Angkor Wat facts at a glance
Angkor Wat is a Khmer temple built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II. It was first a Hindu temple for Vishnu and later used by Buddhists. In 2026 it is about 900 years old.
Many numbers about Angkor Wat mix up two areas. The temple complex covers about 162.6 hectares, which is 1.626 square kilometers. The whole Angkor Archaeological Park around it covers about 400 square kilometers. Keep the two apart when you read a figure.
Angkor Wat architecture: towers, levels and galleries
What you see when you walk in from the west.
The five central towers
The central group has five towers. They stand for Mount Meru, the mountain at the center of the world in Hindu and Buddhist belief. In the classic front view you often count fewer than five, because the towers overlap. The view changes as you walk around.
The galleries
Covered galleries run around the lower levels. Their walls carry long carved stories, and the galleries give shade.
The highest level
The top level is called Bakan. Visitors must be at least 12 years old to climb it. It is closed on the 14th and 28th of each month from 1 p.m. for conservation work (rule since June 2026). Further closure days can apply around Buddhist holy days, so check on the day.
Our pick: Angkor by bike
About 30 km between the temples gives you a feel for the size of the park.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Angkor Wat tours and tickets
Small-group, private and tuk-tuk tours of Angkor Wat, with live prices and availability. Check whether the Angkor Pass is included before you book.
Carvings and reliefs
The long gallery walls show religious stories and historical scenes cut into the stone. They include scenes with Suryavarman II and the churning of the Ocean of Milk, a well-known story from Hindu tradition.
You will see numbers online for the total area of the reliefs or the count of figures. Treat them with care. There is no single agreed figure, and the answer depends on how the galleries are measured. Plan your time by gallery instead of by numbers.
Do not touch the reliefs.
Angkor Wat in the Angkor park
The temple is one site among many.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | Early 12th century, under Suryavarman II |
| Original use | Hindu temple for Vishnu, later Buddhist use |
| Temple complex | About 162.6 ha (1.626 km²) |
| Archaeological park | About 400 km² in Siem Reap Province |
| World Heritage | Inscribed in 1992; on the danger list from 1992 to 2004 |
| Living heritage | Villages, rice farming and religious practice continue in the park |
The danger-list entry ended in 2004. That change concerned the danger list only. Angkor has kept its World Heritage status. The park also includes Angkor Thom, the Bayon, Ta Prohm and many smaller temples, so one day at Angkor Wat is not a visit to all of Angkor.
Visiting facts for 2026
Prices for foreign visitors. Check the current times and prices before you go.
| Pass | Price 2026 | Visit days | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day pass | $37 | 1 | 1 day |
| 3-day pass | $62 | 3 | 7 days |
| 7-day pass | $72 | 7 | 30 days |
Children under 12 enter free and need no ticket. A passport can be asked for as proof of age. A photo is required for the 3-day and 7-day passes, not for the 1-day pass. Full details are on the Angkor Pass tickets page.
Angkor Wat is open from 05:00 to 18:00. The park-wide window on the ticket is 05:00 to 18:30. Most other temples on the small and grand circuits open from 06:00 to 18:30.
Rules at the temple
Angkor Wat is an active religious site. Cover your shoulders and knees. This applies to women and men. Do not touch the reliefs, move stones or climb on loose blocks. Smoking and littering are not allowed.
Ask before you photograph a monk, and do not touch him. Women should keep a respectful distance. Drones need prior written permission.
Macaques live around the temple. Do not feed them and do not interact with them. For planning the day, see the sunrise guide and the history of Angkor.
Angkor Wat facts: frequently asked questions
How old is Angkor Wat?
It was built in the early 12th century, so it is about 900 years old in 2026. There is no exact date for the start or the end of building.
How big is Angkor Wat?
The temple complex covers about 162.6 hectares, or 1.626 square kilometers. The Angkor Archaeological Park as a whole covers about 400 square kilometers.
Who built Angkor Wat?
King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire. The temple was first dedicated to Vishnu and was later used by Buddhists.
How many towers does Angkor Wat have?
The central group has five towers. From many angles you see fewer than five, because they overlap.
Is Angkor Wat a World Heritage Site?
Yes. Angkor was inscribed in 1992. It was on the danger list from 1992 to 2004, and the removal from that list did not change its World Heritage status.
Is this the official Angkor Wat website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the website of the APSARA National Authority, Angkor Enterprise or the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, and it is not connected to any tour operator or hotel.