Angkor Wat on Map with the Best Travel Guide

A map is necessary for a first visit to a new place. It is like a guiding light, which offers you bright light at night. In Southeast Asia, there lands a country named Cambodia, with mysterious stories and stunning views of nature and culture.

Angkor Wat is a spectacular temple complex in Cambodia, attracting millions of visitors worldwide every year. In this article, we will introduce the detailed map of the Angkor Wat temple complex with other helpful information you need along your trip.

Overview of all Temples around Angkor Wat

Angkor area map

Angkor Wat represents all the Angkor temples inside the grand circuit, with several temples in the outer circuit. However, narrowly speaking, Angkor Wat indicates the main Angkor Complex in Cambodia, Angkor Wat, a "Hindu-Buddhist" temple built in the early 12th century and the largest religious structure in the world.

In a broad sense, Angkor Wat can be divided into three categories: the small, grand, and outer circuits. Three different routines require no similar time and cost. You can visit along the small circuit first if you have little time, but without missing the most famous Angkor Wat temple complex.

Now let's look at the small circuit. How many temples there we can visit? The small circuit includes eight tourist places: Angkor Wat, Bayon, Baphun, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants, Prasat Sour Parat, Ta Keo, and Ta Prohm. You must attend the top 3 temples: Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.

Next, we look at the grand circuit, including nine tourist attractions: Phnom Bakheng, Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup, Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang, and Prasat Kravan. What you should pay attention to is that the start of both the small circuit and grand circuit is from the famous Angkor Wat complex.

At last, we now learn about the outer circuit in Angkor Wat. In the outer circuit, there are five places you should not miss, including Banteay Srei, Preah Vihear, Beng Mealea, Roluos groups (Lolei, Preah Ko, Bakong), Kampong Phluk pleasure-boat on Tonle Sap. Remember to arrange your itinerary with only a few sites to visit. Remember to give yourself enough space and time to relax and enjoy the moment.

9 Days Classic Cambodia Tour

Map of Angkor Wat with Key Features

Angkor Wat detailed map

Before we learn more about the Angkor War details, there are some fun facts to offer you. Angkor Wat is the southernmost of Angkor's main sites, taking over 28 years to construct from 1122 to 1150. And it was originally a Hindu temple. However, towards the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat has been gradually transformed into a worship place of Buddhism.

As we can see in this detailed map of Angkor Wat, the temple's layout is based on a mandala, a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. The picture shows five sanctuary towers, where the central tower represents Mount Meru, the home of gods. And we can see the surrounding moat, representing the oceans in the universe.

For travelers, it is necessary to know this map which will help you with where to go, what to visit, and where to leave. Except for the prominent and magnificent towers, other views exist. For example, along the way from the entrance, you can see the elephant gate on both sides, with statues of Vishnu nearby. Then you'll pass by the library, an impressive structure built during the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. It may be a place for scholars, priests, and other learned individuals to study and discuss important texts and documents.

Overall, from all sides, from west to east or south to north, plenty of structures and mysterious carvings intrigue you. Traveling through Angkor Wat, you'd better wear comfortable shoes and light clothes. If the weather is hot and dry, please be prepared to bring enough water to help you hydrated.

Angkor Wat Tours

Sunrise from the silhouette of Angkor Wat

As a professional travel agency, we would like to help you customize your itinerary if you have any individual preferences. Here we provide a one-day trip sample for your plan to Angkor Wat. Of course, you can have a multiple-day trip according to your arrangement.

At the beginning of the day, many visitors like to gather at the temple before dawn to witness the sun rising behind the iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat. It can be so impressive only if you imagine it. After watching the sunrise, take some time to explore Angkor Wat, one of the most significant religious monuments in the world.

Monks are resting at the Bayon temple

Next, head to the north, out of the Angkor Wat temple complex, to Angkor Thom, the ancient city once the Khmer Empire's capital. Here, you'll find several impressive temples, including Bayon, known for its carved stone faces. After it, stop for lunch at the local restaurants or food stalls.

In the afternoon, visit smaller temples, such as Ta Prohm or Banteay Srei. These temples offer a quieter and more serene experience than the bustling crowds at Angkor Wat. Anyone who has come here can be a natural photographer of the beautiful scenery.

Finally, end your day by watching the sunset. Pre Rup, Phnom Bakheng, and Srah Srang are all popular spots for watching the sun go down. There are many ways to visit Angkor Wat. People walk, ride a bike, take tuk-tuks and even use a helicopter for a stunning view.

15 Days Exploration Tour of Cambodia

Tips for a Tour at Angkor Wat

Visitors at Angkor Wat waiting for the sunset

The best time to visit Cambodia
Cambodia is a tropical monsoon country with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall from August to October. During this time, the country experiences high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25℃ to 35℃. The dry season is the most popular time for tourists to visit Cambodia, which lasts from November to April, with lower humidity and temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 30℃.

Restaurants and shops around Angkor Wat
To enjoy more local life in Cambodia, you should take advantage of the local food and souvenirs as a new arriver here. Here are some recommendations for restaurants and souvenir shops around Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Cuisine Wat Damnak

Restaurants:
Cuisine Wat Damnak: Phum Slakram, Siem Reap (about 7 km from Angkor Wat). It offers contemporary Cambodian cuisine and is considered one of the best restaurants in Siem Reap.
Malis: Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap (about 7 km from Angkor Wat). Malis is an excellent choice for a special dinner, with its upscale atmosphere and traditional Cambodian dishes.
Chamkar Vegetarian Restaurant: Old Market Area, Alley West, Siem Reap (about 7 km from Angkor Wat). This restaurant serves delicious vegetarian and vegan options in a beautiful garden setting.

Angkor Night Market

Souvenir shops:
Artisans Angkor: Stung Thmey Street, Siem Reap (about 8 km from Angkor Wat). It is a social enterprise that offers handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans, including silk scarves, wood carvings, and jewelry.
Angkor Night Market: Sivatha Blvd, Krong Siem Reap (about 7 km from Angkor Wat). This outdoor market features a variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts.
Old Market: Psar Chas, Krong Siem Reap (about 7 km from Angkor Wat). Visitors can try local food, haggle with vendors for a bargain, and soak up the market's vibrant atmosphere. It offers various goods, including fresh produce, spices, souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry.

Safety
It's important to remember that every destination has unique challenges and risks, and it's up to each traveler to research and makes an informed decision about whether or not to visit.

Cambodia has struggled with issues related to crime, corruption, and poverty, which can affect the safety and security of tourists. However, Cambodia has made significant progress in recent years. After all, if you take the necessary precautions and use common sense, you can still have a safe and enjoyable trip. For example, be cautious, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid showing off expensive items or carrying large amounts of cash.

Conclusion

Cambodia monk smile

Cambodians are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. From street vendors to tuk-tuk drivers, Cambodians are generally helpful and eager to make visitors feel at home.

Besides the mysterious temples, there are relaxing beaches, such as Ochheuteal Beach in Sihanoukville, Koh Kong Island Beach in Koh Kong, and Kep Beach in Kep, where you can taste its seafood. Overall, to ease your mind and your body, Cambodia is a relatively friendly and affordable destination for you to come to.

We would happily receive your email and customize your itinerary. Please feel free to get in touch with us!