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Angel Fire

Angel Fire is a small resort town in North Central New Mexico. The town is situated in the Moreno Valley on the Enchanted Circle scenic drive about half an hour east from Taos on the other side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town is dominated by a ski resort, with a base elevation of 8,410 feet (2100 meters) and a summit of over 10,000 feet, but offers four-season activities and is also well known for being the home to a Vietnam Veterans memorial.

Get in
US 64, a well-maintained but mountain road, passes through Angel Fire between Taos and Cimarron. NM 434 junctions at 64 just north of Angel Fire and continues in a north-south manner to the town of Mora and provides an alternative route in/out of the town. A small county-run airport in the town handles private planes. The nearest airports with commercial scheduled service are Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The nearest Amtrak railroad station is in Raton, 80 miles to the east on US 64.

Get around
The Resort and a few other local businesses maintain shuttles; otherwise transportation is by foot, horse, ski, snocat, or private car. In the winter Resort shuttles act almost as buses, taking skiers and snowboarders between the different parking lots and the resort, and occasionally making stops at some condos (usually if notified ahead of time). On days with high winds, shuttles will take skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain or the base of the backside.

See
Surrounded by mountains that rise as high as 13,000 feet, Angel Fire is intrinsically scenic. Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails complement the well-marked scenic routes for automobiles. From the top of Agua Fria Peak (the mountain owned by the Resort), you can see Philmont Boy Scout Ranch, Wheeler Peak, parts of Colorado, and the eastern end of the Cimarron River valley. The top of the mountain is at 10,800ft in elevation though, so be careful of altitude sickness and sunburn. The chairlift ride takes about 20 minutes and gains (or loses, if you ride it down) about 2,000ft in elevation in that short amount of time.

In the summers, Angel Fire hosts Music From Angel Fire, a multi-week music and art festival that celebrates New Mexican musicians and artists from primarily the Northern New Mexico region. It really is a hidden gem of the region.

Do
Angel Fire Resort is the town's main draw, and has a near-monopoly on activities in the town, owing that the Resort owns the mountain and ski resort, the country club, and a lake to the south. As Angel Fire is primarily a resort town, this section will be separated into activities that can be done during the Winter Season (usually mid-November to early March or April, depending on the snow) and the Summer Season (May to early October when the first snows fall). Usually in the off-seasons most restaurants and activities are closed.

Winter Season

In the winter the mountain is turned into a ski and snowboarding resort with three chairlifts on the front side and one on the back. Included on the mountain are terrain parks for both skiers and snowboarders, glade runs, and occasionally (if the snow is good) some light cross-country skiing (more like hiking) to get to some Black runs that are squirreled away on the backside. The Resort also offers a ski school for children and the occasional adult beginner, and has a bunny slope with its own lift for practice runs. Information about ski school can be found on the Resort's website and must usually be booked in advance.

Parallel to the bunny slope is a tubing hill, where people with tubes (which can be rented - usually for kids) can ride a small conveyor belt and then tube down the hill.

The Angel Fire mountain contains numerous Green, Blue, and Black runs, and all are usually easier than their counterparts at resorts like Taos Ski Valley or Ski Red River. This makes Angel Fire an ideal place for people just learning how to ski or snowboard, or who haven't done so in a long time. All Green runs contain snow makers and some Blues on the front side also contain snow makers, so in times of low natural snowfall there will still be some runs guaranteed open. Usually the Blacks at the top of the mountain (the steepest and rockiest runs) do not receive enough snow and are closed but occasionally the town will get dumped on and those runs will be open as well. At night, the wide Blue run on the front side and the bunny hill are illuminated and offer night skiing until about 8 or 9pm.

Off the mountain, the Resort turns the Country Club into a Nordic Skiing park, where cross-country style skiing can be done, following (for the most part) the flow of the golf course. Numerous shops in town offer ski and snowboard rentals, as well as boot rentals, but you can also bring your own skis or boards.

Private individuals also offer services in the region, such as snowmobile rides or the occasional horse-drawn sleigh.

Summer Season

In the summer season the mountain is turned into a world-class mountain biking facility. The chairlifts are modified to fit bikes, and bikers can ride down the mountain on trails of varying difficulties and with varying styles of design (some are designed to look more artificial and include more wooden ramps and curves, while others are designed to look more natural and contain fewer man-made structures). These trails criss-cross the ski runs so as not to cut into the runs needed for the winter and so as not to have bikers ride straight down the mountain. All bike trails are downhill only except for one that starts near the El Jefe restaurant, which rides about half-way up the mountain and then pops the rider out for them to go back down. That trail is only uphill for bikers because the half of it riders can be on is shared with hikers going either direction (up or down the mountain), so for safety reasons bikers can only go uphill. The Resort owns a fleet of mountain bikes that can be rented, and the ski school building turns into a bike repair shop, so any accidents or malfunctions can be easily fixed (and a rental bike can be obtained if needed).

There is no official minimum age for riders of the chairlifts; however the Resort maintains a rule that all riders must be able to sit on their own (i.e. not on someone's lap), effectively creating an age threshold against younger children and pets.

Hikers on the mountain have three options: a 4.5 mile hike runs from the base of the mountain (it starts by the El Jefe restaurant) to the chairlift at the top, a 0.8 mile loop runs around the top of the mountain and offers some of the best views of the valley and Wheeler Peak, and a medium length trail (about 1.2ish miles) follows the disc golf trail (actually, it is the disc golf trail). Dogs are not allowed on the chairlift but you can hike them up on the 4.5 mile trail if you can get them back down. Off-mountain exists a network of trails in the area, ranging from simple loops like the Solar Loop around the Cieneguilla creek that runs through town, to longer trails through the woods.

At the top of the mountain is an 18-hole disc golf trail; discs and scorecards can be rented at the ticket booth at the base of the chairlift at the bottom of the mountain. Do not worry if you accidentally fling a disc into the woods, but use utmost care with them. The disc golf course takes you around the top of the backside, along the hiking trail that would be used to access some Black runs that are hidden away when there is enough snow in the winter.

Golfing is popular given the course's scenic views of Wheeler Peak and Agua Fria Peak (the mountain with the Resort) and the thrill of playing golf at 8500 ft above sea level. The Country Club also has a putting green and a driving range, and nearby is a public park with some play forts for kids. Also located at the Country Club are the tennis and pickleball courts; the Resort maintains a Tennis Pro who can coach you on all your tennis needs. Located in the lower level of the Country Club building is the Pool, which has specific times for adult-only and children-only swims. As with most activities in the town, Resort Members get discounts, but non-members also have access to all the activities that members have, just usually for a higher price.

Private individuals may also offer other activities, such as horseback rides in the region. Events may also introduce activities for the duration of the event, such as an annual hot air balloon festival usually held in the fall that offers balloon rides. Also in the summer farmers' markets appear near the grocery store on the weekends.

Farther south than the Country Club is a lake owned by the Resort that offers water activities such as boating and paddle-boarding. Swimming is not allowed in this lake. In the town of Eagle Nest to the north of Angel Fire is Eagle Nest lake, a public lake that is much larger and offers fishing, boating, and other water activities. Swimming is also not allowed in that lake.

