2 DAYS IN PHNOM PENH

Independence Monument of Phnom Penh

Trip to Phnom Penh is incomplete without the visit to the independence monument of Cambodia, also known as Vimean Ekareach. The monument built in traditional Cambodian architecture was built in the centre of the city to pay respect to Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953 and serves as a memorial place dedicated to the Cambodian’s patriot who died for the country. The 20-meter high monument is inspired from the Khmer temple at Angkor Wat and is shaped as lotus stupa.

Visitors are allowed to go inside and can pay their respects from the outside. At night it is lit with the colours of the national flag and the monument stands out. The space around the Independence Monument is an open space with a garden so it also serves as a picnic place for locals at night. I saw a lot of families with their food baskets enjoying their meals here. 

I visited during the day and night.

Ideal Duration of visit: 10-15 minutes

Entry fees: Free

Wat Phnom temple

Among the things to do in Phnom Penh, Wat Phnom is one of the most popular places to visit in Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh is named after the Hill of Penh on which this ancient temple complex stands. It is a Buddhist temple which was earlier known as Krong Chaktomok. According to a legend, a lady found statues of the Buddha inside a tree floating in the River. With the help of villagers she built a temple by increasing the height of a hill which is now known as Wat Phnom.

Today, the temple is an amalgam of styles and structures from across its more than 600-year history, including gardens built by the French in the late 19th century and shrines that represent Taoist, Confucian, and Hindu beliefs.

The locals have a lot of faith in this temple and that is why it is extremely busy throughout the day. 

The main stairway to the temple is guarded by statues of lions and naga, the mythical snakes of Hinduism and Buddhism. After climbing a few flights of stairs you’ll come across a man releasing sparrows by paying money. This is the Buddhist belief of saving all beings from suffering while gaining personal merits. It was heart-wrenching to see these birds being forced out of the cage, just to be caught back again to put in the cage. Please do not pay here! 

The interior of the temple has a central altar complex with a large bronze seated Buddha surrounded by other statues, flowers, fruits, candles and other items of devotion. The walls and ceiling are covered with murals, especially of Buddha’s earlier reincarnations, the Khmer version of the Ramayana. There are other smaller temples and idols around the complex and people are seen worshipping and offering Prasadam (religious offering consisting of food and drinks).

Ideal duration of visit: 1 – 1.5 hours

Entry fees: US$1

National Museum of Phnom Penh

Your 2 days in Phnom Penh are incomplete without a visit to the National Museum. If you are interested in archaeology, then the National Museum is a dream stop for you. The National Museum of Cambodia has the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. The sculptures are housed in a beautiful terracotta structure of the traditional design. The structure of the museum is gorgeous and the insides are also maintained nicely with proper interpretation of each artifact.

I was blown away by the fact that there are sculptures of Hindu deities housed in the museum. The idols were recovered from the 10th 11th and 12th centuries in the areas around Angkor. There are many sculptures of Vishnu, Ganesh and Shiva in various poses. 

The complex also has a stunning courtyard with fountains, statues, ponds where visitors can take a break and relax on the benches.

Guided tours are available in English, French, Spanish and Japanese languages. Audio tours are also available in eight languages. A comprehensive booklet, The New Guide to the National Museum (US$15), is available at the front desk. 

Note that visitors are not allowed to photograph the collection. However, I was allowed to take pictures of the central courtyard. 

Ideal duration of visit: 2 – 2.5 hours

Entry fees: US$10

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Some people may want to give this a miss if you have only 2 days in Phnom Penh. But the Royal Palace has a stunning architecture that awes all the locals and tourists alike. It is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. The palace occupies several acres of land in the city center with several buildings inside the complex.

Check out the most impressive Throne Hall and sink in to see the royal and majestic interiors. You can observe the hall from doors and windows and are not allowed to go inside. Don’t even try as there are guards.

Aside from the Throne Hall, the other important building is the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda is named so as it is made of 5329 silver tiles covering the pagoda floor weighing almost five tones. You will not see it as it is covered by tiles except a small portion near the entrance is exposed. You will know this only if you get a guide (we didn’t but we overheard one of them).

Get awed with 2 statues of Buddha – a large one referred to as the Emerald Buddha and a small solid-gold Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds. The gem above the forehead weighs 25 carats and another on the chest is a hefty 20 carats.

Note: Royal Palace is closed from 11 am to 2 pm. 

