Angkor Wat Temples
Angkor temples built during the heights of Khmer empire between 8th and 15th centuries are a major tourist attraction of today Cambodia. Several national and regional airlines fly direct to Siem Reap, the nearest town to the site of one of the world's wonders. However the travel by land is still in a very poor condition. There are already some international first class hotels and many standard and budget range accommodations in Siem Reap.

Getting there
Road distances to Siem Reap are: from Poipet (at Thailand border) 140 km, from Sisophon (between Poipet and Siem Reap) 90 km, from Kampong Thom 230 km, from Phnom Penh (the capital) 290 km. By water way there are boat services between Siem Reap and Battambang, and Phnom Penh. Siem Reap jetty is at Phnom Krom hill which is 12 km south of the town. Boats running between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh usually start at 0700 hour at both ends. This 250 km ride takes 4 to 6 hours. Tickets (20-25 US$) should be purchased a day ahead at ferry office or through a travel agency. Boat ride during the wet season of June to November is less problematic.

Admission tickets
Basically three tickets are available: 1 day pass (US$ 20), 3 days pass (US$ 40) and 7 days pass (US$ 60). These are sold at the main entrance to Angkor zone, between Siem Reap town and Angkor Wat. One day pass will only allow you to visit the most popular temples in a rush. Three day pass is usually enough for general visitors to see all major temples plus a few other less popular ones. Seven day pass will be good to see and feel all the major structures, several favorite ones and many minor temples scattering as far as 50 km from Siem Reap.

Additional entrance tickets are necessary for Phnom Kulen (US$20) and Kbal Spean (US$3), sold at the respective temple site.

Time, climate, clothes and things to bring
The best time to visit is in the dry (cool) season between November and February. This is also the most crowded time. June to October is the rainy (wet and hot) season. The heat during the months of March through May can reach 35ºC.

Light cotton clothings is suitable for any time of the year. Hat and sun glasses are useful. During the rainy season bring a light rain coat. Mosquito repellents are advised for sun rise and sunset. To explore the ruins of the temples where light is sometimes not enough, bring torch lights. Maps, guide books and other useful hand-outs are available at many hotels, travel agents, shops and vendors.

Transportation for the visit
Since the temples are far from each other visiting on foot is not advisable. If you have time bicycling is a good idea. Motorcycle taxies and two person motorcycle trailers (like a tuk tuk taxi) are available. Prices are around US$ 8 to 12 per day or more for the far away temples. Car taxies are also available for a higher price.