Angkor Wat
 

What type of shoes are recommended for walking on tours of the temples. Are hiking boots or Polo Sport type shoes necessary? Thanks

The terrain is not really rough so any shoes you are comfortable in. I wore a mix of sneakers and birkenstocks. The day u go to the main temple, Angkor Wat, thete is a steep climb to the higher level on a stone staircase so wear whatever you will be able to climb easily in.

Hiking boots will be way too hot. We found slip in loafer or keds (anything with rubber sole) were good and I even wore my Teva sandles. But there are many places with uneven ground so watch where you're walking. And note that the steps at many of these temples are very shallow (narrow) where you can't put full foot on step - have to walk sideways. Boots would certainly be too clunky/big.

You are doing a lot of climbing of very steep stairs, and in some the of so-called jungle temples, you must scramble over and around fallen building stones. I wore my Merrill Jungle Mocs (a slip on shoe with a sole that grips well). Some people wear Tevas, but others prefer more protection for your feet. The people I saw at the temples that looked the most uncomfortable were a mother and daughter wearing cheap rubber flip-flops. They were struggling to keep the flip flops on their feet as they walked up steep inclines and stepped over fallen stones.

It likely also depends on whether you are just visitng the "major temples" which are easier walking or whether you choose to visit more of the so-called minor temples, where you will encounter more "ruined" temples and rougher terrain.

Do make sure you wear something that is very comfortable for you and provides good support. (no brand new shoes!)

I wore my hiking boots. I was there in late september last year. The boots were great, and I was not too hot. I visited the more remote temples as well as the main ones, and they came in handy. There are also alot of snakes there, I wore the boots for protection as well. (I saw several, but none were very close to me). I have seen too many people wipe out while visiting temples and ruins while wearing the wrong footwear. I saw a couple take a bad fall in Macchu Picchu on the moss covered steps. Like most tourists they were looking around them instead of watching where they were walking and fell. I always travel with my boots, and will be taking them with me to hike the Great Wall this october. Enjoy Angkor, it is truly one of the most spectacular places I have ever been.

In 2 trips there, doing a LOT of temples including some remoter locations like Kabal Spean, I wore my Teva sandals the entire time. I brought sturdier shoes but couldn't bear to wear socks in the heat. Took my chances with the snakes. My Tevas do have a good tread on the sole. Also, I am fairly sure-footed, so if you are not, you might want more support. But a decent all-around running/walking shoe would be sufficient. I don't think you would need hiking boots.

we wore a combo of sandles, yes with socks, and sturdy leather shoes with good treads (not leather soles)....the socks provide a cushion and an absorption quality,, kathies suggestion about support is well taken....we saw about 505 of the people is doc martins or hiking boot attire...

rhkkmk.....white socks and sandals?????
oh my, bob.... i see this fashion statement
on our visitors to maui everyday...makes a
heck of a tan line.
i will rethink my footwear for our siem reap
segment. lol