Angkor Equinox

DAY ONE

Begin your day with a tour of Angkor Thom, which includes visits to the Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King. Angkor Thom, founded by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, was one of the largest Khmer cities and remained the capital until the 17th century. Then, visit Ta Prohm, known for its massive tree roots enveloping the temple structures.

After lunch, explore Angkor Wat, the Seventh Wonder of the World. Spend your afternoon marveling at this iconic temple. As the day comes to an end, climb Bakheng Hill to enjoy a spectacular sunset view. Return to Siem Reap for dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight.

DAY TWO

On the second day, venture into the typical Khmer countryside to visit Banteay Srey, the “Citadel of Women” or “Citadel of Beauty,” noted for its size and intricate decorations. Next, explore Banteay Samre, built in the late 12th century, featuring a central temple with four wings, a hall, and two libraries, all enclosed by two concentric walls and continue your journey to East Mebon Temple and Pre Rup.

When visiting temples in Cambodia, especially the famous Angkor Wat and other sacred sites, it’s important to respect local customs and religious traditions. Here’s a guide on what to do and what not to do:

### Do’s:
1. Dress Modestly
– Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (e.g., long pants/skirts and shirts with sleeves).
– Remove hats and shoes when entering temple sanctuaries or sacred areas.

2. Be Respectful
– Speak softly and avoid loud noises.
– Follow instructions from monks or temple staff.
– Bow slightly when passing in front of Buddha statues or altars.

3. Ask Permission Before Taking Photos
– Some temples prohibit photography, especially of monks or sacred relics.
– Avoid posing disrespectfully (e.g., turning your back to Buddha statues).

4. Follow Temple Rules
– Walk clockwise around stupas and shrines (a sign of respect in Buddhist tradition).
– Do not touch or lean on ancient carvings and structures.

5. Support Local Communities
– Buy souvenirs from local vendors (but avoid purchasing ancient artifacts).
– Donate respectfully if there’s an offering box.

### Don’ts:
1. Do Not Wear Revealing Clothing
– Avoid tank tops, short shorts, or beachwear inside temple grounds.

2. Do Not Touch or Climb on Sacred Structures
– Many temples are ancient and fragile; climbing on them can cause damage.
– Do not touch Buddha statues or carvings.

3. Avoid Public Displays of Affection
– Holding hands is fine, but kissing or hugging is considered disrespectful.

4. Do Not Point Your Feet at Buddha or Monks
– Feet are considered the lowest and least sacred part of the body. Sit with your legs tucked to the side.

5. Do Not Disturb Worshipers or Monks
– Avoid interrupting prayers or meditation.
– Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them (place items on a table or cloth instead).

6. No Smoking, Drinking, or Eating Inside Temples
– These activities are considered highly disrespectful in sacred spaces.

7. Avoid Taking “Selfie” Photos in Sacred Areas
– Some temples ban selfie sticks, and posing playfully can offend locals.

### Additional Tips:
– Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
– Carry Cash (Small Riels or USD) for donations or small purchases.
– Hire a Licensed Guide to learn about temple history and proper etiquette.

By following these guidelines, you show respect for Cambodia’s culture and religion while enjoying a meaningful temple visit.

As of 2024, travelers visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, have multiple official options for purchasing the mandatory Angkor Ticket Pass. The primary and longest-standing sales point is the Angkor Enterprise Main Ticket Office, located approximately 4 km from downtown Siem Reap along Road 60. This office operates from 5:00 AM until 5:30 PM daily, catering to early visitors heading for sunrise at Angkor Wat. However, in a move to improve convenience for tourists, authorities have introduced a second official ticket counter at Heritage Walk Mall, a modern shopping and dining complex situated just minutes away from the popular Pub Street area. This secondary outlet, open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, provides the same services as the main office but in a more central, air-conditioned environment with generally shorter queues—making it an excellent choice for those staying in the city center who wish to avoid the morning rush at the primary location.

For tech-savvy travelers, the official online ticket portal https://www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh allows advance purchase of passes, which can be presented as QR codes at temple entrances. This digital option is particularly useful for avoiding lines entirely. Pricing remains consistent across all sales channels: $37 for a 1-day pass, $62 for a 3-day pass (valid for 10 days, with any three days of entry), and $72 for a 7-day pass (valid for a month, with any seven days of entry). Children under 12 enter free but must present a passport or ID for verification.

A critical requirement for all pass purchases is the on-the-spot photograph taken at the time of issuance, which is embedded into the ticket to prevent transferability. Visitors should also note that passes are non-refundable and must be kept intact throughout their stay, as frequent checks occur at temple entrances. For those planning to witness the iconic Angkor Wat sunrise (with gates opening at 5:00 AM), purchasing the pass the day before is strongly advised to bypass morning ticket office delays. Additionally, while the Heritage Walk Mall offers extended accessibility, it’s worth confirming its hours during holidays or special events, as adjustments may occur.

With these options, travelers can choose the most suitable method based on their itinerary—whether prioritizing convenience, avoiding crowds, or securing tickets in advance for a seamless experience at one of the world’s most magnificent heritage sites.