Growing up, Tomb Raider <\/strong>was one of my favourite films. At ten years old, watching Lara Croft wander through jungle ruins taken over by trees and vines struck me deeply and cemented Cambodia as a must-visit place in my mind, even more than Thailand<\/a> <\/strong>or Vietnam. Though the country is often overlooked, with visitors heading to its more popular neighbours instead, Cambodia has one major draw that brings millions of tourists every year: Angkor Wat. The largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat has so much cultural significance that it is featured on the Cambodian flag. Many people don\u2019t realise that there is a lot more to this UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a><\/strong> than just the main temple, with more than a thousand ruins in various states of preservation scattered over 400 acres. With such a large area to cover, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out the best way to see the highlights in a short space of time. This Angkor Wat\/Angkor Archaeological Park guide will help you plan out an amazing two days at one of South East Asia\u2019s most beautiful locations, especially if you\u2019re solo and on a budget!<\/p>\n Disclaimer: this website contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue this blog and help wildlife around the world!<\/em> <\/p>\n Read more: Two Weeks In Cambodia \u2013 a first-time itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Your experience visiting Angkor Wat will depend on how you choose to get around the massive park. You have a few options for transport here:<\/p>\n One of the most popular things to do is visit the main Angkor Wat temple for sunrise. Be prepared for an extremely early wake-up call (usually around 3.45am) and some of the most insane crowds you\u2019ll ever see. This experience can either be incredible or very mediocre, mostly depending on the weather. Sometimes, the sunrise simply doesn\u2019t cooperate, with thick clouds and no colour (which is pretty much what I got). Even so, watching that iconic silhouette appear slowly from the darkness is truly unforgettable. Before the sun had even risen, it was incredible to walk through the dark over the ancient stone bridge, flickering torch lights reflecting in the water of the moat as the first sign of sunrise began in the distance. Once you\u2019ve reached the sunrise area, try to get a spot by the pool so you can see the reflection of Angkor Wat in the water. <\/p>\n![\"Angkor](\"https:\/\/www.thiswildlifeofmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-683x1024.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\nGetting around Angkor Wat<\/h2>\n
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Day 1 at Angkor Wat: Sunrise and the Small Circuit guide<\/h2>\n