One Day Angkor Temples Trip: Honest Review & Tips

Angkor Wat. Even just the name sort of conjures up feelings of far-off places, ancient history, and that special feeling that you’re experiencing something really extraordinary, and honestly, going there really is just that! Seeing it is amazing! You might be considering a one-day shared tour of the Angkor Temples, which is a very common way for lots of people to check out the place. The thing is, that choosing the right tour can totally change how good your time is. So, let’s have an honest look at what one of these trips is actually like and try to give you a few thoughts that I hope will make things easier to plan for.

What to Anticipate on Your Temple Tour Day

The day generally kicks off super early; very often you’ll find yourself getting picked up when it is still properly dark. So, too it’s almost worth making sure you’re really wide awake before you even leave your hotel! The usual plan covers a few of the big-name temples, beginning, often, with Angkor Wat itself just to catch the sunrise. Just imagine waiting in a crowd in the darkness and slowly beginning to make out the shape of this magnificent construction as it becomes morning. After that, it’s usually on to Angkor Thom, where you will get to see the Bayon temple with all its giant faces, and places like the Elephant Terrace. That you get to see so much of the architecture is very awesome. After that, depending on the particular tour, they usually squeeze in another temple or two, maybe Ta Prohm (the one with all the trees growing all over it that a lot of people refer to as the Tomb Raider temple). Expect a packed day. Remember, the temples are spread out a bit, so that means there’s a decent amount of time spent riding in a vehicle between sites.

The Good Stuff: What Works on These Tours

One great thing is absolutely the cost. Opting for a shared tour is very friendly on the bank balance, especially for anyone traveling solo or people keeping an eye on expenses. Rather than pay out for a private tuk-tuk or taxi for the whole day, hopping on a bus or van with other tourists cuts the expense a great deal. The tour guides very often know their stuff; you’ll get information about the history of the temples, the stories behind the carvings, and various interesting details that would certainly be very easy to overlook if you were just wandering about by yourself. Plus, they take care of the transport details. That you do not need to haggle with tuk-tuk drivers or be concerned about directions actually makes things easier. Basically, you just relax and appreciate seeing the temples.

What to Be Aware Of: The Potential Downsides

Because, of course, there can be some negatives. Shared tours mean that you’re sticking to the group’s schedule. It’s tricky, very tricky even, to spend a little longer at one temple that you find fascinating because the group needs to move on to see the next location on time. If you are the kind of person who really likes to explore at their own pace, that may be a bit annoying. Talking about the other tourists, group sizes might vary a lot, but expect to see large numbers. Especially at major spots such as Angkor Wat at sunrise, that many other visitors can, slightly, take away from that feeling of peaceful awe. One further small irritation could be dealing with different languages or levels of interest within the group, too it’s almost a bit of a mixed bag. Also, factor in the heat and humidity in Cambodia, so, in some respects the middle of the day can be seriously draining, particularly when you’re traipsing about temples in the hot sun.

Making the Most of Your Shared Tour: Tips & Tricks

Do a bit of homework prior to the tour. Just looking up some background details on the temples will enable you to obtain more from what the guide says and what you’re seeing. Wear sensible shoes. Honestly, you are doing a lot of walking, often over uneven surfaces, so really leave those fashionable sandals at your hotel. Layering your clothing is helpful because you want to dress respectfully for the temples. Taking something to cover your shoulders and knees is a good idea, but equally, you would want to be prepared for the heat, as I said before. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and, perhaps most vital, lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated is seriously important. Think about perhaps having some small snacks with you. Now and then the tour schedule means that there are extended gaps between eating, so packing a snack keeps your energy levels up.

Is a One-Day Shared Tour the Right Choice for You?

Well, like your decision hinges on a couple of things. If you’re wanting to check out the main temples at Angkor without spending lots, and you’re okay with a structured schedule, a shared tour is often the better option. It really is that simple. On the flip side, if you prize flexibility and do not like big crowds, you could explore other choices like employing a personal tuk-tuk driver, perhaps for several days, so that you do not have to try to squeeze everything into one. Essentially, either one is fine: you just balance what’s right for you against how much you’re hoping to spend.

Finding a Reliable Tour Operator

Actually, with so many companies providing Angkor trips, selecting a good one is very important. Begin by reading a few reviews on sites like TripAdvisor; they very often give a good general opinion. Check what is and isn’t included in the tour price. Find out if admission tickets for the temples are included, that might save you a surprise expense down the road. Also, ask about the size of the group. As a general rule, smaller groups can easily translate into a much more comfortable, personal experience. I’m not suggesting the group will be small, I’m suggesting it CAN be smaller. Confirm the language your tour guide will speak, very often some companies provide tours in a number of languages. Verify the cancellation policy. This gives you a bit of protection in the event that things occur which might make it impossible for you to take the tour. At the end of the day this bit of research in the beginning seriously does make a positive change to your time.

