My friend and I both opted for the 3-day pass to give us the option for returning to the temples. The tour itself started off strong with a good history of Angkor Wat (pro). There was plenty of time to experience things like climbing a tower for a view or getting blessed by a monk. However, after the first two temples, it started to become nearly impossible to hear the tour guide (major con), and the speed was becoming increasingly fast (con)
Thankfully, I wasn’t alone in hanging back and ignoring the tour guide. There was another couple who felt very similar to the tour as I did, and the three of us pretty much just took pictures of the majestic temples.
Each temple we visited had a different vibe and look to them. This was based on the century in which they were built, the religious entity who they were built for, and the purpose for the building.
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Bliss Eatts
Angkor Wat is such a special place. But there’s so many people. I like the way you’ve shared the pros and cons of your experience.
World of Lina
Such an interesting read! I’m dying to go there but heard it’s suuuuuper touristy 🙈 It’s a real pity because I’m sure I wouldn’t enjoy it that much either.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Don’t be afraid. You can experience Angkor Wat in a much less touristy manner. And Cambodia has made some changes in 2019 so it’s much different (I’ll be writing a return to Angkor post soon). Its really a must see (in my opinion of course, but I love Cambodia)
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Thank you. I’ve been twice now and hoping to share a few tricks in a later post. Thanks for reading.
Elsa
Great reading! Nice article.
Miranda
I’ve never visited Ankor Wat but this is a great guide I’m saving for later! Looks like an amazing trip!
Steph
Ankor Wat is on my list for 2020, so this post is perfect! 😊
I had no idea that the 3-day ticket was valid for 10 days.
I just wish they would limit the amount of people that get to enter the complex. It seems so overrun 🙁
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I wish that too, but it would be hard because the validity is so long, and their are so many check points for tickets. There are so many temples throughout Siem Reap and neighboring cities that it is possible to experience it less touristy. 🙂
Hannah
Thanks for the fantastic guide. Those temples look stunning! What a shame it was so crowded so you couldn’t enjoy them fully!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Thank you for reading. The temples are breathtaking. I fell in love with Cambodia and Siem Reap. Don’t be turned away because of it. My blog on the Grand Circuit shows how to beat the crowds. I’ll be writing soon about my return visit, and the differences in what I noticed. 🙂
Emma
What a great guide. I’d love to go to Angkor Wat and this really helped. I know what you mean about the money. I was just in Vietnam and their money is 25000:1 with USD which they also use. So no coins and I went there as a millionaire! Really hard to get used to
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I’m traveling to Vietnam soon so thanks for the tip about no coins. Angkor Wat has so many hidden gems. Yes, very touristy, but also pretty spectacular!
Sam
I really want to visit and I am so upset I didn’t during my time in Thailand. We planned to go and even had a reservation in Cambodia and then switched it up and went to KL. Anyways, this was such a detailed post! I felt like I was there and loved all the photos! Will deff be referring back to this when I make it back to that side of the world!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I highly recommend a visit, but good thing it’s not going anywhere so you have time! KL was amazing too. I bet it was hard to decide which country/city to do. Thank you for the positive comment and for reading.
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
Haha my brain was fried by lunchtime too! This sounds like a really good tour (even if the guide was hard to hear/follow after a while), and really awesome that you were blessed by a monk too! What a great experience.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
It was glad I did more than one day to experience more of the park without a fried brain. The history is just so vast at Angkor Wat with the centuries of influence. Thank you for reading!
Krystianna
Great post! I’d love to visit here someday. Your photos were gorgeous!
Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat have been major highlights! I hope one day you’ll get to see them! Thank you so much for the positive comment!
Ingrid
We’ve just been to the little brother of Angkor Wat, My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam and loved it so much! Since we’re in the area I would really love to get to see the famous sunrise at Angkor Wat!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
ooo I’m heading to Vietnam in March. I’ll have to add My Son Sanctuary to my things to see. Angkor Wat is truly one of my favorite places. Thanks for reading!
Albi
Awesome post, good to have all this information when I will travel Angor Wat It is really high on my list now
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Thank you! Angkor Wat sunrise is pretty spectacular! Thanks for reading.
Megan
Great post! Sounds like sometimes winging it has its advantages over more organized tours!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Tuk Tuks at Angkor Wat is definitely the way to go!
Rhonda Albom
Like you, we often don’t get at tour, but would in a place like Angkkor-Wat. It has been on my bucket list for a while, and I will get there. Thanks for all the information, and tips. It’s always good to hear both sides.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I highly recommend a tuk-tuk 10 folds over a tour. I highly recommend Angkor Wat. It’s one of my favorite places in the world! Thanks for reading!