Ideal duration of visit: 1.5 hours

Entry fees: US$10

Evenings in Phnom Penh

Since all the visitor places close at 5 pm, you have the evening to relax. If you want to relax by the riverfront head over to Sisowath Quay. Watch the sun go down with some ice coffee or food. 

Nightlife in Phnom Penh

If you are feeling adventurous head over to the Nagaworld Casino to try your luck in any of the 100 games spread to 3 floors. There is a live dance performance every 30 minutes which you can enjoy while enjoying a drink or pastry from their shop. The food options are amazing as well. Nagaworld has its own duty free shopping in the basement in case you want to shop.

If hitting the casino is not your scene then you can simply enjoy the street food or Cruise on the Tonle Sap. If you want more than just street food, you check out one of the many night markets in Phnom Penh including alongside the river on Sisowath Quay. Alternatively, there are others such as Jet Container Night Market, with pop-up restaurants, bars, and stores, and is well worth the visit alone.

Ideal duration of visit: 2-3 hours (depends)

Entry fees: Free

The Killing Fields – Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

The Choeung Ek Phnom Penh Killing Fields are located 15 kilometres from Phnom Penh and will require a lot of time in commuting and in the field so dedicating an entire morning is best. Hire a tuk-tuk for the day (US$25) and it will cover everything.

Phnom Penh underwent a horrifying genocide that was carried out by the Khmer Rouge regime (led by Pol Pot) between 1975 and 1979. Out of the 7 million population then, over 1.7 million died of starvation, execution, disease or overwork. Some estimates place the death toll even higher. 

The Khmer Rouge apparently arrested and killed all people from the previous regime – including soldiers, politicians and bureaucrats, educated, capitalist and city people, to grow rice and other agricultural products as Pol Pot wanted to develop Cambodia into an agrarian economy like the Angkor Empire in earlier days. When people complained they were tortured and killed, including women and children. You should read in detail about the history of Cambodia.

An audio tour around the field gave us an idea of what happened here. You can still see bones and scraps of clothes on the ground. The Khmer Rouge utilized barbaric methods for killing – farm tools, bamboo, axes, and sharp sugar cane branches. One-stop on the audio tour included “the killing tree” where children were held by their legs, swung against the tree and then discarded into the mass graves. It’s impossible to imagine such inhumane activities done only a few years ago!

Ideal duration of visit: 2-3 hours

Entry fees: US$15 (includes audio tour)

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

If you have the heart to see the genocide museum after visiting the killing fields, go for it. I did not so I passed!

Codenamed as S-21, Tuol Sleng was converted from a school to an interrogation centre on the orders of Pol Pot when his Khmer Rouge movement took control of Cambodia in April 1975. At least 12,000 people who were held here were killed here. 

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is now the memorial site of the S-21 interrogation and detention center of the Khmer Rouge regime. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, it preserves a tragic period in history with the aim to encourage visitors to be messengers of peace.

Ideal duration of visit: 1-2 hours

Entry fees: US$8 (includes audio tour)

Phnom Penh Central market

Central market is quite popular with locals and tourists alike in Phnom Penh and has cheap deals on almost everything – clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, duplicate designer bags, shoes, etc. even though it is cheap, bargain at least 30-40% or more.

Ideal duration of visit: 2-3 hours

Entry fees: Free

PRACTICAL TIPS ABOUT 2 DAYS IN PHNOM PENH

Phnom Penh Weather

Cambodia has a tropical climate and is hot and humid most times of the year and rains almost daily. The best time to visit Phnom Penh is between November and April when it sees very little rain. 

I visited Phnom Penh in August and it was super humid. Being from India, it was bearable for me. 

Phnom Penh food

Phnom Penh tourism is incomplete without tasting the local food, just like most Asian countries. Phnom Penh noodles are extremely popular among the locals and tourists alike. Unfortunately, being a vegetarian, I couldn’t have any street food as all of them had meat. Plus I was staying with my parents so I just preferred having food cooked by my mom. I did relish the array of fresh fruits in Phnom Penh.

If you are a vegan or a vegetarian like me, don’t lose heart. You may not be able to enjoy the street food like others, but there are many Indian restaurants which serve thali meals. Not only Indian but even middle eastern and other veg platters are available. Check this – vegetarian restaurants in Phnom Penh guide.

Safety in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is generally safe during the day but there have been incidences of pickpocketing and bag snatching, just like any other tourist city. Simply be alert with tuk-tuk drivers and do not befriend them. Leave valuables and bank cards at home where possible. Drink spiking in bars is not common in Phnom Penh but it is always best to be alert and buy your own drink.