Buy
Angel Fire has a few gift shops and art galleries, and a small grocery market, along with numerous real estate agents. Usually ski shops sell the most 'touristy' items such as hats that say 'Angel Fire' on them or other active-wear trinkets. The ground floor of the Lodge at the base of the mountain has a cafe and gift shop that is probably the only 'real' gift shop in town.

 * Angel Fire.JPG

Eat
Angel Fire boasts about two dozen restaurants, all in moderate price ranges. Restaurants occasionally change year to year, especially since the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the region, so this list may change. Almost every restaurant is closed on Mondays in Angel Fire, and in the summer the restaurants in the Lodge are not open except on select occasions for private groups.

(Updated 27 November 2022)

Most restaurants can easily cater to vegetarian needs, but most of the menus revolve around meat dishes (including elk steaks) so vegetarian options may be more limited than not. Vegans may have difficulty as most of the vegetarian options use dairy products (such as quesadillas or nachos).
 * The Bakery and Cafe @ Angel Fire - 3420 Mountain View Blvd. A bakery with delicious baked goods and breakfast foods. Usually the only restaurant open during the mornings, and (because the Lodge does not offer breakfast services) usually is where people go to get breakfast foods.
 * Elements Fine Dining, Located on the upper floor of the Angel Fire Country Club (the side you enter from the guest parking lot), probably the finest restaurant in town (no strict dress code but don't show up in a swimsuit and flip-flops), serving everything from pub food to veal & venison to surprisingly fresh (given the location) seafood.
 * El Jefe - 10 5 Springs Rd. A Mexican-style restaurant located just off the entrance to the Chili Express (but outside the mountain proper). A good place to find meals with Hatch chili peppers included.
 * Legends Bar and Grill - Located on the second floor of the Lodge at the base of the mountain. Fancy pub food (burgers, fries, etc.). Ideal for a meal before or after a day of skiing. Only open during the winter season.
 * Mikuna Grill - 48 N. Angel Fire Rd. A Peruvian-New Mexican restaurant and one of the higher-end restaurants in the village.
 * Par & Grill - Located on the ground level (on the side adjacent to the putting green, not the parking lot) of the Country Club. Offers burgers, crinkle fries, and amazing milkshakes. Usually only open during the lunch rush.
 * Summit Haus - Located at the top of the mountain. Not a large menu but provides light food and alcohol and commands a stunning near-360° view. Usually open as long as the Chili Express lift is running. Usually opens a half hour after the lifts open and closes a half hour before the lifts close.
 * Zebs Restaurant and Bar - 3431 Mountain View Blvd. The only real bar in town, shows sports on game nights. Also usually open the latest of all of the restaurants in town.
 * Zebs Restaurant and Bar - 3431 Mountain View Blvd. The only real bar in town, shows sports on game nights. Also usually open the latest of all of the restaurants in town.

Given the limited options of restaurants in town, and their hours of operation, it is also recommended that visitors stop at Lowe's grocery store (not to be confused with the hardware giant) and purchase any foods they might want for their stay. Guests staying at condos, homes, or other non-hotel style lodging are extremely encouraged to do so, given most will have a kitchen(ette) in some way, shape, or form.

Drink
Most dine-in restaurants serve alcohol but it must be consumed on the restaurant grounds. Alcohol can also be purchased at the grocery store but must be consumed indoors.
 * Zebs Restaurant and Bar.

Sleep
Almost all property in the town is owned by the Resort or private owners. However, the Resort does offer tourists the option to rent a house, condo, or chalet for the duration of their stay as an alternative to staying in the Lodge. The limited selection of accommodations includes resort hotel, cabins, B-and-Bs, condo rentals and motels. Many property owners will privately rent out their lodging through apps like Airbnb. Angel Fire Resort also offers a high-end RV park located just outside Palo Flechado Pass (the road to/from Taos). For better choices, some people prefer to stay in Taos. Some lodging exists in neighboring towns like Eagle Nest (a 30-40 min drive north) but not to the degree that Angel Fire offers.

 * Elk Horn Lodge - Near the center of town (just north of the grocery store and Angel Fired Pizza). Offers some lodging for up to 8 people per 'room'.
 * Elk Horn Lodge - Near the center of town (just north of the grocery store and Angel Fired Pizza). Offers some lodging for up to 8 people per 'room'.
 * Elk Horn Lodge - Near the center of town (just north of the grocery store and Angel Fired Pizza). Offers some lodging for up to 8 people per 'room'.

Connect

 * Angel Fire Visitor Center, 866-668-7787.

Go next

 * Taos - the only sizeable population center in the region, located to the west of Angel Fire over Palo Flechado Pass.
 * Eagle Nest - A small village located on the shores of Eagle Nest Lake, popular in the summer due to water activities and provides a launchpad to forays into the Cimarron River valley.
 * Raton - the county seat of Colfax County, located about 3 hours by car east of Angel Fire. Near Raton is the NRA Whittington Center, a gun range open to the public.
 * Cimarron - a small town located on the other end of the Cimarron River valley from Eagle Nest. Popular in the summer for world-class fly-fishing in said river and being near the entrance to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch.
 * Red River - a former mining town turned ski town located north of Angel Fire on the Enchanted Circle. Beautiful town.
 * Mora - the next real town to the south of Angel Fire. Highway 464 can be rough between Mora and Angel Fire though so at times access may be difficult.
 * In the Palo Flechado Pass are numerous small art galleries and hotel-like lodges. They make an interesting day trip from Angel Fire.

title: Angel Fire


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Angels Camp

Angels Camp is a town of 4,000 people (2019) in Calaveras County in California's Gold Country.

By car
Angels Camp is approximately 2½ hours' drive from the Bay Area via California Routes 49 and 4 and approximately 2 hours southeast of Sacramento.

Go next

 * - The small town of Murphys is a Gold Rush era town that today features over a dozen wine tasting rooms and a surprising number of excellent restaurants on its historic Main Street. The town also hosts an annual Irish festival in March that draws thousands of visitors.  There are several wineries nearby, and visitors may also want to make the one mile journey north of Murphys to take a paid tour through Mercer Caverns, a short cave filled with a large number of speleothems, stalactites, and stalagmites.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Angels Camp


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Angers

Angers is a medium-sized French city which is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire département in the northwestern region of Pays de la Loire. It offers the traveller a mixture of a typical French night-life, historically rich street-scapes and great shopping opportunities.

Understand
Located in the French region which was known as Anjou in the Middle Ages, today Angers is a bustling French city, home to around 150,000 people in the city and roughly 270,000 people in the greater metropolitan area. It's a place with great appeal to historians and travelers interested in discovering France's rich medieval history.

By car
Like most French cities Angers can be easily accessed by motorway. The A11 connects Angers to the French capital Paris and nearby Le Mans. By car Angers lies roughly 295 km west of Paris and 95 km west of Le Mans.

