"Reflections" Angkor Wat by Hewer

Angkor Wat Travel Guide: 1,640 reviews and 4,723 photos

Angkor Wat is a place that impresses many things upon you as a traveller. The sheer size and scope of everything and the setting in which we find it in is truly humbling. It is impossible to visit Angkor Wat and not be deeply affected on some level by what you are seeing. It will change the way you look at everything.

There is a big sense of anticipation when you get here; everybody is visiting for the same reason and most people are either excited, exhausted or both. I admit that when I travel, I don't always do my homework. I probably move faster through museums and past monuments than I should; I'm probably a bit too hasty sometimes to take a photo, buy a T-Shirt and head to the nearest pub. Rest assured, I did neither at Angkor Wat or Siem Reap.

Some of the big sightseeing icons end up as slight disappointments. How many times have you heard that Venice was too dirty, Kuta is too crowded, the Ayers Rock sunset was no good bla bla bla (all just cynical crap anyway in my opinion) ? I don't think there's an equivalent complaint for Angkor Wat. If you've ever been absolutely captivated by something in your life before, and even if you haven't, then you'll never forget Angkor Wat.

Approach to Angkor Wat

Some monuments and landmarks and other structures make an interesting view from different angles as you approach. Angkor Wat is no exception, however I was carrying a dodgy disposable camera so I have no evidence of any of this (you'll just have to take my word for it).

The comings and goings you observe as you enter the complex add to the anticipation. There were monks, artists, park staff, restoration workers, hippies and of course a healthy contingent of camera-wielding visitors.

Angkor Wat

I had a local driver and guide while I was at Angkor Wat. He drove me to each point of interest and waited. For one thing it was very convenient but above all his local knowledge was great.

He made recommendations and gave me tips that I would never have known otherwise (I wasn't a VTer then either ;-).

I put more details in transportation tip. It really enhanced the experience!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Incomparable experience
Cons:Hawkers, fake monks
In a nutshell:Go there!

Last visit to Angkor Wat: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Oct 7, 2006
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Reviews (13)

Up close and personal Things to Do (2)

I found this face on the southern gate of Angkor Thom fascinating. There are are four faces on top of the gate, each... more travel advice

Renovation and Restoration Warnings and Dangers (2)

Many parts of the structure are undergoing work. Several monuments and individual sections are blocked off to visitors.... more travel advice

Artists and surveyors Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you`re like me, one of the first things you`ll do at a monument or major attraction is try to find the quietest spot... more travel advice

Stairs, stairs, stairs! Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat

Footwear Favorites (3)

Walking around Angkor Wat involves a lot of stairs. The stairs are relatively narrow, so remeber to watch your... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (4)
See All Multilingual Junior Guides

Transportation (1)
Private Driver and Car

Comments (3)

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Gillybob Oct 24, 2007 at 7:37 AM

I loved my trip to Angkor Wat and hope that one day I will get the chance to return.
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mesoblonda Oct 26, 2004 at 9:23 AM

Really great pages!
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kiwi Sep 6, 2004 at 3:24 AM

Really interesting and helpful tips here, thanks so much! fine page.