Visiting Angkor complex

When I first visited Angkor complex in 2011, I had no idea that the complex was so massive. To a visitor, it seems that it can be seen in a day. Only once you enter the complex, does one realize its vastness. I thought of first writing about the facts, a little bit of history and then cover the temples. Though, in my enthusiasm, I have already added two posts.

Facts about Angkor complex:

The Angkor complex, along with its many temples, stretches around 250 miles.
The credit of establishing Khmer kingdom goes to Jayavarman II. But, the list of rulers contributing to Angkor Kindom are many. Most of them adding some thing or the other.

Before 800 A.D., there was a struggle for power and Jayavarman II took the reign in his hands.

Background and history:
The temples in the complex were built between 800 to 1300 A.D. Around 27 kings ruled during the period. Some were more important and dominant.
Indravarman III, established the irrigation system and reservoirs called baray. If you plan to visit Banteay Srie, you would see baray on to your right. Later his son, Yasovarman I started construction of temples. The kingdom spread to Bay of Bengal on one side to Vietnam and into China, on the other.

Then came King Suryavarman II, who built Angkor Wat and dedicated the temple to Lord Vishnu. A huge statue of Vishnu still stands today. Vaishavism remained the state religion till Thervada Buddhism took over in 14-15th century. The temple complex also became the state capital of Khmer Kingdom.

The Khmer kingdom fell around 15th century and became redundant till the time it was discovered in the late 80's.

The Angkor complex is a 20 minute drive from Siem Reap, the city near the Angkor complex. Since there is no place to stay at Angkor, you have to stay at Siem Reap which is very tourist friendly. Here are plenty of places to eat, both reasonable and expensive. Night market attracts a lot of tourists. Don't miss the massage after you have walked all day at Angkor complex. Fish massage is equally joyful.

The above plan gives an insight about the size of Angkor complex

Entrance ticket:
You need to get a photo pass made at the entrance and enter the complex using this. There is a double checking for passes. You are free to move out of the complex and come back again provided you retain your ticket. The ticket also becomes your souvenir with a picture of you on it!

A one-day ticket costs $20 and covers all the temples in the complex. A two day pass is $40, a three day is also $40 and a seven day pass is $60 but you have to use it on seven consecutive days.
Guide services are available in all major languages.

After one more check that the ticket has been bought, your vehicle enters the Angkor conservation area. Look to your sides, monkeys and heavy growth of trees can be seen. Soon you start seeing small temples, lots under renovation.

There are so many temples that covering them all is only possible if you have an ardent interest in archaelogy and have a lot of time. Otherwise, visiting few major temples gives an idea about the vastness of this place.

Before you venture, decide which temples you would be visiting. I can say that in my opinion, if you are very short of time you must see the three major sites-- Angkor wat, Tha Prom, Bayon. This is usually the tour guides take you to. It would also be a good idea to squeeze in Banteay Srie in your plan, and if you have time combine Kabal Spean with it. That would give you a perspective of the architecture over a period of years.


Opening hours:
The ticket office opens early at 5:00 AM. Angkor Wat and most of the temples open at that hour. If you want to see the sunrise, go early and you get a beautiful view provided there are no clouds. Angkor Wat closes at 6:00 PM after the sun sets.
Banteay Srie closes at 5:00 PM and Kbal Spean at 3:00 PM