Angers is also close to Nantes, Tours and Rennes, all of which are connected to Angers by motorway. Many of the motorways charge a toll which can vary from €2 up to €25.

By train
TGV offers frequent rail-links between Angers and many of France's major towns and cities. The trains are generally of a very high quality, offer very comfortable seating and have suitable storage spaces for luggage. Trains are quite regular and generally depart on time. Ticket checks take place on every journey, as a result it is very important that you are in possession of a valid ticket at all times. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the train and the use of mobile phones in the seating area of the carriage is frowned upon by other passengers.

Angers is...

 * Roughly between 90 minutes and 2 hours from Paris. (The train can be found in Gare Montparnasse in Paris)
 * Around 45 minutes from the city of Nantes.
 * 40 minutes from Le Mans (on the same line as the Paris-Angers route)
 * 55 minutes from Tours.

By plane

 * Nantes
 * Paris (CDG)
 * Paris (Beauvais)
 * Bordeaux

See more details at the airport website

Get around
Due to the plan "vigipirate", the national anti-terrorism policy, all possibilities to store luggage consignment around the train and bus station have been suspended.

By bus
Public buses are widely avaliable in Angers. Whether you arrive by train or bus, your arrival point in Angers will be at the Angers-Saint-Laud train station, where local buses (and tramways) run frequently, connecting you to the city centre.

Tickets cost €1.60 for a 1-hour unlimited ticket (€14 for 10 tickets), or €4.50 for a whole-day pass (Dec 2023), and these can be bought from vending machines at tram stations, or from some shops. Single tickets can also be purchased on buses but at a cost of €2.00.

On the urban bus network (lines 1 to 12), you can pay for your journey using a contactless bank card. In this case, the fare remains at €1.60 per 1-hour journey, but is capped at €4.50 per day, so as to not exceed the price of the whole-day pass (Dec 2023).

By tram
The city has three tramway lines (A, B and C), which provide access through the city, cross the river and connect the city centre to the suburbs of Avrillé, Monplaisir and Roseraie. Lines A and C link the network to the Angers-Saint-Laud train station and lines B and C also serve the Belle-Beille campus of the University of Angers.

Tickets are integrated with the bus system and it is also possible to pay by contactless bank card on all tramways.

By taxi
Taxis cannot be hailed on the street, however there is a taxi point next to the train station. One of the main taxi companies is Allo Anjou.

By foot
One of the best ways to experience Angers is by foot and generally all of the main tourist attractions and shopping areas are located in close proximity to one another. One exception to this is the nearby lake, Lac de Maine, which is roughly 30 minutes from outside of the centre of town. It is located to the north of Parc Balzac, west of the banks of the Maine river. However, on a summer evening a walk out to the lake and back can be quite pleasant.

By bicycle
Angers has dedicated bike routes all along the town. People with local address can rent bikes for free from the two Velocite office near ESSCA and Rue Lorraine from Tuesday to Friday.

See

Do

 * Cinemas are Gaumont Variétés (Blvd. Foch), Les Quatre Cent Coups (Rue Clavell) and Gaumont Multiplexe (St. Serge).
 * Football: Angers SCO were promoted in 2024 and now play soccer in Ligue 1, the top tier. Their home ground Stade Raymond Kopa (capacity 18,700) is 1 km southeast of town centre.

Buy
Atoll is a big edge-of-town shopping mall, on the ring-road 5 km west of the centre.

Drink
Since Angers is a university town, there are a lot of bars thronged by young people. Passing via the chateau during night one can see groups of young students going to bars. Soft and Bolero are few notable ones and popular among students community.

Sleep
There is a campsite called Ile du Chateau to the south of the town near the river and for the camper-vanner there is an Aire de Camping-cars.

Connect
As of June 2022, Angers has 5G from all French carriers.

Connect
As of June 2022, Angers has 5G from all French carriers.

Go next

 * Nantes - The historical capital of the region.
 * Le Mans - A nearby town best known for its annual 24-hour automobile race.

title: Angers


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Angkor Archaeological Park

Angkor Archaeological Park, near Siem Reap in northern Cambodia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Understand
Stretching over 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the largest pre-industrial city in the world. The most famous are the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

Angkor Archaeological Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. At the same time, it was also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to looting, a declining water table, and unsustainable tourism. UNESCO has now set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.

Angkor has no accommodations and few facilities; the nearby town of Siem Reap, 6 km south, is the tourist hub for the area. You will likely be refused entry to certain sites, such as the highest tier of Angkor Wat, if you are deemed not to be dressed appropriately. This means your shoulders and knees should be covered: a scarf over your shoulders may not be accepted.

Symbolism
The temples of Angkor are highly symbolic structures. The foremost Hindu concept is the temple-mountain, where the temple is built as a representation of the mythical Mount Meru: this is why so many temples, including Angkor Wat, are surrounded by moats, built in a mountain-like pyramidal shape and topped by precisely five towers, representing the five peaks of Mount Meru. The linga (phallus), representing the god Shiva, was also critical and while the lingas themselves have largely gone, linga stands (carved, table-like blocks of stone) can be found in many if not most rooms in the temples. There was also a political element to it all: most kings wanted to build their own state temples to symbolize their kingdom and their rule.

While early Angkor temples were built as Hindu temples, Jayavarman VII converted to Mahayana Buddhism c. 1200 and embarked on a prodigious building spree, building the new capital city of Angkor Thom including Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and many more as Buddhist structures. However, his successor Jayavarman VIII returned to Hinduism and embarked on an equally massive spree of destruction, systematically defacing Buddhist images and even crudely altering some to be Hindu again. Hinduism eventually lost out to Buddhism again, but the (few) Buddha images in the temples today are later Theraveda additions.

One element that continues to mystify archaeologists is the baray, or water reservoir, built in a grand scale around Angkor: for example, the West Baray is a mind-boggling 8 km by 2.3 km in size. While it has long been assumed that they were used for irrigation, some historians argue that their primary function was political or religious. Not a single outlet has been found, either by eye or by NASA imaging. The moat around Angkor and the West Baray still contains water, but the rest have dried up.

Motifs
As you tour the temples, you will see certain mythical figures and other motifs cropping up repeatedly.

Climate

Angkor is hot and sticky throughout the year, but the peak season is November to February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are coolest (25-30 °C)(77-86 °F). The flip side is that the temples are packed, especially around Christmas and New Year's, and hotel rates are at their highest. March to May is brutally hot, with temperatures reaching 40 °C (104 °F). June to October is the rainy season, and outlying temples and the roads leading to them can turn into quagmires of mud. However, this is also when the temples are at their quietest, and it's still often possible to do a good half-day round of sightseeing before the rains start in the afternoon.

Get in

Angkor is about 20 minutes to the north, by car or motorbike, from central Siem Reap. See the Siem Reap article for details on getting to the town. See "Get around" below for details on getting from the town to the Angkor.