Where to stay in Phnom Penh

I stayed in my parent’s apartment but these are some of the properties I had looked up when I was helping a friend search for where to stay in Phnom Penh. Whether you are staying for 2 days in Phnom Penh or more these are some of the good options to look into.

Resort in Phnom Penh/ Luxurious stays in Phnom Penh: Courtyard by Marriott, Nagaworld Resort

Hotels in Phnom Penh: Grand River Boutique Hotel, Grand Waterfront Hotel

Hostel in Phnom Penh: Onederz Hostel, Feliz Hostel

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS FOR 2 DAYS IN PHNOM PENH

• Cambodia is still a developing country and has a lot of poverty. Try buying food and clothes from a local market/food joint to boost their economy rather walking into a mall/food chain.
• There is a lot of waste lying on the streets. But as ethical tourists do not add to it. If you do not find a bin, keep the waste with you, till you find one.
• Cover your knees and shoulders at all times. It’s a hot and conservative country – protect your body with clothes rather than sunscreen.
• Hire local guides and tuk-tuk drivers – they will get a day’s meal for their family
• Drinking water – try and refill water bottles instead of buying them every time. Hotels and restaurants have refilling facility and don’t shy away from asking. You’ll save money and the environment.
• Do not pay the beggars – at times you’ll almost want to give in to the grim-looking expressions. They may be part of a gang and your money may fund it and lead to more beggars on the streets. Best is to avoid eye contact.

Read More Cambodia Posts:

Is Angkor Wat worth Visiting?

Read popular posts about neighbouring countries:

Thailand: 3 days Nakhon Phanom Itinerary

Laos: Must visit attarctions in Luang Prabang

Vietnam: 2 days in Hanoi | Hoi An Itinerary

Have you been to Phnom Penh? How was your experience? If not, did you find this 2 days in Phnom Penh guide useful enough to plan a trip there? Let me know in the comments below!

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Flights to Cambodia from India

If you are travelling from India, Cambodia travel is quite easy and these are some of the options:

From Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, you will get connecting flights to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Flights from these destinations are available to Phnom Penh (the capital) and Siem Reap and are of 1- 3 hours duration.

Air Asia has many economy deals from Delhi and Bangalore to reach Phnom Penh, so keep checking.

Cambodia Visa for Indian Citizens

For Indian travellers, a Visa on Arrival can be obtained at the Cambodia International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The validity is 30 days. You will need:

• A completed visa application form (generally given to you on the flight)
• A Passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• One recent photograph (4 x 6 cm)
• Visa fee in cash (US$36)

Pro tip: Download the visa application form from their embassy website and fill it in advance to save time and faster immigration

In case you want to save time and do not want to stand in the queue, you may apply for an e-visa here. It takes about 3 business days for the visa to get approved.

I was not asked a single question during the immigration process, nor was I asked to show any proof of accommodation or onward booking. It was too easy and I felt amused; wouldn’t you want to know the purpose.

Currency in Cambodia

Cambodia has its currency called Cambodian Riels (KHR). 1INR = 49KHR and US$1 = 4078KHR. However, the country also uses USD officially so there is no real need to carry the local currency. Even street vendors and local drivers accept USD. However small the change may be given back in KHR, it can be easily utilised in purchasing water bottles or small souvenirs.

Local transportation in Cambodia

Tuk-tuk is the local way of getting anywhere in the city, even from the airport. It is like an Indian auto-rickshaw, a 3-wheeled automobile, but bigger,r which can accommodate 4 people comfortably. If you have big bags from the airport, it can even accommodate that with 2 passengers. Be sure to negotiate a price in advance (usually not more than US$5-10, depending on the distance). If you are renting a driver for an entire day in any of the cities, it will cost you around US$25 (excluding tip).

For getting around to other cities, flights, as well as buses, are available. Buses are clean, cheap yet comfortable.

✦ Pro tip: Book this overnight bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.

If you opt for the night journey, air-conditioned sleeping coaches are available. They will give you a polythene to store your footwear (so the bus doesn’t get dirty), a water bottle and a blanket. The cost ranges from US$8 -15 one way per person. We travelled from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in an overnight Giant Ibis bus which took 6 hours.

