A guide to Angkor Wat

In the midst of the Cambodian forests, the elegant Angkor Archaeological Park soars spectacularly as an ancient stone city. It used to be the Khmer Empire’s capital from the 9th to 15th centuries, while its empire invaded from Myanmar to Vietnam. This ancient city occupies a vast area of more than 400 square kilometers and contains various temples. Nowadays, even though its glory days were bygone, this massive complex still retains its reputation to Buddhist pilgrims who traveled thousands of miles from Asian countries and beyond. Moreover, millions of tourists from far-flung corners visit the Angkor complex every year. 

                                             

In 1992, when Angkor was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was also listed in the list of World Heritage in Danger when this site was threatened by pillaging, plagued by illegal excavations, and even dotted with land mines. After 1 year, in 1993, UNESCO established a huge campaign to restore and protect this complex. Thanks to this campaign, Angkor Wat recovered dramatically and removed itself from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2004. To this day, UNESCO still continues to support Angkor Wat by cooperating with the Cambodian authorities to ensure that tourism access and complex development do not cause any harm to this great cultural treasure.

                                             

The best time to visit this World Heritage Site is in December and January when rainfall is less likely and the climate is most gentle. However, it will also be the peak tourist season so make sure you avoid this time if you do not want to be packed with people. In spring, the temperatures can increase rapidly, especially during April and May so this extreme heat can make you feel uncomfortable. The post-monsoon rainy season continues until October, but if you are well-prepared, you can still enjoy the fresh and clean atmosphere after the rain.

                                              

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting this religious site is to dress properly, which means you should have your knees and shoulders covered. Moreover, clothing with images of Buddha or Ganesha on it will be considered extremely offensive. Overall, Cambodia or South East Asia in general are conservative so make sure you dress appropriately or expect to be denied access in some areas. At the entrances of certain sites, there will be guards who can hinder you from entering if you are unsuitably dressed.

Gazing at the enormous Angkor Wat will certainly bring you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before you travel, make sure you have prepared well to get the most out of your trip. Furthermore, if you wish to understand deeply the history and the details of these monuments, you can book a tour with us to explore all the corners of Angkor Wat.