Fees and permits
Non-Cambodian visitors must purchase an Angkor Pass to enter Angkor Archaeological Park. 1-day (US$37), 3-day (US$62), or 7-day (US$72) passes are available (prices as of Mar 2024). Until the end of 2022, 1-day passes used to be valid for 2 days, 3-day for 5 days, and 7-day for 10 days. You can pay by credit card or by cash (US dollars or riel, though the exchange rate provided isn't attractive: 156,000 riel for the 1-day pass in 2018). The 3-day pass is valid for any 3 days within a week, while the 7-day pass is valid for any 7 days within a month. Children under 12 may enter for free by presenting their passport; ID is not requested of visitors paying the full fee.

Make sure you purchase your Angkor Pass only at the official APSARA ticket office just off the highway from Siem Reap a couple of kilometers from the southern park entrance. Passes cannot be purchased from any other source, including tour operators, or online. If you enter the park on the road from the airport (east checkpoint) or Banteay Srei (north checkpoint), only 1-day passes are available. For convenience, passes can now be bought online on Angkor Enterprise website.

For any pass, a photo is taken and printed on your Angkor Pass, so do not purchase one second-hand from someone else. Passes are checked at almost all sites within the park, including even some washrooms, so make sure you carry it with you at all times. And don't lose it, or you'll have to go back to the ticket booth to buy another.

Passes issued after 17:00 each day can be used to enter the park without counting as use of a day on your pass, as they are valid for the next day. However, the sale of Angkor Passes end at 17:30.

Cambodian citizens and holders of K visas (for people born in Cambodia or with a Cambodian parent) are allowed to enter the park for free (but K visa holders may still have to check in at the ticket office). Guides and drivers who are Cambodian do not need a pass as they can enter for free.

Get around
Generally speaking, two half-day tour options are offered, sun-rise (ends at the hottest time of day) and late morning (which includes sunset). Both last 4-6 hr depending on your tour.

Tour buses feature guided, air-conditioned comfort but also are subject to large crowds and lack of options. Be sure you know which temples are being visited as some of the larger buses only go to the 2 or 3 main tourist attractions, and leave out important "secondary" sights. The cost is US$25–70/day including driver and guide.

Cars with drivers can be hired for single or more days. While all drivers are familiar with the area and happy to suggest good routes, most speak little English and are not actual tour guides. For an actual licensed tour guide, the charge varies from US$45–50/day for a driver and English-speaking guide. It is customary for the drivers to ask for US$5–10 extra for trips to further temples such as those of the Big Circuit, Banteay Srey and more for remote sites like Beng Mealea.

Motorbikes (with drivers) can be arranged through any guesthouse for about US$6–8/day. Again, drivers might ask for more to visit remote ruins. Some drivers can speak a bit of English, and can give you information about Angkor and Cambodian life. Drivers are required to be licensed and must wear their gray numbered vest while travelling within the confines of the Angkor park. The rental of motorbikes without a driver to foreigners in Siem Reap is discouraged and if stopped by a police officer, he or she will inform you that renting a motorbike is prohibited. This is not completely true. Motorbike rental places do exist in the city and their numbers are increasing. The rate varies depending on the engine size. The cheapest motorbike rental is around US$6 per day for an electric-powered. Gas-powered motorbikes start at around US$8. Always use a helmet because it is required by law and riding without it will give a police officer a reason to flag you down. Not all locals use helmets, but they do avoid being visible to police officers on duty.

Tuk-tuks can be arranged through guesthouses, offering space for 1-4 travellers. Figure on ~US$15 for the main Angkor temples, and US$20–30 for outlying temples. Like the motorbike drivers, they must be licensed, may speak some English and must wear grey numbered vests while travelling within the park. Some drivers will add a US$3 extra fee if you would like to see sunrise at Angkor Wat (start the tour at 05:00 instead of 08:00).

Bicycles are a very convenient option to visit Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the little circuit or even the big circuit - depending on time you have and how big fan of Khmer temples you are. Renting a bike in Siem Reap is easy and cheap (US$3-4 per day, in most of places you aren't even asked to leave your passport, locks for bikes are provided, check the bike before and ask for some amendments if needed, e.g. pumping air, oiling the chain). Most bike rental shops seem to open at 07:00, so if you want to get a really early start, rent a bike the day before, or arrange it with your hotel or hostel. It is about 6 km from the city to Angkor Wat (if you go first time, make sure you go by the Visitors Centre which is the only place where you can buy passes, and isn't on the main road to the temples). In the little circuit most places are at most 15 minutes away from each other by bike, so it is actually not a problem for a regular tourist (without much biking experience) to visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and spots on the little circuit in one day. If you are willing to get up early and start your trip at 06:00 it won't be a problem to visit all above plus the big circuit (where spots are 30 minutes away each other by bike) in one day. Take into account your shape and visiting preferences. If you bike a lot at home - you can easily get around much quicker. If you enjoy Khmer architecture more than the typical Angkor visitor, it is recommended you reserve at least 3 days for the trip (it doesn't matter if you go by tuk-tuk or by bike). It gets hot, so be prepared to sweat buckets! It is a good idea to take a lot of water with you, rent a bike with a basket, but not a big problem if you run out of it during your trip. Around every temple in Angkor park you can buy some food and drinks (it's just more expensive than in the city, about US$2 per big bottle of water in the park). Cycling in Angkor Park is safe (traffic is low), pleasant (nice views and shady trees) and, last but not least, it saves you a lot of hassle of dealing with tuk-tuk drivers. You can't bring the bike onto the island of Angkor Wat, so expect to still be doing a fair amount of walking.

Electric cars will take you to certain areas for a round-trip price of only US$2. They can be found in front of Angkor Wat and the Terrace of the Elephants.

Helicopter flights are another way of seeing Angkor Archaeological Park. You can also visit outlying temples like Banteay Chhmar, Boeng Mealea, Koh Ker, Rolous Group, Phnom Bok & Tonle Sap floating village. Helistar Cambodia have prices starting from US$90 per person for the basic Bangkeng Mountain, Angkor Wat. Sras Srang, Pre Rup, Eastern Mebon and Ta Som 14-minute tour. Flights depart daily from the Military Apron, Siem Reap International Airport. Bookings essential and can be made through hotels or travel/tour agents or direct on.

See

Guides can be hired for about US$20 a day and are available for most major languages. Hiring a guide for at least the first day can help you get orientated to the temples and are particularly useful for finding and explaining the bas-reliefs, which can otherwise be rather overwhelming and/or difficult to understand. Guide books are also useful.

Ancient Angkor, a guidebook that is hawked at every temple, is surprisingly good. Particularly if you are interested in the carvings on the walls and towers, the book will keep you occupied for hours. If you don't want to pay money to hear a local tell you about the temples in broken English this is a good option. Authored by Michael Freeman and Claude Jacques, the cover price is US$27.95 at bookstores. Brand new copies are sold by vendors for US$14 but you can easily haggle to US$6 or US$7, and the price amazingly drops to US$1 by the end of the day, even in peak season.

The Angkor Panorama Museum, beside the ticket office, is closed (Feb 2020) because of international sanctions against North Korea, which built and operated the museum.

