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Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, located in the heart of Cambodia, is recognized as the world's largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—modifying the nation's cultural landscape. It is an ancient temple complex, constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, which was originally dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu but later transformed into a Buddhist temple. This monumental masterpiece is famed for its intricate bas-reliefs and remarkable, stone-carved architecture representing the height of Khmer craftsmanship. Encompassed by a vast moat, the temple complex showcases the classical Khmer style with its iconic tower silhouettes that mirror the divine Mt. Meru. Surrounded by lush overgrown forests, the sunrise view over Angkor Wat is a mesmerizing spectacle that draws in legions of visitors every year.

3.7 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

Angkor Wat is generally safe for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and courteous, and crimes against tourists are relatively low. However, it is crucial to stay vigilant while roaming the streets, and especially when visiting the Angkor Wat temples due to its crowded nature. Hiring a local guide can also increase security. Always ensure your belongings are secure and be conscious of potential scams or touts.

Transport:Moderate

Angkor Wat's vast expanse may be a bit challenging to navigate alone, especially in the hotter months due to the tropical climate. However, the majority of its major sights are well-marked and the locals are friendly, even if language might be a bit of a barrier. Furthermore, considering you can hire local guides or self-navigate with a reliable map, it's relatively manageable. Nonetheless, hiring a guide can vastly improve the experience due to their intimate knowledge of the area.

Things to do:Fascinating

Angkor Wat is a world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, with its historic temples, intricate carvings, and stunning landscapes offering countless opportunities for exploration, photography, and learning about the Khmer Empire's rich culture and history. Besides, the surrounding natural beauty, activities like trekking in the nearby jungles or boating on the serene Tonle Sap Lake add extra allure. Safety-wise, it's generally secure for solo female travelers, with ample resources and guides available to help you navigate around the area.

Food:Above average

The food options around Angkor Wat are quite varied. Street food is abundant and gives a genuine taste of local Cambodian cuisine, including delicious curries, noodle dishes, and exotic fruits. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. However, be prepared as western food is somewhat limited and often doesn't meet the standards found in home countries. Overall, the food scene is worth exploring for its authentic and diverse offering, but may fall a little short for those with a preference for western cuisine.

Budget:Moderate

Visiting Angkor Wat may have a moderate impact on your budget. The entrance fee to the historical park is a bit high but the accommodations and food around Siem Reap are comparatively affordable. Also, transportation, especially tuk-tuk services are cheap. However additional expenses like hiring guides or interpreters, flight costs, and travel insurance can add up your budget.

Solo travel experience

Solo traveled to Cambodia. Taught myself how to ride a motorbike at a quiet little hotel run by some French folks outside of Siem Riep. Used that to drive myself around Angkor Wat solo. Also ran in the 32k there. Not the most fun of a race (did it on 1 hour of sleep…) but drove myself to the start in the dark at 5 am, which was a pretty unique experience.

Posted: February 1, 2024Experienced: February, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Jordan (20)

United States

Group travel experience

I visited Angkor Wat as part of a college team focused on partnering with various NGOs. We spent the majority of our time in Phnom Pehn, various villages, and Siem Reap. Our team toured Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples on a cultural excursion. I would definitely recommend taking the time to hit as many temples as possible- they're all unique and have their own stories, and it's beautiful to climb to the top of some and see the others rising out of the jungle. I would not recommend traveling alone on this excursion. I was briefly separated from my group at one point and found myself surrounded by catcalling tuktuk drivers. They refused to leave me be until my male teammates arrived. If your don't have travelling companions, I'd recommend a tour group. While the Cambodian people were generally respectful toward Americans, the Khmer language is difficult to grasp for English speakers. Be aware that the temple area is especially crowded because it is a tourist hotspot. There are also active worshipers who utilize the space. I can't speak to a budget because the college handled the majority of my travel. The dollar goes very far in Cambodia, though. I recommend dressing for hot weather. We became very accustomed to sweating during our time there. I tended toward sports bras, tanktops, thin overshirts, and capris to adhere to modesty expectations. If you can, I suggest grabbing a pair of the billowy 'elephant pants' as soon as you're able after arriving in country. They're very comfy and lightweight. Also, keep in mind that the food and water is rough for people who aren't used to it. We carried bottled water and water purifying tablets for emergencies. Use your best judgment with food :)

Posted: December 28, 2023Experienced: May, 2016

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 3/5