Accommodation in Cambodia

Hotels, guest houses and hostels are easily available across all tourist destinations and the capital. The range starts around US$5-8 per night per person for hostels, mid-range hotels around US$20-30 (including breakfast) and luxurious hotels around US$60-80 (including breakfast). At times they may offer pick-up and drop services to the airport in that rate. WiFi is available in all accommodation as well as tourists’ spots and restaurants.

Food in Cambodia | Must try food in Cambodia

The local street food as well as in restaurants is quite cheap in Cambodia which includes a lot of sea food, crickets, spiders, ants and chicken. A meal on street can cost you US$2-3 and US$8-10 in restaurants.

However, this is bland for Indian taste, and we being vegetarians, we had a tough time fighting the odour of the local dishes even on the streets. Luckily, we found vegetarian Indian restaurants in Phnom Penh, as well as Siem Reap, wherein a South Indian thali costs $8 per person and a la carte about $15-18 between 2 of us.

There are also tons of fruit and dry fruit options which we relished every day – banana, jackfruit, lychee, dragon fruit, passion fruit, mangoes, the infamous durian, almonds, cashew nuts, etc. They are fresh and yummy.

Language, Culture, and Tradition of Cambodia

• Cambodians traditionally greet with a Sampeah, which is like the Indian ‘Namaste’, which involves pressing the palms together before the chest with a slight bow and greeting with a polite ‘Chumreap Suor’ and smile.
• Khmer is the official language of Cambodia.
• 90% of Cambodians follow Buddhism.

Safety in Cambodia

Cambodia is pretty safe for seasoned travellers, solo women travellers, backpackers and family in the city, buses or accommodation. Keep in mind the country wakes up super early – shops open at as early as 6:30 am and close at 5:00 pm – even the markets and retail stores.

Only restaurants would be open past 6:00 pm. So when you go for dinner to a restaurant with a tuk-tuk driver, engage him for a ride back and pay him while sitting in the tuk-tuk. There have been instances of snatching while paying drivers or while carrying bags on isolated roads but very few incidents of mugging. But that is present in any city or tourist attraction in the world so you just have to be careful and alert.

This is funny yet serious, but there is the danger of landmines in Cambodia. Not so much in the cities, but watch out for them in the woods, dry paddy fields or open areas. There is no estimate of how many there are, but they could range from a few thousand to a few million. It is not uncommon for someone to be injured in this way. There are many amputees in the country.

Shopping in Cambodia: Souvenirs to buy in Cambodia

There cannot be a Cambodia travel guide without the mention of shopping!

Traditionally, arts and crafts include lacquerware, silk weaving, silverwork, stone carving, wood carving and basket making. They are available in stores as well as local markets. Be careful, as wooden artefacts are sold as fake plastic ones at a higher price. The textile market is also booming in Cambodia. I have no idea where it comes from, but it is super cheap. T-shirts and pants are as cheap as $2 and can be cheaper if bought in bulk. There are night markets in all major cities – open till 11 pm.

Pro tip: Decide what you want to buy and head straight there otherwise you will end up spending much more on so many attractive things that are actually of no use 

What to wear in Cambodia

Since it is a hot and humid country, anything which is comfortable to you should be worn – preferably cotton t-shirts and shorts which will give ample protection to your skin. The country is liberal in terms of what you prefer to wear however you will be required to cover your shoulders (scarf is not allowed) and knees while visiting temples.

What to pack for Cambodia travel

Pack light. You will find everything from tea, branded toiletries, to clothes in case you forget something. Other things:

• Comfortable footwear – you will be walking a lot in temples and museums. Although sports shoes will give you that comfort, you may be required to remove them while visiting temples way too many times that it will get annoying. Also with the hot and humid weather, the shoes get super sweaty. Try floaters, kittos, flip flops instead.
• Sunscreen – you will thank me for this. Trust me it is required everywhere.
• Water/fluids/snack – pack this for all your local sightseeing.
• Travel insurance – it’s a hot country, there are mosquitoes. You do not want to have malaria, dengue or even a viral throat infection. But in case you do, insurance is always handy. Buy one, which will cover your luggage loss or delay (saying from personal experience).
• All other things which you feel are important.

PLACES TO VISIT IN CAMBODIA: CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Other than Angkor Wat, there are many places of interest. While it is debatable if Angkor Wat is worth visiting, I highly recommend visiting the following places.

• Phnom Penh,
• Sihanoukvill,
• Koh Kong,
• Battambang,
• Koh Tonsay,
• Kampot,
• Koh Ker, etc.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE

• Do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Even if you do, do not litter it in any tourist area or any museums or archeological sites.
• Respect the ancient structures of temples and other structures by not sitting on them.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography.
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archeological sites and temples.