Be sure to get to the temples early. You can enter the park beginning at 05:00; the temples open at sunrise. There are fewer visitors early in the morning, and the sun isn't at full force. Arriving at the temples at 08:00 instead of 09:00 can make all the difference in staying one step ahead of the crowds.

The temples can broadly be categorized into four groups:

 * Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the grandest temples of all and the ancient capital next to it
 * Little Circuit (Le Petit Circuit), taking in major sites to the east of Angkor Thom
 * Big Circuit (Le Grand Circuit), taking in major sites north and further east
 * Roluos group, 15 km east of Siem Reap along National Hwy 6
 * Outlying temples, over 20 km from Angkor Wat

You can, of course, mix and match freely, but as distances are fairly long, it makes sense to plan ahead and pick sites connected by road. Most car, tuk-tuk or moto drivers will have an itinerary ready if you don't have one in mind, and their expertise may come in handy for arriving at sites a step ahead of the big tour groups.

History
Located 6 km north of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is one of the largest of Khmer monuments. Built around the first half of 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple's balance, composition and beauty make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Though "wat" is the Khmer (Cambodian) word for temple, the westward orientation of the structure is atypical of temples. Scholars believe that the architecture and sculptures are that of a temple where Lord Vishnu was worshipped but it was also built as a mausoleum for the king after his death.

How to explore
Do your homework first. To enjoy the ruins, read articles on the sites, not just the history but also the spatial relationships and the hierarchy of importance of the ruins. The JASA Office (Japan Apsara Safeguarding Authority, a Japanese government agency) has an information office, the Bayon Information Center in Siem Reap along Sivatha Blvd (at the back of Hotel Le Meridien Angkor). It provides a bird's eye view of the story of Angkor Wat via DVD screenings and display storyboards in English for US$2 and for another US$5, a handy, concise and very enlightening graphic booklet (in color and perfect professional-level English) is available.

The size of the monuments makes it look overwhelming when one encounters it for the first time. The following is one of the suggested plan to explore Angkor Wat. Enter through the west entrance. When you reach the entry tower, walk to the right to get a glimpse of all the five towering gopuras.

Passing the tower and the libraries on both sides of the walkway, climb down the steps towards the left side and get to the water basin. You can catch a glimpse of the temple and its reflection in the water. Go past the basin and reach the left end of the temple.

You would by now have reached the starting point of the famous bas reliefs depicting scenes from various mythological stories and historic events. Walking from left to right you will come across scenes from battle of Ramayana, battle of Mahabharata, army of Suryavarman II, scenes from judgment by Yama (the supreme judge), churning of ocean by demons and gods to get Amrita — the nectar of immortality, Vishnu's victory over demons, victory of Krishna over Bana and other scenes of battle between gods and demons.

Climb the steps to reach the second tier. You can reach the third tier and the central courtyard within by climbing a set of wooden steps with a handrail on the eastern side. All other stairways to the third tier are closed. You will likely have to wait in line if there are a lot of other visitors present, and you will not be allowed entry if your shoulders are exposed or your shorts or skirt are seen as too short. Placing a scarf over your shoulders is not accepted, but you're of course very welcome to buy a T-shirt from the vendors just outside the temple on the northwest side.

When to visit
The sight of the grand monument towering over the landscape is breath-taking at any time of day. However, to maximise the effect, make your first trip to Angkor Wat in optimal lighting conditions, usually around 13:00-14:00. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is an also great sight to witness, so most of the tourists tend to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, then explore other ruins in the morning and return to Angkor Wat later in the afternoon. The sun rises behind Angkor Wat and the best colors are seen just before the sun climbs into view. As the position of the sun as it rises varies according to the time of year, position yourself accordingly. For example, in November–December when you are facing Angkor Wat, the sun rises on your right hand side. Grab a place to the extreme left of the entry tower to see the sunrise. Sunset at Angkor Wat is best viewed either on the top tier or outside the main temple structure.

History
Built in the latter part of the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon is one of the most widely recognised temples in Siem Reap because of the giant stone faces that adorn the towers of Bayon. There are 54 towers of four faces each, totaling 216 faces. There is still a debate as to who is being depicted in the faces. It could be Avalokiteshvara, Mahayana Buddhism's compassionate Bodhisattva, or perhaps a combination of King Jayavarman VII and Buddha.

How to explore
Bayon's plan can be divided into three levels — the first two are bas-reliefs and the uppermost consists of the central sanctuary. The outer gallery depicts scenes from everyday life and historical events, while the second inner gallery depicts mythical figures and stories. In total, there are more than 1 km of bas-reliefs to be viewed in the Bayon.

Enter Bayon from the east. The outer gallery comes into view first. The second gallery is on the next higher level. The third level is where you will encounter many of the famous faces (and tourists). The fact that these stones are exposed to direct light makes it easy to shoot pictures throughout the day, though mid-day sun eliminates shadows. You will find fewer tourists too during this time of day.

When to visit
The surrounding and the tall towers makes Bayon a bit dark and flat for study and photography near sunrise and sunset. Hence, it is best to visit Bayon when there is plenty of light. 10:00 to around 16:00 is the stretch most people prefer.

Baphuon
To the northwest of the Bayon, the Baphuon is supposed to represent Mount Meru (sacred to Hinduism), and was one of the largest and grandest structures in Angkor. Built into the western face of the Baphuon is a giant reclining Buddha, added in the 16th century after the region converted from Hinduism to Buddhism.

Archaeologists had dismantled the Baphuon to perform renovation when they were interrupted by the civil war; the records for piecing the temple back together were subsequently lost or destroyed. Today the reconstruction work is done, so visitors can now walk up to the topmost tier.

Other Angkor Thom sights
The Bayon and Baphuon temples form only part of the giant ancient city of Angkor Thom, once thought to hold a population of one million.

In addition to the Bayon and Baphuon temples, the ancient city of Angkor Thom holds a number of other sites of interest:
 * The Terrace of the Elephants. A platform attached to the ruins of Phimeanakas famous for its elephant carvings, which was used by King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious armies returning to the ancient city.
 * The Terrace of the Leper King. In the corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, this terrace is associated with Dharmaraja. Depicting the image of the Hindu god Yama, it may have been used as a cremation site.
 * Five entrance gates, one at each ordinal compass point and the Victory Gate in the east wall. The west and the north gates are free from tourists. Each of the gates is topped by the face of Avalokitesvara. There is a path on top of the walls, and one along the outside wall, that can be followed to walk from gate to gate. The total walk is around 13 km, about 3.5 hours long. As of March 2012, the path has been closed due to collapses in the walls.
 * Phnom Bakheng. The first temple-mountain constructed in Angkor, with a commanding hilltop location, is under renovation as shown by the cranes hauling piece by piece the stones out from the structure. Extremely popular (and crowded) spot for sunsets: allow half an hour for the sweaty hike to the top, and leave early or bring a torch for the way back. The final climb to the top of the temple is steep and dangerous at dark. The sun does not set over Angkor if seen from here, and any visible temples are in fact quite far away. You are not allowed to climb Phnom Bakheng after 17:30 - hence make sure you arrive earlier. An elephant ride back down the hill will cost US$15 per person, but is best avoided due to animal welfare concerns about the training of elephants.

