Angkor temples in one day: route, tickets and prices for 2026

Angkor is not one temple but an entire ancient city in the jungles of Cambodia. Tourists come here from all over the world, and almost all of them only manage to see Angkor Wat. Yet the park has more than ninety temples, and a one-day ticket costs $37 (as of 09/2026, official Angkor Enterprise website).

In one day you can realistically cover the main route: Angkor Wat at sunrise, the South Gate, Bayon, and the terraces. We put together a visiting order and practical details for you. This way you won't waste time in lines.

In short: get a one-day Angkor Pass, start at Angkor Wat at 5:00, and follow the small circuit through Bayon and the terraces. Below you'll find exact prices, a day plan, opening hours, and answers to frequently asked questions. The route takes about eight hours.

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Tickets, opening hours, and logistics

💡 In short:

• Buy your Angkor Pass in advance: see prices for 1, 3, and 7 days in the table below.
• Arrive by 5:00 to catch the sunrise at the pond: Angkor Wat opens earlier than other temples.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Angkor Enterprise website.

The park is open from 5:00 to 18:30, and Angkor Wat itself admits visitors from 5:00 (as of 09/2026, park schedule). The other major temples are open roughly from 7:30 to 17:30. The upper level of Angkor Wat opens later and has its own line.

Prices as of 09/2026 according to the operator's price table. Children under 12 enter free with a passport. The temples of Koh Ker, Phnom Kulen, and Beng Mealea are not included in the ticket; you pay for them separately.

From Siem Reap to Angkor Wat it's about a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride (on the map). Don't walk: the road is long and dusty. Hire a driver for the whole day: after sunset you risk being stranded without transport in the dark. Agree on the price the evening before and show the route on a map.

Dress according to the rules: shoulders and knees covered. Bring water and a hat, it's hot even in the shade. Mornings are cooler than they seem, so a light jacket won't hurt.

Angkor Wat: sunrise at the five towers

© Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century under King Suryavarman II. The temple was dedicated to Vishnu, and it is the largest religious structure in the world. In 1992 the complex was added to the World Heritage list (as of 09/2026, UNESCO).

Go to the pond to the left of the entrance: that's where the reflection of the five towers is sharpest. Claim your spot before 5:30, after that the shore fills up. After sunrise, head inside through the galleries while there are no tour groups.

The walls are covered with bas-reliefs hundreds of meters long. The most famous depicts the churning of the ocean. The upper level, Bakan, admits visitors in small batches, and you don't need a separate ticket. The steps are steep and slippery after rain, so hold on to the handrail.

For a dedicated article about this temple, see Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Phnom Bakheng: the oldest temple-mountain

Phnom Bakheng appeared in the late 9th century under Yasovarman I, two centuries before Angkor Wat. It is a temple-mountain with seven tiers and five towers at the top (as of 09/2026, article about Phnom Bakheng).

Originally there were 108 small towers around it, and this number repeats throughout the complex. The climb takes about 20 minutes along a rocky path (according to the map), so wear comfortable shoes.

From here you get the best sunset view of Angkor Wat, which lies 1.5 km to the southeast. The authorities limit the number of people at the top, so you may be asked to wait below. The last climb closes about an hour before sunset, so don't be late.

Angkor Thom and the south gate

© No(0)GoodNamesLeft · CC BY-SAPhoto: No(0)GoodNamesLeft, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Angkor Thom was the capital of the empire in the 12th and 13th centuries. The city is surrounded by a wall and a moat, it had five gates, and each one served its own purpose. Tourists enter through the South Gate, which is better preserved than the others.

The road to it crosses a bridge more than 100 meters long. Carved figures of gods and demons line both sides, 108 sculptures in total (as of 09/2026, description of the South Gate). They pull a seven-headed naga, and the scene reenacts the myth of the churning of the ocean.

Some of the statues on the bridge look new. This is the work of restorers supported by international foundations. Don't be surprised by this mix of ancient stone and fresh work.

