What it actually costs
When to go
40°C+ heat. Walking around temple ruins in April is genuinely dangerous — heatstroke risk.
Angkor Wat sunrise: arrive 4:45am, go to the left (south) reflecting pool — less crowded than the famous right side. Same view.
What locals know
3-day temple pass ($62) is worth it. 1-day pass ($37) is too rushed. Visit small temples (Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm) not just Angkor Wat.
Pub Street is fun but a tourist trap for food. Eat on Street 60 (local Khmer restaurants, half the price, twice the quality).
Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the full day ($15-20). They know the best routes and quiet temples.
Angkor Wat faces west — afternoon light is better than sunrise for the main temple (sunrise is better from behind).
Honest warnings
Children selling postcards/bracelets at temples — buying encourages them to skip school. Politely decline.
Landmine museums (APOPO, Landmine Museum) are important context before you see the temples.
USD is used everywhere but bring $1 and $5 bills. Change for $50/$100 is hard.
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