Little Circuit
Clockwise order, exiting Angkor Thom by the Victory Gate:

 * Ta Keo. An incomplete, largely undecorated temple built by Jayavarman V. The stairs at the east side of the monument are least steep and the easiest way to reach the top level.

 * Ta Prohm. Built during the time of king Jayavarman VII and is best known as the temple where trees have been left intertwined with the stonework, much as it was uncovered from the jungle. It might be considered in a state of disrepair but there is a strange beauty in the marvelous strangler fig trees which provide a stunning display of the embrace between nature and the human handiwork. This is one of the most popular temples after Angkor Wat and the Bayon because of the beautiful combinations of wood and stone. Black and white film photographers especially love this site because of this and most of the stunning postcard shots of Angkor's trees come from here. A few scenes from Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider were filmed here. While the temple is very popular, most visitors follow a central route and the sides of the complex can be surprisingly quiet. Large sections of the temple are unstable rubble and have been cordoned off, as they are in real danger of collapse. Restoration of Ta Prohm has included removing plants, and some trees. Parts of the temple have been rebuilt, and wooden walkways run through the site, providing date access for visitors, and ruining photos.
 * Banteay Kdei. Sprawling Buddhist monastic complex in the style of Ta Prohm. Its name means A Citadel of Chambers, but it is also known as Citadel of Monks' cells. In poor shape, but slowly being restored.

 * Sras Srang. Terrace leading to a pond. Located right across the road from Banteay Kdei.
 * Prasat Kravan. A little temple to end the little circuit.

Big Circuit

In clockwise order, exiting Angkor Thom by the North Gate:

 * Preah Khan. Jayavarman VII's first capital, before the completion of Angkor Wat. Large and atmospheric, yet somewhat overshadowed by Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, this temple is partly in disrepair with strangler figs crawling up the walls, but has some excellent carvings and fewer visitors, and is well worth a visit. The temple is some 3 km north of Angkor Thom.
 * Neak Pean. Not really a temple, this is an interesting quick stop. It consists of four ponds surrounding a large pond that has a tower in the middle. This complex is accessible via a 200-meter-long wooden causeway that cuts across the pond.
 * Ta Som. A small temple worth the stop for its well preserved gates and an impressive strangler fig surrounding its far eastern door.

Roluos group
The ruins here are from the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, dating from the late 9th century and thus predating Angkor.

 * Bakong. A five-terraced pyramid in the mountain-temple style.
 * Lolei. An island temple constructed in a baray, now dry.
 * Preah Ko. The first temple to be built here, dating from the 9th century.

Outlying temples

 * Banteay Srey, 37 km north of Angkor Wat. This red colored temple is well known for its intricate carvings, and is worth a half-day trip on its own, since it is a bit further from Siem Reap than the main Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat areas.  Car and motorcycle drivers will charge a bit extra (US$10) to take you to the temple.
 * Kbal Spean. 5 km north of Banteay Srey. After the man-made monuments of the temples, it can be nice to get back to nature for a while. Also known as the site of 1,000 lingas, the numerous submerged carvings on the rocky river bed may fall short of that number, but it makes for a pleasant walk along the river to a small but attractive waterfall. The 1500-m walk through rainforest past, precariously perched boulders and creeping vines is not too hard but requires a modicum of fitness and care, since some scrambling over rocks are needed, and especially if wet weather has made the steeper sections slippery. There are forks in the trail where the path is not well marked, but one can follow the general rule of climbing up or wait for passing visitors to ask for directions. Drier weather means less water, or none (for example, during the dry season of Jan-Feb), and easier viewing of the carvings. Best combined with a trip out to Banteay Srey.
 * Beng Mealea, 80 km east of Siem Reap, about 1½ hr by car. Along with Ta Phrom and others, this is a temple which has been left to nature, but unlike Ta Phrom only a few trees have been removed. The trees and creepers that reduced this smaller version of Angkor Wat to ruins are still growing out of walls, and hanging over ruined buildings. This site is great for some atmospheric photos. Much of the route is along wooden boardwalks, although in a couple of places you have to clamber over walls. This can be taken in as part of a trip to the Roluos Group, or a long day trip with Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean, though this will entail about 5 hours travelling in total on some very rough roads. It is included in the Angkor Pass.  Bus tours from Siem Reap will cost US$28 per person, or a travel agent can arrange a private car for US$45 for 2-3 people (Feb 2020).
 * Phnom Krom, 12 km southwest of Siem Reap. This hilltop temple was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. The gloomy atmosphere of the temple and the view over the Tonle Sap lake make the climb to the hill worthwhile. A visit to the site can be conveniently combined with a boat trip to the lake. The Angkor Pass is needed to enter the temple so do not forget to bring your passport along when heading to Tonle Sap.

Buy
Souvenirs are also sold in front of all temples. Bargain, but not too hard: many souvenir sellers live within the park and, being banned from farming on their own land, have to resort to this to make a living. Please do not encourage children who pester tourists in the temples themselves to give money or buy postcards. Spread your tourism dollars around—most temples have the same offerings, so buy your souvenirs and gifts for friends back home from several shops, from several temples if possible, especially the less-visited ones.

Ancient Angkor, a guidebook that is hawked at every temple, authored by Michael Freeman and Claude Jacques; the cover price is US$27.95 at bookstores. Brand new copies are sold by vendors for US$14 but can be sold for as little as US$1 in the afternoon without haggling. Alternatively, the book is available for rental online for free through the Internet Archive.

There are several decent souvenir shops around the old market. The one of the shops called "Black Garuda" has some original key holders and mobile straps and they donate some of your purchase to land mine victims.

Eat
Despite a ban on development and commercial activity, dozens of small noodle and snack shops have sprung up near the major attractions of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The listed prices are high (US$4–7 for mediocre food), but shopkeepers may be willing to bargain. During summer low season, you can bring the price of a good lunch down to as low as US$1 for a dish and US$0.50 for a drink. Their flocks of five year old emissaries aren't likely to hold price-cutting authority. However, avoid hard or aggressive bargaining, either because the odd dollar is nothing to you but can be significant to a local, and also it is unwise to offend or upset anybody before they prepare your meal! You'll also find some local people selling fresh pineapples and mangoes (beautifully cut) and bunches of little bananas for about US$1 a piece. Also try the seasonal toddy palm fruit, a hollow sack as soft as jelly at 4 pieces for US$1 sold at the roadside to Bantay Samre and at temple refreshment stalls.

If a tuk-tuk driver brings you to a restaurant, he gets a commission – which means you'll be paying more for the meal and it won't be easy to bargain. Try to find a restaurant yourself and it'll be much easier to get an inexpensive meal.

 * The modern Angkor Cafe lies just outside Angkor Wat's main entrance, and also doubles as a crafts shop, with fine works from the Artisans d'Angkor shop, where they train locals in the arts. Their prices are on the high side for Cambodia, but very reasonable for Western pockets (mainly US$3–5) with excellent food, nice decor and air conditioning.

