Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a significant archeological site which dates back as early as 9th century.

It’s really a large area of about 400 square kilometres with various temples within it. At each temple ground, visitors can walk around, but to travel from one temple to another, it’s best to do so on wheels.

As we were up for an adventure, our choice was the bicycle instead of tuk-tuk or car. There are plenty of shops and guesthouses that provide bicycles for rents, from 1-2USD per day. We got ours from our guesthouse for 1.50USD per day.

Just some tips before setting off on bike…
1. ensure bicycle is in good condition, such as brake and lamp are working.
2. ensure seat is at a good level for you. it’s better for them to adjust it for you rather than adjusting it yourself after setting off.
3. have a map in hand.

If you think we’re crazy to tour it on bikes, check out the many other crazy travelers too 😁

Our goal for the day was to complete the “small circuit” route.

Here’s a timeline journal of our adventure.

9am

Our guesthouse is along Street 20 which is nearby to Charles de Gaulle, the road to Angkor. The first challenge for us was to cycle through the busy road, towards the junction at the Old Stone Bridge. We were slightly taken aback by the congestion but as long as one keep right, it’s pretty ok. Junction is kinda tricky to clear though as not vehicles obey traffic rules to follow traffic light. If you’re not confident, it’s best to push the bike to cross the road.

The long road to Angkor was slightly busy especially at the main entrance,

9.30am

Purchased our day pass!

Tips:
1. Look good for the camera as that photo will be printed on the pass.
2. Do not lose the pass as you will have to flash it to the staff for entry at all temples.

10.15am
Arrive at Angkor Wat temple.

This is symbolic to Cambodia and is printed on its national flag. Angkor Wat is the largest site as compared to the other temples on the site and it’s one of the most well-preserve.

Angkor Wat is also the largest religious monument in the world. Another interesting fact is, it was originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer empire. Toward the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple, which continues to today.

Travelers can climb up to the highest part of the Angkor Wat, about level 4 but it’s very steep. But we gave it a miss as the queue was really long and it was noon.

Last interesting point, no buildings can be higher than Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, which is why the tallest building in Siem Reap is only about 4-5 storey high.

1pm
Left Angkor Wat

1.30pm
Arrive Bantaey Kdei

It’d one of the smaller temples on the site..

2pm
Arrive Ta Prohm. It has 2 entrances, East gate and West gate.

This temple is popular as the filming site of Tomb Raider. The popular attractions are…  trees!

4pm
Set off for Bayon

4.50pm

But just a few shots as we were running late to chase the sunset.

5.15pm
Hike up Phnom Bakheng.

Only to be greeted by crowd.

Long queue for the sunset view from top of temple.

And a large crowd on the platform.

5.45pm
But it’s ok..we still got a nice view of sunset.

6pm
Ride back home in the dark and congested road cuz everyone’s heading back.

More stories and reflection in another post 🙂