TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

ANGKOR VISITOR GUIDE

As the religious, cultural, and administrative center of a prosperous and sophisticated kingdom, Angkor grew to be one of the world’s largest cities in the late 12th century (when it was known as Angkor Thom), comprising an estimated one million residents. Angkor’s kings erected magnificent temple complexes and constructed an intricate network of canals, moats, and Barays (reservoirs). Today Angkor is recognized as one of the world’s most valuable cultural sites and as a national symbol of Cambodia. In 1992 Angkor was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site covers some 400 sq km (200 sq mi).

Today Angkor is recognized as one of the world’s most valuable cultural sites.

The name Angkor is derived from the Sanskrit word nagara (meaning “city”) and is pronounced Nokor or Angkor in Khmer and Angkor in English. The state temple of the first city of Angkor was Phnom Bakheng, a temple on a hill whose structure symbolizes the mountain that stands at the center of the world according to Hindu cosmology. Successive kings built temples devoted to various Hindu and Buddhist deities, and, as Angkor expanded, new population centers grew up around the temples that served as social, economic, religious, and political centers. Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, and the temples within Angkor Thom are the main temple complexes at Angkor. To the north, east, and west of these central structures lie three vast Barays, linked by canals throughout the central zone. The temples and Barays of this central area make up Angkor National Park, which was established in 1925 by the French, who had administrative jurisdiction over Cambodia at that time. The park includes more than 40 monuments open to visitors.

ANGKOR ENTRANCE FEES/ HOW LONG TO STAY

Tickets are only available at the main entrance, situated on the road to Angkor Wat:

1 day pass costs $ 20,

3 days pass cost $ 40 (can visit 3 days or times in one week period)

7 days pass costs $ 60 (can visit 7 days or times in one month period)

Free for children under 12 years old, if he is nearly 12 please kindly bring his passport to sure the ticket controller. The fee must be paid in US dollars, Cambodian Riel, Thai Baht or Euro. Credit cards are not accepted for payment, but there is a bank counter at the ticket sales booths, where visitors can get a cash advance on their credit card.

Visiting hours are 5:00AM - 05:30PM. But Kbal Spean closes at 3:00PM. You must always carry your ticket. It will be checked upon each park entrance and at major temples.

A regular admission ticket is not allowed to visit Phnom Kulen ( USD 20 ), Koh Ker ( USD 10 ) and Beng Mealea ( USD 5 ), because there is a separate entrance fee.

A one-day visit allows you to see the highlights of the most famous temples but very little more. Three days is sufficient to visit all of the major temples once, a few of the minor ones and have a little extra time at your favorites. Seven days is enough time to really explore some of your favorite ruins and visit many of the minor structures as well.

WHAT TO BRING

Wear light, airy, covering clothing to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. The sun can be intense so bring a hat, sunglasses and perhaps sunscreen. Consider buying a traditional Khmer scarf (krama) to keep the sun off your neck. Carry a raincoat during the wet season, though you will probably only need it in the afternoon. You should have mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset hours. Wear practical shoes for climbing narrow steps and walking on uneven surfaces. For serious temple explorers, a flashlight, notebook and compass can come in handy. Books, refreshments, trinkets, postcards and film are available from small vendors throughout the temple complex.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND AROUND TEMPLES

The temples are too far apart to make foot travel practical (though some hearty visitors are hiking it anyway). Transportation options include: two-person motorcycle trailers (‘moto-romauk’) car taxis, motorcycle taxi (‘motodup’); bicycles. Transportation to the temples is usually hired by the day. Prices go up for distant temples (e.g. Banteay Srey, Phnom Kulen, Kbal Spean, Koh Ker, Beng Melea). Sovann Eath can arrange transportation for you.

Tourists are no longer allowed to rent motorcycles or cars, or drive a vehicle in Siem Reap. And other ways of getting around the temples…

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