Drink
Soft drinks are hawked by stalls in front of practically every temple. As you might expect, prices are inflated: US$1 for a can of soft drink look to beer, or two cold 500-ml bottles of water is more or less standard; $2 is not uncommon (Feb 2020).

In warm weather, the temples are extremely hot and it may be worth buying and carrying large bottles of water.

Sleep
There are no accommodations within the park, and camping is not permitted. Like most tourists you will find yourself staying in Siem Reap, with a multitude of options ranging from grubby little guest houses to upmarket hotels and villas. See Siem Reap for more details on accommodation options.

Stay safe
By local regulation, motorcycle and tuk-tuk drivers must at all times wear a numbered vest when on the job, which goes a long way towards preventing hassles and scams. However, a disturbing number of rapes continue to happen, especially after dark and in the more secluded temples, so it's advised that women not travel alone.

Visiting the temples, beware of off-duty police officers, in uniform, who start walking beside you and start showing you around the temples. At this point either say that you would like to see the temples yourself, or agree on a price at the start. Several people have been charged a fee of over US$10 at the end of the temple tour and you are not going to argue with a member of the police force. The official wage for a police officer is very low, so they can easily double their salary by being tourist guides.

Beware of anyone offering you incense. They will hand you the incense and then "teach" you a blessing. They will then ask for a donation (generally about US$10) for the monks and the upkeep of the temple. None of the funds will make it to either of these causes, so it's best just to say a quick "No thank you" when they try to give you the incense in the first place.

Tourists mulling over whether to rent a tour bike: have no fear. Parking is never a problem and not in the warden's wildest dream that a bike parked besides an attraction will get lost or stolen, locked or not. In small temples it surely is easy to park and leave. Bikes are parked across the west entrance and vendors will even compete for your attention to babysit your bike. During biking trip be aware of children standing by the roads in Angkor Park and raising their hands to give you high fives. Stay on the safe side and just wave your hand, as sometimes they try to take a ring off your fingers when you give them a high five.

Be prepared for vast numbers of peddlers who linger around temples. It may feel difficult or rude to ignore the constant come-ons to buy souvenirs, photocopied guidebooks, T-shirts, and assorted junk, but it can be necessary in order to enjoy your visit in semi-peace.

Stay healthy
Touring the temples is a hot and sweaty job, so bring sunblock and keep yourself well hydrated. Some of the temples, notably the uppermost level of Angkor Wat, require climbs up very steep staircases and are best avoided if you suffer from vertigo or are not fully confident of being able to keep your footing.

Malaria is not endemic around the temple complex; however, it is recommended to seek medical advice before you travel as conditions may change.

Don't feed or approach the monkeys who lurk around some sites: many are ill-tempered and will bite at the slightest provocation.

Respect
Some of Angkor's sites were built as Hindu temples, while some were built as Buddhist temples, and yet others were converted over the years. Today, most of Angkor's major temples house at least a few Buddha statues (nearly all added later) and draw a steady stream of monks and worshippers. You may be approached for donations, but these are likely to be scammers, as genuine Theravada Buddhist monks are not allowed to touch money or solicit donations.

Because these are still holy spaces for Cambodians, you are asked to follow the dress code that the Cambodians follow when visiting any temple or holy space, meaning "long trousers or skirt, and covered shoulders." As of May 2019, a ban on exposed shoulders is being strictly enforced for the uppermost level of Angkor Wat, and possibly in some other spots too. Covering your shoulders with a scarf is not accepted, but you are of course welcome to buy a T-shirt from vendors just outside the temple. In other locations very near to active shrines of worship, you may be politely asked to leave if you don't conform to the dress code, but in most areas of the park, no one will say anything.

title: Angkor Archaeological Park


text:
Angle Inlet

Angle Inlet (pop 60, in Angle Township, pop 119) is the northernmost community in Minnesota and the northernmost point of the contiguous 48 states.

Understand
The Treaty of Paris (1783), concluded between the United States and Great Britain at the end of the American Revolutionary War, stated that the boundary between U.S. territory and the British possessions to the north would run "...through the Lake of the Woods to the most northwestern most point thereof, and from thence on a due west course to the river Mississippi..." The parties did not suspect that the source of the Mississippi, Lake Itasca, was south of that point. Consequently the Northwest Angle is the result of 18th-century ignorance of geography. In the Anglo-American Convention of 1818, the error was corrected by having the boundary run due south from the northwest point of the lake to the 49th parallel and then westward along it. When this north-south line was surveyed, it was found to intersect other bays of the lake and therefore cut off a portion of U.S. territory, now known as the Northwest Angle.

The Angle is one of only four non-island locations in the 48 contiguous states not directly connected to them by land within the country, the others being nearby Elm Point, Minnesota (which is uninhabited); Alburgh, Vermont (which is bridged to New York state and Vermont by US Route 2); Point Roberts, Washington (which is two hours by motorboat from Bellingham, despite being an outer Vancouver BC suburb in all but nationality). It's also the northernmost US point outside Alaska (and the Alaskan Panhandle has its own quirky places like Hyder, Skagway and Haines where ― while they're not truly exclaves of Alaska ― the only road for intrastate travel leads abroad).

The only overland access to these points is through Canada. That's a problem, given the restrictions on non-essential international travel imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21. Fetch the float planes, fetch the boats!

By plane
The closest airport to Angle Inlet is in Kenora, Ontario.

Intrastate float or ski plane service is available directly to Angle Inlet from International Falls.

By car
Angle Inlet is most easily accessed through Canada by road. From the Trans Canada Highway (MB-1) take MB-308 South to MB-525 East. Stop for an interesting unstaffed at Jim's Corner by phone or webcam. Very unique, bring a camera. MB-525 East becomes Winter Road which takes you directly in to Angle Inlet.

During the COVID-19 pandemic: Residents of the Northwest Angle are mostly being allowed to use the Manitoba road to reach Warroad, Minnesota but the same exemption does not extend to visitors. The US continues to refuse non-essential travel by non-citizens except by air; Canada applies multiple restrictions to Americans including full vaccination, a PCR test within 72 hours before departure and advance registration using the ArriveCAN website or app. The same restrictions will apply when leaving the Angle; you or your vehicle will be stranded if you can't get back into Manitoba. The Canadian loophole is only available to US citizens or permanent residents coming from the US. Ability to return to the Lower 48 is dependent on being able to get another PCR test while on the Angle. Minnesota did send a couple of testing machines up on 10 Aug 2021, but you may want to verify with your hosts that testing will be available.

An ice road was constructed across Lake of the Woods by locals for the Winter 2020-21 season ($140/trip or $500/season), but it is unclear whether this will be repeated during subsequent winters.

By snowmobile
Not quite crazy enough to attempt to take a street vehicle onto the ice road, but not quite sane enough to stay home? Perhaps taking a snowmobile onto the frozen lake would, seasonally, be an option. When the ice road was in seasonal operation, the Northwest Angle Edge Riders club was able to get through from Warroad, Minnesota to the Northwest Angle on their machines in about 45 minutes.

