Everybody always talks ONLY about how great it is to visit Angkor Wat. And one thing is of course absolutely clear: There are countless reasons to do exactly that.
But …
There are 10 reasons why it is not worthwhile to visit Angkor Wat at all. Angkor Wat has an unbearable architecture, the walls are totally scratched, there are scantily clad ladies at every corner and wild animals doing their mischief. After Siem Reap here now the statement with Angkor Wat without any frills and many words – because a picture says more than many words … ;-)
Please notice: This article is written with irony, a figure of speech.
1. Totally boring sunrise – endless waiting for the sun and when it finally arrives there are no special effects at all.
2. Zero service: Although you pay the entrance fee, you walk around on the huge grounds of Angkor Wat. All this because neither cars nor motorbikes nor even bicycles are allowed.
3. Dangerous wild animals that are free to roam around and do their mischief with us poor tourists.
4. Totally unbearable architecture with all those scratched walls and then these figures just standing around.
5. Scantily clad ladies at every step
6. You can’t rest in a shadow anywhere, while the heat is brooding.
7. Wherever you look there are stones lying around – it’s about time somebody is going to clean up.
8. Always and everywhere masses of tourists, who constantly run into the picture.
9. There’s nothing to eat or drink at all.
10. And then there’s all these guys hanging around with their orange clothes.
Well, I assume that I was able to convince you that the visit of Angkor Wat is not worth it at all, right?
You are not convinced yet? No problem! Just have a look at these pages. Maybe you will find some reasons to visit Angkor Wat and the other temples of Angkor ;-)
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I just wonder What’s the purpose of this article?
Hi Zing – it is meant ironically. Of course the Angkor temples are fantastic ;-)
Best :)
Inga
It’s ironic. But some cultures do not understand irony so maybe the article will not make sense to some people.
Sorry, this article does not make sense at all. All the 10 reasonable are unreasonable. It is totally confused people.
That’s good – so maybe people try to think before claiming. However, I wish you a Merry Christmas <3
For some people it will boring. Some people will be there for weeks. And still find interested places around.
We are different. And we should accept everyone opinion.
For me it is amazing place on world map. Come back after 20 years. And enjoyed.
Hi Andrew,
thank you so much for sharing! Yes I totally agree with you. People are different and feel different. For myself the more I visit Cambodia and the Angkor Temple, the more I am fascnitated. On the other side I’ve read a post yesterday in a Facebook-Group, that Angkor and also Siem Reap is boring and not worth to stay there longer than 3 days. Happy for you, that you came back and still enjoy it.
Best :)
Inga
Living in Asia for 10 years, I’ve been to Siem Reap seven times. I clicked here to see if it was going to recommend other temples over Angkor Wat. Having been in Siem Reap, I have other temples that I prefer and are potentially more interesting to photograph. After a few reasons, I realized it was subtly sarcastic especially the part about scantily clad women. :) It would take a serious character to be at one of the wonders of the world and complain they have to walk too far or that there’s no shade. I’m basically in awe anywhere in the park. Thanks for sharing the post and your awesome website. I’m curious how much time you spend in Siem Reap each year? I love it there too.
Ooooh, so sorry that I did not give a reply. Thank you so much for your comment. Yes, there is a meaning behind – especially irony and subtly sarcastic gives us more point of views to a topic. I have seen tourists who have no respect. They were shouting loudly and lashing out because they were not allowed on the upper third terrace of Angkor Wat because of their clothes. I can’t believe how some people behave. But luckily, such things rarely happen.
In the meantime, I travel all over Cambodia, around 3 weeks. I haven’t been there since April 2019 and I’m looking forward to come back in July/August 2022. Maybe we meet one day in Siem Reap :-)
Wish you a happy and healthy New Year <3
Hater! Don’t understand the country’s culture and never explore around town to find something for eating. There is a code of conduct to visit this temple that you never find out.
Hi,
thank you for your comment. About Code of Conduct, I wrote an article few years ago. Here‘s the link for you: https://www.visit-angkor.org/blog/what-is-the-code-of-conduct-for-angkor/
Please let me know, if you need any assistance.
Best,
Inga