Angkor Wat in Cambodia has more than a thousand temples across an area that stretches 400 square kilometres. The temples come in various states of disrepair, shapes, sizes and magnificence. Because of their vast size, we recommend microlighting over Angkor Wat.
Most famous because of how old they are (built from 9th-12th century) and because of the astonishing Cambodian scenery as a backdrop.
Also known for being in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider from 2001.
Best Ways to Explore the Angkor Wat Temples?
Although I am recommending Microlighting over Angkor Wat this should always be in conjunction with seeing at least the main temples by foot for a number of reasons.
Temple Up-keep: I mentioned earlier that the temples are in various states of disrepair and many of the temples are well looked after so tourists like you and me can see them in all their glory. Going by foot means you will have to pay an entrance fee to see the temples and this goes towards their up-keep (roughly 25% of your fee). You can also join one of the many organised Angkor Wat tours.
Entrance Pass Costs: $20 for a 1 day pass, $40 for a 3 day pass and $60 for a 7 day pass.
- Another Perspective: Of course seeing something from the air is completely different from seeing it from the ground, both are spectacular but in completely different ways. There’s more culture and a chance to meet locals when your on foot as well.
- Explore the Detail Engravings: From the air you can’t see any of this but from the ground you realise that’s these magnificent structures are not just plan block structures but you’ll see the faces at temple Angkor Thom or the engravings at Angkor Wat.
- So you can Pretend you’re Tomb Raider: Ta Prohm Temple is the temple from the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider film from 2001. Well known for its trees growing through the temple structure (although many other temples have this as well).
When I went out by foot we took a Tuk Tuk taxi to Angkor Wat for Sunrise then did a mixture of walking and taxi’s to the other temples.
Here’s our Angkor Wat 3 day itinerary.
How to Book Microlighting around Angkor Wat
Well this is easy as far as I can see, there is only one company you can go with in Siem Reap, although there are other companies that offer plane or helicopter trips. Both this other options cost a considerable amount more and can’t fly as low as a Microlight can, plus you’re not out in the fresh sky air either.
The company I went with was called Sky Venture, unfortunately the British owner had to return to the UK after a motorbike accident but luckily two year’s later the pilot that I flew with from this company is back and flying the same tour I went but through a different firm.
Prices range from US $75-$225 depending on what tour you want to do. I suggest going for the midrange tour costing $125, which allows you to see Angkor Wat as I did plus surrounding farmlands and the Roluos Group Temples.
There open everyday from 7am to 11am and 3:30pm until dark.
