Once one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat is undoubtedly Cambodia’s most important and popular attraction. It’s more than just a sightseeing spot—it’s a vital UNESCO World Heritage Site that witnessed the height of the Khmer Empire. Sadly, even this magnificent architecture couldn’t escape the empire’s decline, being abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle for years.
In the past, there were no direct flights to Siem Reap, but now it’s much easier, with low-cost carriers flying directly there (Siem Reap is where Angkor Wat is located). We chose to enter Cambodia overland, traveling from Hong Kong to Bangkok, where we could stay for a day or two to shop and indulge in Thai cuisine. After arriving in Bangkok, we headed straight to the bus terminal to buy tickets to Cambodia. The bus only goes to the Cambodian border—the terminal is just a few stops away from Chatuchak Market, a favorite among many Hong Kong travelers. After buying the tickets, we took the opportunity to shop without wasting any time.
The bus departed at 4 a.m., and the journey took about six hours. Traffic in Bangkok is usually heavy during the day, but not at night, so the travel time was quite stable. Half-asleep and half-awake, we soon reached the Thai border. You might think the bus would take you through customs, but it only goes as far as the Thailand-Cambodia border. There’s a small market there where you can have breakfast before crossing. We crossed the Thai customs with our backpacks, then walked along a street between Thailand and Cambodia. Apparently, this area is ungoverned—not under Thai control nor within Cambodian territory. In this lawless zone, casinos have sprung up. Interestingly, many Thais on the bus were there specifically to gamble, which made us feel the bus was safe—no one would want to ruin the "tourists'" fun. It took us less than two minutes to reach the Cambodian customs. (Now, buses go directly from the Northern Bangkok Bus Terminal to Siem Reap.)
After a simple visa-on-arrival process, we successfully entered Cambodia. A shuttle bus took tourists to the transportation hub. To save money, we shared a taxi with two other travelers to central Siem Reap. The taxi fare was fixed and prepaid, dropping us off right at our hotel door—very convenient. It was another two-hour drive, and we finally arrived at our destination around 1 p.m.
Visiting Angkor Wat takes more than just one day. We recommend buying at least a three-day pass (USD 40), as Angkor Wat isn’t just about the famous Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat you see online. The ruins span about 40 square kilometers. Besides the multi-day pass, you’ll also need to hire a tuk-tuk, the most common mode of transport for exploring Angkor Wat. The safest option is to arrange it through your hotel, but it’s more expensive. Negotiating on the street is an option, but beware of scams. We found a driver on the street but insisted on paying at the end of the day. We also told him we’d decide after the first day whether to hire him for all three days—if his service was poor, we wouldn’t have to endure it. This approach felt safer.
On the first day, with limited time, we focused on Ta Prohm Temple, the filming location of the movie *Tomb Raider*. The iconic spot is where the heroine finds half of the life key emerging from the ground. Of course, the exit can’t be passed through or lead to any underground caves, but it’s so popular that it’s the only area fenced off. Here, ancient trees have grown intertwined with the temple—a sight unique to this place. Take your time to observe how the tree roots coil around the ruins; you won’t get tired of it. You can also feel the immense power of nature.
On the second day, we continued our tuk-tuk adventure to explore Angkor Wat. Today was the main event—visiting the long-awaited Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, also known as the Small and Big Circuits. The Small Circuit includes Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, the Phimeanakas (Palace of the Devil), the Leper King Terrace, the Preah Palilay Temple, and the Prasat Suor Prat Towers. That’s enough to fill a whole day. Both Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat are breathtaking, but what you should truly appreciate is the entire Angkor architectural complex—how long it took to build and how quickly humans forgot them.
To witness the grandeur and precision of Angkor Wat’s architecture, look at how seamlessly the stones fit together. Most of the stacked stone layers required no adhesive—just precise calculations and interlocking. Occasionally, you’ll spot restoration areas where each large stone is numbered, as their positions must match the originals. Modern repairs involve cement, which is costly and time-consuming. Unfortunately, the Cambodian government lacks sufficient funding, so other countries have stepped in to help restore this world-renowned Khmer masterpiece.
If you’re interested in architecture, the stone doors, windows, lintels, pediments, tower gates, corridors, and galleries of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat will captivate you. Each structure is adorned with intricate bas-reliefs. To truly appreciate them, you might need a seven-day pass. The symmetrical designs are another marvel. Another classic highlight is the "Angkor Smile"—the iconic stone faces. Angkor Wat is truly something to be savored slowly and mindfully.
On our final day in Cambodia, we explored the Outer Circuit, with a focus on Banteay Srei (the Pink Temple). Though relatively small, it differs from other Angkor temples as it’s dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Most of it is built from pink rose sandstone, making it highly photogenic. The sculptures here are considered the finest among the temples—we couldn’t miss it. It served as a fitting finale to our Angkor Wat journey.
Besides visiting Angkor temples, you can explore the floating markets on Tonlé Sap Lake or take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of Angkor Wat. There are plenty of options—it’s just a matter of time. Like us, you might find yourself having to leave after just a few short days, taking the bus back to Bangkok.
I can’t possibly convey the full wonder of Angkor Wat in just one travelogue. You have to experience it yourself and slowly uncover the beauty of this country not far from Hong Kong. Don’t just look at photos—go and see it for yourself.