Angkor Wat is a colossal series of temples of ruins around the city of Angkor, which was the capital city of the Khmer empire between the 9th & 15th centuries. At one time, 1 million people lived there. Rediscovered in the 1840s, this ‘eighth wonder of the world’ receives some 2.5 million visitors annually. Those looking to run in Angkor Wat won’t be disappointed! It’s actually a great way to see this massive complex, which is spread over 20+ km of runnable roads and paths. A recommended way to do this is to hire a Tuktuk guide, who can help provide support and enable a run of a chosen distance. It’s easy to get away from the crowds and have a bucolic & memorable running experience.
There are numerous ways to mix and match the roads and paths in the area. We’ve provided one route focused on the main Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom complexes. We’ve also mapped the 25 km ‘Grand Circuit’, and the 17 km ‘Small Circuit’, both of which are runnable. In Siem Reap, which is where many visitors stay, there’s decent running along the Siem Reap River and around the Royal Independence Gardens.
Notes: Admission is required. The complexes open at 4:30 a.m., and it’s special (though crowded) to catch the sunrise. Also, it’s very hot and humid — plan & hydrate accordingly. Best to run with traffic, not against it.
