World Heritage Travelogue

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Colorized header image showing Angkor Wat temple with the title "5 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Angkor Wat (and What to Do Instead)"

Angkor Wat the Right Way: Avoid These 5 Painful Travel Mistakes

Angkor Wat is a mesmerizing destination, but it’s important to remember that it’s just one temple within the vast ruins of the ancient city of Angkor. Without proper planning, your experience might not live up to expectations. Here are five common mistakes travelers make—and how you can avoid them for an unforgettable visit.

1. Buying Only a One-Day Pass

Angkor Archaeological Park spans over 400 square kilometers, housing numerous temples beyond just Angkor Wat. Attempting to explore it all in one day is overwhelming and impractical.​royalangkor-tours.com+1Siemreap.net+1

What to Do Instead: Opt for a 3-day pass ($62) or a 7-day pass ($72). These passes offer flexibility and ample time to appreciate the site’s grandeur without rushing. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Angkor Enterprise website, allowing you to skip the lines at the ticket office .

But here’s the good news:
If you only have one day, it’s still possible to see the main highlights—Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm—on a packed but doable route. Just be ready for an intense day and start early. Good planning makes all the difference.

2. Joining Large Group Sunrise Tours

While witnessing the sunrise at Angkor Wat is iconic, doing so in a large group can seriously diminish the experience. Crowds gather early, and group tours often move on a tight schedule. The biggest downside? You rarely get the chance to linger where you want or explore at your own pace.

What to Do Instead:
Hire a private tuk-tuk driver to arrive early and secure a prime viewing spot. Combine this with a licensed local guide—just for Angkor Wat, if you prefer—to get context without being rushed. This way, you can soak in the beauty of each site on your own terms.

3. Not Obtaining Your Tuk-Tuk Driver’s Contact Information

If you’ve arranged for a tuk-tuk driver to take you from temple to temple throughout the day, make sure to exchange contact information right away. Why? Because many temples have different entrance and exit points, and it’s surprisingly easy to come out somewhere else and have no idea where your driver is.

What to Do Instead:
Save their phone number, add them on WhatsApp, or agree on specific pickup points in advance. This tiny step can save you huge amounts of time (and sweat).

4. Visiting Major Temples During Peak Hours

Temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm are most crowded between 8 AM and 11 AM. Navigating through throngs of tourists can hinder your experience and photo opportunities.​

What to Do Instead: Visit these popular sites early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Allocate midday hours to explore lesser-known temples like Preah Khan or Banteay Kdei, which offer tranquility and unique architectural features.​

5. Skipping the Sunset Experience

While most visitors flock to Angkor Wat for sunrise, sunset can be just as magical—if not more. The soft golden light at dusk casts a warm glow on the temples, creating a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere.

Best spots for sunset:

  • Phnom Bakheng: Elevated view, great for panoramic shots (go early to secure a spot)
  • Pre Rup: Less crowded, equally enchanting, and often overlooked

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, doing sunrise at Angkor Wat and sunset at Pre Rup makes for an unforgettable one-day itinerary.

Final Tip: Proper planning enhances your Angkor Wat experience. Consider hiring a knowledgeable guide to enrich your visit with historical insights and ensure a smooth journey through this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site.​

💡 Bonus Tip: Tuk-Tuk is the Way to Go

Exploring Angkor by tuk-tuk is not just iconic—it’s incredibly convenient. Drivers are familiar with the routes, wait for you at each stop, and can help avoid long walks under the sun. It’s hands-down the best way to move between distant temples.

You can even book a full-day tuk-tuk service in advance or through your hotel for peace of mind.

What About Tuk-Tuk Prices?

Tuk-tuk prices around Angkor are fairly standard, but if you’re booking multiple days or combining sunrise and sunset, it’s totally fine to ask for a small discount.

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll pay:

  • Half-day temple tour: $15–18
  • Full-day temple tour: $20–30
  • Sunrise or sunset add-on: +$10–15

Just a heads-up: Sunrise and sunset trips usually cost extra, since they require early starts or late returns.

Sources & Further Reading