, 62 dollars for three days used within a week and 72 dollars for seven days used within a month. Children under 12 enter free, and the pass is sold only by Angkor Enterprise, online or at the Road 60 ticket office.
What time does Angkor Wat open for sunrise?+
Angkor Wat opens at 5:00, so you can be in place before the sun rises, and it closes at 18:00. Because the ticket office opens at 5:30, buy your pass online or the afternoon before.
Is the Angkor Pass included in the sunrise tour?+
No, the tour covers transport, an English-speaking guide, cold towels and water, but not park admission. Buy the pass yourself before the tour day.
Is there a dress code at Angkor Wat?+
Yes, cover your shoulders and knees, especially for the upper level of the temple, where the rule is strictly enforced. A light scarf and long trousers or a long skirt solve it.
Can children climb to the top of Angkor Wat?+
Children under 12 may not climb to the upper level of Angkor Wat. They can still explore the galleries, courtyards and bas-reliefs below.
