Wandering Through Time at Angkor Wat
Discover the magic of Angkor Wat through my personal journey exploring this awe inspiring 12th-century temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia. From watching the breathtaking sunrise over the ancient spires to navigating hidden temples and sharing practical tips for a smooth visit, this post offers a mindful, slow travel perspective on one of the world’s most iconic sites. Perfect for those seeking history, peace, and a touch of adventure.
6/23/2025
Angkor Wat is hands-down one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. This incredible temple complex sits just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Originally built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, it was later transformed into a Buddhist site. Today, it's a place of wonder, history and awe.
To visit the temples, you’ll need to purchase an Angkor Pass. These come in 1, 3 or 7-day options. The great thing about the multi-day passes is that they don’t need to be used on consecutive days. The 3-day pass is valid for a week and the 7-day pass is valid over a month. We opted for the 1-day pass ($37usd) since it was our last day in Siem Reap after spending the week volunteering. Despite only having one day, we still managed to see six temples over six hours.
Sunrise Over Angkor Wat
There’s something unforgettable about watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat. The soft pink hues in the sky, the reflection of the spires in the moat is surreal. But trust me, a bit of planning makes the experience so much smoother.
The night before, I asked my hotel to pack a breakfast box, which was ready to grab at reception when I left. Most cafes and hotel breakfasts aren’t open that early so this is a must if you want to eat while waiting for the sun to rise.
We’d arranged a tuk tuk driver the day before...but unfortunately, he slept through his alarm. Finding a new driver at 4:30 am was a bit chaotic (cue mini panic) so my advice is: book your transport in advance and confirm with your driver the night before. We got lucky and flagged one down, and by 5 am we were on our way with a friendly driver. The ride cost us around $18usd for the day, which is pretty standard, expect to pay between $15–25usd depending on your route and negotiation skills. You can pay in either USD or Cambodian Riel, though I found locals prefer USD for anything over $10. Most tuk tuk drivers know the temples well and will happily take you wherever you want to go or suggest a route if you’re unsure.
We started at Angkor Wat for sunrise, about a 15 minute drive from town. It’s busy when you arrive, but it’s easy to follow the crowd and find a viewing spot you like. At the entrance, you’ll see tour guides offering their services. We decided to go without one so we could move at our own pace, but if you want more historical background, it’s worth hiring one.
After exploring Angkor Wat, we visited Bayon with its hundreds of stone faces smiling down, then Ta Prohm which is the famous “Tomb Raider Temple.” It was amazing to see how tree roots have woven their way through the stone walls. Our driver waited at each stop and gave us the freedom to explore in our own time.
Tips from my day:
Buy your temple pass online beforehand. A 1-day pass is around $37 USD
Book your tuk tuk a day or two in advance and confirm the night before
Ask your hotel to pack a breakfast box to take with you
Bring water, sunscreen and something to cover your shoulders, as dress codes are enforced
Take it slow, take breaks—it gets hot!
Don’t stress about seeing everything. The atmosphere is what makes it so special
By midday, the heat was setting in so we wrapped up the loop and headed back into town. For the fellow coffee lovers out there, The Little Red Fox Espresso was my favourite café in Siem Reap.
This was one of the most peaceful and awe inspiring mornings of my travels. If you're heading to Cambodia, don’t skip Angkor Wat. The early start is absolutely worth it!
Safe Travels,
Baylee xx