From the South Gate to the city center, take a tuk-tuk or walk along the roadside. Inside you will see Bayon, the terraces, and several smaller temples. The route then leads to the very center of the former capital.

Bayon: the temple with 216 faces

Bayon was built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Its 54 towers carry 216 stone faces, and this is the defining image of all of Angkor (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia).

The temple has three levels and is surrounded by walls with bas-reliefs. One gallery shows the victories of Jayavarman VII, including the battle on Tonle Sap Lake. Another wall is dedicated to everyday Khmer life: markets, fishing, festivals.

Early researchers identified Bayon as a Buddhist sanctuary only in the early 20th century. For a long time it was thought to be a Hindu temple. The labyrinth inside is narrow, so follow the flow of people and don't turn back against it.

The terrace of the elephants and the terrace of the leper king

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the center of Angkor Thom stand two unusual platforms: the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. The first is about 300 meters long and resulted from many reconstructions (as of 09/2026, data on the terraces).

Stone elephants and nagas sit along its perimeter, and there are also images of sacred birds. In Khmer culture, the elephant symbolized the king's strength and power. Nearby is the Terrace of the Leper King with a figure of the ruler himself.

The name of the terrace is explained in different ways. According to one version, the statue depicts Jayavarman VII, who suffered from leprosy. According to another, it is linked to Yama, the god of death. The platform played a role in funerary rites, so you will see few tour groups here.

Other temples in the complex

Besides the main sites, dozens of smaller structures are scattered around the park. Near Angkor Thom stands Preah Pithu, a name that covers five buildings. They belong to different religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. Most of them are ruined, so there are almost no tourists here.

Nearby is Mangalartha, built in the shape of a cross. It was constructed in honor of Jayavarman VII's teacher, and it is the last sandstone structure in this area. Only the pedestals remain of the statues.

The Bat Chum temple belongs to the Buddhist sanctuaries. Stone lions once stood at the gates, but only one survives today.

If you have an extra hour, include these spots in your route. They offer a break from the crowds and show Angkor without the postcard gloss. Read more about other places in the country in the article Cambodia attractions.

It’s convenient to compare tickets and temple tours on Tiqets.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does an Angkor ticket cost in 2026?

One day costs $37, three days $62, seven days $72 (as of 09/2026, current operator prices). Tickets are sold only by the state operator, with no discounts or group rates. Children under 12 enter free with a passport. You pay separately for Koh Ker, Phnom Kulen, and Beng Mealea.

How many days do you need for Angkor?

One day is enough for the small circuit: Angkor Wat at sunrise, the South Gate, Bayon, and the terraces. Two days is enough to add the outer temples without rushing. The three-day ticket is for those who want to see Beng Mealea and Phnom Kulen. For a first visit, one day is usually enough.

Can you visit Angkor on your own, without a guide?

Yes, the route is straightforward, and a tuk-tuk driver will take you to each stop. A guide is useful where the details of the bas-reliefs matter: at Bayon and Angkor Wat. Without a guide, read the signs at the entrances; they are in English. You will save money, but some of the meaning of the scenes will remain hidden.

When is the best time to arrive at Angkor Wat?

Sunrise starts around 5:00, and it is best to get to the pond early. From November to March the season is dry and cool, and that is when there are the most tourists. In April and May it is hot, so bring water and start early. In the rainy season there are fewer tourists, but a short downpour comes in the afternoon.

What should you not do at the Angkor temples?

Keep your shoulders and knees covered, otherwise you will not be allowed onto the upper levels. Do not touch the bas-reliefs with your hands and do not sit on the ancient stones. Drones and tripods are prohibited in some areas, so check at the entrance. Smoking and littering are not allowed on the grounds, and the fines are real.

In short: what is worth booking

If you have one day: get a 1-day Angkor Pass and follow the small circuit. If you have three days: add the outer temples and Beng Mealea. If you are traveling with children: do the sunrise and return to the hotel by lunchtime.

It is worth getting your ticket online and booking a guided tour in advance. You can choose an Angkor temple tour on GetYourGuide.