Other Ways to See the Angkor Temples

While the one-day shared tour is very popular, there are, arguably, many other choices for checking out Angkor. Employing a private tuk-tuk for one or a few days can be a more adaptable option, especially if you want to take things a little easier. Biking around the temples is genuinely great. Just think of cycling along those old roads in between ancient temples. Another choice worth exploring is getting a multi-day pass which gives you longer to see the different temples without hurrying. Also, sunrise and sunset trips are frequently sold separately, as these happen to be very popular times to appreciate the charm of Angkor Wat.

What to Bring With You? A Checklist

You should consider these few things before leaving for your tour of Angkor. Taking sunscreen is highly important because you can burn easily in the Cambodian heat, as I said before. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is very important because you’ll be walking quite a bit, often over some uneven surfaces. Taking a hat helps protect your head from sunlight, but equally, helps you cope with the heat in general. Taking insect repellent with you will help fend off those frustrating bites in and around the temple areas. Don’t forget a small backpack, too it’s almost vital for lugging all of your requirements around without issues. You may also want to take a portable charger that would really make a difference with helping to make sure your phone doesn’t run out of battery, as you’ll probably be taking plenty of photos. Local currency or smaller US dollar notes are recommended for little expenses, little tips, and small souvenirs. This will seriously prevent issues.

Knowing About the Temple Pass

Anyone visiting the Angkor area requires an Angkor Pass. These can be bought for one, three, or seven days. Buying yours, is that not, tends to be quite simple at the official Angkor Ticket Center, that’s a bit outside the primary town of Siem Reap. It’s important to take note that you’ll have to show up in person, as your photograph is usually printed onto the pass when you buy it. This, actually, can’t be shared with any other person. Take a bit of time to figure out the best option for your trip. In the event that you just wish to see the highlights, perhaps for one day, one pass might do just fine. Conversely, you might want a longer period of time so you’re not as rushed, particularly if you intend to explore more than only the main temple areas. Getting your pass in advance, the day before you visit, really can mean you skip out the lines and that can leave you that bit more time the next day.

Respecting Local Culture

Showing awareness to local customs, honestly, is important when checking out religious locations, particularly such as Angkor. It really is an indication of regard towards the local culture and customs. Clothing must be respectable, so, as I said previously, cover up your shoulders and knees when exploring the temples. Prevent loud or crazy behavior, particularly within the sacred areas. Usually treat monks with respect and keep a gap if you happen to be a woman – touching them is very forbidden. Seek permission prior to taking pictures of locals, so be thoughtful. Remember to only go walking inside specified areas and adhere to any guidelines presented on signs. It genuinely shows you are thankful for and have appreciation for this country.

Dealing with Souvenir Vendors

It’s only natural that you will encounter people offering various souvenirs while exploring Angkor. These can vary anything from tiny statues and postcards to outfits and paintings. So, too it’s almost worth having it in your mind what things you’re after before you go there to assist with being focused. It’s quite acceptable, as it happens, to haggle when settling on a purchase price, yet this ought to generally be practiced pleasantly and respectfully. Do not feel pressured directly into purchasing items you don’t actually need, you could merely and carefully say no thank you. Check the item’s condition, in particular for things just like garments and artwork, just to check they are not faulty. Support the local market if at all achievable by purchasing from small, local vendors. This very often assists to circulate the travel income locally within the neighborhood. Remember, that you do not support any person appearing also intense or that has bad sales methods. In many instances being conscious of the issue, you seriously help with keeping travel positive and ecological.

A Few Extra Suggestions

Think about taking the time to see an Apsara dance show while you are staying around Siem Reap, too it’s almost an elegant conventional Khmer dance type, and is frequently performed along with dinner. A visit to the Angkor National Museum actually boosts any trip to the temples, it’s also very interesting because it delivers the history and significance of the web pages to daily life. Plan time to easily walk around Siem Reap township itself – think charming markets, wonderful dining places, together with an atmosphere which is pleasing. When checking out a greater number of faraway temples for instance Banteay Srei or maybe the Kulen Mountain temples, it does seem like, make preparations for more travel time and perhaps consider an independent trip or simply a competent local information and facts and experience. A common local delicacy like Amok is absolutely really worth experiencing, it is extremely yummy Khmer curry cooked in coconut milk and frequently made available employing various beef, chicken, fish, or even just vegetarian. If you may, usually discover dependable taxi’s or tuk-tuks by working with respected software as it means more assurance of the negotiated price.

A one-day shared tour can be an acceptable and uncomplicated approach for finding the wonderful Angkor Temples. Simply know your needs, do your homework and appreciate your day!

Key Takeaways:

Shared tours are affordable, more than something such as, for a start.
They work effectively if you want a planned schedule.
Anticipate crowds, primarily at well-known spots.
Having respect for local traditions actually boosts your experiences and demonstrates respect.
Being informed makes sure that you simply enjoy the tour.

#AngkorWat #SiemReap #Cambodia #TempleTour #TravelTips #SoutheastAsia #CulturalHeritage