I hope this Cambodia Travel Guide helps to plan a trip to Cambodia, especially for Indian citizens. Have you already visited Cambodia? What were the places you liked, loved or hated? Tell me the comments below!

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Angkor Wat: Getting amazed with the precision cut stones and apsara carvings on the outer wall.

The beautifully landscaped outer courtyard. I imagine animals probably lazying around during the prime years of Khmer empire.

Bridges having fancy fencing.. now who wouldn’t like that? By the way they are holding a really lo..nnnn..gg 7 headed snake.

I think mine and everyone’s favorite temple has to be Bayon.  The giant faces of Bayon/ Jayavarnam VII with their gentle smiles are definitely enigmatic and lifted my spirits in the hot burning sun.

So much so that I decided to pose to show off my dress at Bayon, Angkor Thom

Getting awed by the huge roots trying to claim their territory around the temple complex at Ta Phrom. If you decide to go here you will probably tick item off a bucket list as you will be clicking a photo at Tomb Raider movie shooting set! Photography at Angkor wat done right! It certainly reminded me of tree roots in towns of Meghalaya, in the state of India and how localities have turned them into bridges to cross rivers! Such brilliant stuff.

Humans trying really hard to protect the structures they built by putting some weight lifting devices.

Getting intimidated by the fact that the tree branches are actually holding some portions of the monuments from collapsing. Angkor Wat can get surprisingly amazing.

This barren stone would have looked so beautiful in its hay days showing off the jewels it possessed.

Intrigued by this extremely gorgeous looking stone, carved with a story that I am trying to recreate in my head.

Crumbled pieces of history, holding strong to its roots and the trees to its own. They interact often holding on to their egos, talking about the by gone centuries – how the path once laid was a king’s business route to the now selfie taking tourists! Still, they lie still engulfing each minute as it comes.  Read in detail about the temples of Koh Ker and Preah Vihear and get mesmerized with the photos.

So let go off that shutter speed, put on the aperture and the ISO to give you the best of Angkor paradise!

Sustainable travel tips for Photography at Angkot Wat Temples

• Being an ancient world heritage site which is already dwindling with age, respect the structures by not sitting on them. Sit outside the temple in the garden.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it
• Do not enter places which are closed off, there’s a reason why they are closed.
• Throw your garbage in the dustbins located at the entrance of each temple.
• Choose sustainable local transport – bicycles, electric mopeds are available on rent. Even diesel tuk-tuks are available which give boost to local economy. I discourage riding elephants (yes, some tourists were using them as transport).

Read More Cambodia Posts:

Cambodia Travel Guide for Indian Citizens

2 days in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Read other popular posts from neighbouring countries of Cambodia:

Thailand: Things to do in Nakhon Phanom

Laos: Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang

Vietnam: Stunning Temples in Vietnam

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Please read my Privacy Policy to know more. 

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Note: All images are copyrighted and cannot be used for any commercial purpose without the author’s permission

I decided to ditch the research and decided to get surprised.

And surprise I did..

Recommended Read: Cambodia Travel Guide for Indian Citizens

Reaching Siem Reap and decoding if Angkor wat worth visiting?

After spending 2 days in Phnom Penh we took an overnight bus to Siem Reap. We chose to ride with Giant Ibis bus which was a sleeper coach and so comfortable – mobile charging points, bathroom, blanket, water bottle. Slept through the night to reach at sunrise. And now I knew why people said Angkor sunrise is awesome. I could not visit the temple during sunrise, and honestly I have no regrets.

Bus charge: US$15 one way per person

While the most famous temples come under the Angkor Wat Small Circuit, if you have more time in hand, Angkor Wat Grand Circuit is also a great option.

Tickets to Angkor Archeological Park

After freshening up and heavy breakfast in our accommodation – we fixed up a tuk-tuk driver for the day – US$25. We reached the Angkor Wat ticket reservation centre. At 10am the crowd was heavy and lines were long. I was certainly feeling the excitement – so many people means the place ought be amazing, right? Reminded me on the long queues I stood to visit the Indian counterparts Tirumala Balaji temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple Nashik, Kamakhya temple, etc.

