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Best Time To Visit Angkor Wat

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Beautiful sunset over Angkor Wat

Cambodia is home to one of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat. This is something no other Southeast Asia country can boast. Chances are you have heard of Angkor Wat. And, if you haven’t heard of it, you have probably seen a photo of it. It is an enormous collection of temples and ruins located in Siem Reap in northern Cambodia. The Angkor Wat temple complex astonishingly features the largest collection of religious monuments in the entire world.

The Angkor Wat temples were built in the 12th century and were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. The site comprises upwards of 70 buildings, including temples, mausoleums, and shrines. The main temple is the site’s namesake: Angkor Wat. Today, the complex is one of the most popular attractions in Asia, receiving over two million visitors each year. If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia or a river cruise along the Mekong River, you would be crazy to miss this off your itinerary.

But, before you run off and book your flights, you should make sure you go when the weather best suits you. Some people love the heat, others feel more comfortable with a little bit of rain. Read on to find out when is the best time to go to Angkor Wat.

Sunny day in the ruins of Angkor

It gets hot and sunny in Angkor

Ostensibly, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is during the dry season, which runs from November through to mid-April. During this period, temperatures dip, making the days cooler. This means you can spend extended periods of time outside without worrying too much about heat stroke or drowning in a pool of your own sweat. The temperature will hover in the mid-70s and the evenings will be cool but not cold. Angkor Wat is a huge complex and people spend up to three entire days exploring its ruins. If you want to go hard on sightseeing then you should opt for visiting when the weather is at its most forgiving.

The downside to traveling during the dry season is that you will be sharing Angkor Wat without thousands of other people. The site is always busy, but it is especially so during this period. You may also find that you have to pay a premium for your flights and accommodation, as you will be traveling during peak times.

If the crowds and bumped-up prices don’t take your fancy, you can always visit Angkor Wat during the wet season, which really isn’t as bad as it sounds. The wet season starts in mid-April and finishes in October, with July and August being the rainiest months. The benefits of taking a gamble at this time of the year are multiple. First of all, everything is cheaper. Secondly, the landscape is well hydrated and glows a brilliant green. Thirdly, there will be fewer people blocking your views of the temples.

However, you should know that when it rains it pours during the monsoon season. You may find your day of exploring is interrupted as you run for shelter from a sudden downpour. These intermittent showers don’t last for long but they are powerful and will soak you to the bone if you don’t get out of their way. Sometimes the rain is so heavy that roads become impassable and plans have to be delayed or canceled.

If you have the benefit of a flexible schedule and can choose which time of the year to travel, you should weigh up carefully the pros and cons of traveling in each season or alternatively get in touch with our destination specialists who will happily advise you.

Disclaimer

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This entry was posted April 29, 2019
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