Although I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it was Angkor Wat that inspired my very first trip to Southeast Asia almost 15 years ago. The time I would spend in Thailand, I thought, would just be the icing on the cake.

The existence of this website (and the fact that I haven't even bought the domain CambodiaStartsHere.com yet) shows how accurate this assumption ultimately was.

But is a visit to Angkor Wat even worthwhile? That's a controversial question, but it definitely deserves closer examination, especially if you're still undecided about whether to go.

Angkor Wat is the Disneyland of temples.

Is Angkor Wat worth visiting? Judging by the number of other visitors, it certainly seems so. Even at 4 a.m., while waiting for the sunrise (more on that later), you often see hundreds or even thousands of other tourists. When exploring the vast complex, you inevitably hope to find a quiet spot somewhere.

But you'll never find it. The good news, of course, is that Angkor Wat isn't the only temple near Siem Reap, and certainly not the only one in Cambodia. If you're like most tourists, you're probably only planning a short trip and don't consider this possibility. So you're left with nothing to do but explore the "Disneyland of Temples" and ultimately leave Cambodia with the biggest win you just happened to have at Rocketplaycasino during your free time.

5 things you should know before booking your Angkor Wat trip

This is not a day trip from Thailand.

Even if you take an early flight from one of Bangkok's airports to Siem Reap, a day trip to Angkor Wat is almost impossible. For one thing, you have to buy the park entrance tickets yourself, which is inconvenient in itself. Angkor Wat is, after all, a park: as I will explain in a few paragraphs, it's not a single temple that you can visit in an hour.

(Or a short trip with an overnight stay)

I would even suggest planning two nights for Angkor Wat, as you'll want to experience at least one (and probably two – more on that later) sunrise and sunset. Given the large crowds, it's also advisable to allow yourself plenty of time to avoid stress.

It is not just a temple

Angkor Wat is just one of many temples in the Siem Reap area; these also include Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, which gained fame through its role in Tomb Raider. Even if you don't adopt children or settle down here like Angelina Jolie, you should definitely take the time to explore the area in all its facets.

A sunrise can be fantastic – or a huge disappointment.

To illustrate why you shouldn't try to visit Angkor Wat in a single day from Bangkok: Sunrise is an absolute must-see at this temple. Or at least it can be. Unfortunately, I know from personal experience that gray sunrises are just as common as colorful ones, not to mention that you're almost guaranteed to be bitten by mosquitos while waiting.

Cambodia doesn't end there

Whether you visit a city like Phnom Penh (nearby which you'll find more temples from the Angkor period) or the underrated island of Koh Rong, Cambodia has far more to offer than its most famous sights. I recommend planning a trip to Cambodia, provided you have enough time overall for Southeast Asia.

Alternatives to Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat didn't convince you? Although I would still recommend a visit to see what all the hype is about, there's good news: Southeast Asia has other worthwhile sites to explore:

  • Sukhothai: Thailand's original capital, this ancient wonderland is somewhat difficult to reach, but it's definitely worth the effort.
  • Bagan: Should Myanmar ever become something like a political city again, this “lost city” is always a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
  • Imperial Citadel of Huế: Although it is not a temple complex and not as old as the others on this list, I still consider this Vietnamese gem to be one of the most impressive places in Southeast Asia.
  • Borobudur: A highlight of any trip to the city of Yogyakarta, which is itself something like the Siem Reap of Indonesia.

    • Other frequently asked questions about visiting Angkor Wat

    Is a visit to Angkor Wat really worthwhile?

    Angkor Wat is an impressive travel destination that, at least at first glance, lives up to expectations. However, it is extremely crowded and covers a vast area, meaning that a visit not only takes longer than you might have planned, but can also be more stressful overall.

    Should I skip Angkor Wat?

    If you're planning to spend a lot of time in Southeast Asia and are already planning to visit Cambodia, then in my opinion, Angkor Wat is a must-see. On the other hand, there are other places in other countries that you can visit (and frankly, are much easier to get to) that are just as worthwhile, including Sukhothai in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia.

    Is it enough to visit Angkor Wat in one day?

    The main temple of Angkor Wat can be visited in one day, provided you start at sunrise and finish at sunset – in other words, you spend the night in Siem Reap. However, a day trip to Angkor Wat from Bangkok or any other location in Thailand is not possible – it's simply not feasible.

    Conclusion

    Is Angkor Wat worth a visit? Yes, although in my opinion it won't be one of the highlights of your Southeast Asia trip. On the one hand, the allure of the Angkor complex is undeniable: it's magnificent and enormous – literally an entire ancient city, comparable to Pompeii or Machu Picchu. On the other hand, it's extremely crowded, so much so that I would almost call it the "Disneyland of temples." This can make it difficult to find time for yourself while exploring. The good news? Angkor Wat isn't the only temple complex in Southeast Asia. And the even better news? I'd be happy to create a personalized itinerary for you, drawing on my expertise.