Angkor Wat Entrace Fees and types of passes:

Angkor Wat 1 Day Pass price: US$37

Angkor Wat 3 Day Pass price: US$62

Angkor Wat 7 Day Pass price: US$72

We only had 2 days in hand so we stood in the 3 day pass line to get our photo clicked and printed on our entry ticket. After 30 minutes we got it done and headed off to ‘Long tour’ for the day. The tuk-tuk driver dropped us off to the entrance and we were surrounded by guides who promised us informative history tour. After a lot of bargaining we sealed the deal for US$20.

Disappointment no.1: The guide’s accent made it really difficult for us to understand some important facts. Also he was hurrying up to show everything which gave us very few opportunities to photograph some really interesting structures.

For Indians like me, temple means an idol of god or goddess, adorned in beautiful clothes and jewellery which is generally in the middle of the complex. We thought we will reach there soon as we started seeing some monks/priest perform some ritual. And this is the Buddha idol we came across way before the actual complex. There were very few people around the idol. Had it been India, there wouldn’t be space to breathe.

After going through the doors which were actually big rocks, we could see the Angkor temple towers and got super excited. Marveling at the many snake headed figures on the side of the walkaway we came across the ‘famous’ puddle of water from where tourists capture the sunrise shots.

Recommended Read: Rock-cut Badami cave temples that have Buddha sculptures on pillars and walls of Cave 4.

Disappointment no.2: turn around the puddle and you will see atleast 3 dozen shops selling 3 times expensive authentic souvenirs, artifacts, paintings and clothes. Walk a little further and be ready to dodge coconut water sellers and photographers wanting to print your photo with the temple within 5 minutes.

We thought, well, every famous place has its share of sellers and these were all local people trying to make a living. So we pushed forward to the main temple still trying to make sense of the history which our guide was telling us, climbing through doors of big rocks. We reached the centre of universe as denoted by a stone located in the highest tower that symbolizes the mythical mountain, Meru.

Disappointment number 3: It took us almost 2 hours to know everything and reach the main temple. There was no information/interpretation of any of the sculptures, wall carvings or towers. We had to trust our guide and keep going.

We reached the other towers wherein Cambodian kings believed that gods reside at the top of the temple. The staircase supposedly could make human go to heaven if climbed. We grabbed on to the opportunity to climb the really steep steps. By this time our guide had left us in heaven and left. We soaked in the beautiful view of Angkor from the ‘heaven’ and decided to climb down back to human settlement.

We walked back to our tuk-tuk contemplating and trying to digest all the information that our guide gave us. Yes, we were in awe – it was amazing how the Khmer king managed to built this structure but disappointed. Although I had seen few photos photos of Angkor architecture I had assumed and expected a bigger grandeur rather than a dull, decomposing, fading, eroding ancient structure forgotten in time.

Is Angkor Wat worth visiting – the Conclusion

Yes, if

1) you read its history well in advance and are able to put each structure and carving in the unending puzzle of temple complex.

2) you do not let your expectations go sky high expecting fancy stuff. Yes, it is a world heritage site but an ancient one.

3) you love ancient architecture.

4) you love visiting and ticking off must visit places listed in some list!

5) you love photography. Check how Angkor Wat is a photographer’s paradise.

No, if

1) ancient history doesn’t interest/baffle you

2) you do not want to walk around with a guide at his pace.

3) you have company of elderly people. Trust me my parents had issues walking over those big rocks for such a long duration in the heat. Also there is no provision or possibility to get a wheelchair. So if you are physically challenged, avoid visiting Angkor.

4) you are expecting some interpretation in form of a placard/mural. You have to figure it all out yourself. I was particularly disappointed with this because since the restoration is going on, why not put up information in important places? If I am paying US$62 for 3 days, the least I should expect is some information somewhere instead of spending more dollars on a guide.

Sustainable travel tips for Angkot Wat Visit

• Being an ancient world heritage site which is already dwindling with age, respect the structures by not sitting on them. Sit outside the temple in the garden.
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it
• Do not enter places which are closed off, there’s a reason why they are closed.
• Throw your garbage in the dustbins located at the entrance of each temple.
• Choose sustainable local transport – bicycles, electric mopeds are available on rent. Even diesel tuk-tuks are available which give boost to local economy. I discourage riding elephants (yes, some tourists were using them as transport).

Read other popular posts from neighbouring countries of Cambodia:

Thailand: Rediscover Thailand with Spirituality

Laos: Kuang si waterfalls, Luang Prabang

Vietnam: 10 Reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Please read my Privacy Policy to know more. 

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