By boat
You can reach the angle without crossing the international border by crossing the Lake of the Woods. This can be done by aircraft, by boat when the lake is free of ice, or by ice road in the winter months. Since there are no automobile ferries operating on the lake, vehicles coming from the rest of Minnesota can only reach the Angle without crossing the border in winter. While the ice is forming in late autumn and breaking up in the spring the lake's surface cannot be safely crossed – at these times domestic access to the Angle is possible only by air.

The crossing by boat includes more than twenty-five miles of open water, which (predictably) may be rough. Not all vessels are up to the task; anything small enough to be towed with a car and trailer (while a popular choice were the road open through Manitoba) is likely too small. Some charter or taxi vessels were taking passengers from "mainland" Minnesota to the Angle during the summer of 2020, for a fee. That won't get your vehicle to the Angle, but it will get you there without leaving Minnesota.

Any attempt to enter directly from Canada relies on the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile (ROAM) app to report to US Customs. Some of the resorts have preloaded the app onto tablet computers. As of 2018, valid listed check-in locations for this app included Brush Island, Carlson's Landing, Pine Creek Landing and Young's Bay on the Northwest Angle, as well as a few individual islands on Lake of the Woods. US Customs is also available by telephone on or.

Get around
Angle Inlet is easily seen on foot. No need for transit or taxis. Boats are of far more use for visiting islands and can be rented at most lodges.

Do
Sportsman's paradise: hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, other outdoor activities.

Stay safe
Lake of the Woods crosses all of the boundaries MOM warned you about ― Minnesota, Ontario, Manitoba. That makes it very easy to inadvertently cross provincial or international borders while heading out to terrorise the local wildlife. The Canadian Border Services Agency does consider dropping an anchor or a fishing line into Canadian waters to constitute entry to Canada, which would require reporting to Customs on "arrival" to avoid harsh penalties – and, upon return, reporting to US Customs because you've been to Canada. Under normal conditions, this is an annoyance. In full COVID-19 pandemic panic mode? It's a problem.

Fish on Lake of the Woods are educated in the finest of schools, and learn that hiding in Ontario's many delightful bays and coves gives them the full protection of a mighty Britannic Empire which rules the waves and protects them from hungry Minnesota anglers. It used to be possible to sneak past this by acquiring a Remote Area Border Crossing permit from Canada, along with an Ontario fishing licence, to get rod and reel into these tiny spots. That doesn't work now, as all RABC permits are suspended due to the pandemic.

If you're going to Minnesota to fish, stay in Minnesota ― at least until all of this is over ― as blundering into Canadian waters with bait and tackle is legally considered an international crossing which might not be viewed as essential under current conditions.

There are many small islands which have no infrastructure and no fixed connections to either nation's mainland. It is possible to reach these by boat in summer and snowmobile in winter, but the "ice out" of the spring thaw may leave up to eight weeks where there's no safe way in or out to these points. Those stubborn enough to cottage on these remote islands outside of high season therefore learn to keep enough provisions on hand (food, fuel, power for satellite dishes or communications) to last through weeks stranded and isolated as fresh water can become a lake of ice rapidly north of the 49th parallel.

Connect
There is a tiny in a small cabin at 9394 Golf Course Road, postcode 56711.

Cellular/mobile service tends to be variable, depending on carrier, but some coverage does exist.

Go next
Due to the border situation, accessing Lake of the Woods from within Minnesota may be easier via Warroad, Baudette or other points on the south shore. Other nearby destinations include:
 * Whiteshell Provincial Park in eastern Manitoba (100 km/60 miles)
 * Roseau (Minnesota) (100 km/60 miles)
 * Kenora, Ontario (170 km/107 miles)
 * Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota and International Falls (300 km/180 miles)

title: Angle Inlet


text:
Anglesey

Anglesey, just off the coast of northwestern Wales, is the largest island off southern Great Britain at 276 sq mi (714 km²). Well worth a stop when travelling between the UK and Ireland, and in its own right, Ynys Môn has a dramatic coastline, historical sights, and is a stronghold for the Welsh language.

Towns

 * — county town

 * — the most northerly town in Wales
 * (Caergybi) — port town with frequent ferries to Dublin
 * (Porthaethwy) — town near the suspension bridge connecting Anglesey to the mainland

Villages

 * (Aberffro)
 * (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for short) – village with the second-longest name in the world after a place in New Zealand.
 * (Niwbwrch) – town closest to Llanddwyn Island
 * (Y Dyffryn)
 * (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for short) – village with the second-longest name in the world after a place in New Zealand.
 * (Niwbwrch) – town closest to Llanddwyn Island
 * (Y Dyffryn)
 * (Niwbwrch) – town closest to Llanddwyn Island
 * (Y Dyffryn)
 * (Y Dyffryn)
 * (Y Dyffryn)

Other destinations

 * (Porth Swtan)
 * (Ynys Llanddwyn)
 * (Traeth Coch)
 * (Ynys Lawd)
 * (Bae Trearddur)
 * (Bae Trearddur)

Understand
The Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has one of the most distinctive, attractive and varied landscapes in the British Isles. Anglesey was designated as an AONB in 1966 in order to protect the aesthetic appeal and variety of the island's coastal landscape and habitats from inappropriate development. The AONB is predominantly a coastal designation, covering most of the island's 125 mile coastline (including Llanddwyn), it contains rocky headlands, golden beaches, dunes, heaths and fine green countryside. Some of the beaches are recognised as being amongst the best in Great Britain and Europe. The AONB supports a wealth of wildlife such as choughs, grey seals, red squirrels, sea lavender and silver-studded blue butterflies. There are also many areas protected for their nature conservation value, such as Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Anglesey also hosts a large number of holiday homes, which is controversial with year-round residents.

By plane
There are no scheduled flights to. However, and  are less than two hours drive from Anglesey.

By train
Holyhead's status as an international ferry terminal means it is served by direct trains to Chester and London.

By car
The main bridge crossing from mainland Wales is via the A55 with a smaller road crossing on the old A5 at Menai Bridge.

By bus
National Express and Arriva from across the UK to Holyhead

By boat
Ferry port at Holyhead with a regular service from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire

By car
The easiest way to get around the island. The A55 cuts straight across the island parallel to the old A5 route, providing a quick route to Holyhead ferry port. To see the island though, the A5025 taking you north round the island and the A4080 taking you south round the island are a better options.

Hertz have car hire services in Hollyhead and Valley airport

By bus
There are numerous bus services between the towns and villages on the island, with timetables on the county council's web site

By foot
Anglesey Coastal Path. Fairly easy 130-mile (200-km) walking trail around this island off the northwest corner of Wales, with diverse coastal scenery which is 95% within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 20 attractive villages en route.

Historical buildings

 * Beaumaris has a number of attractions, the most obvious one being the large ruins of Beaumaris Castle. Also open to the public is a 17th Century courthouse and well worth a visit the 19th century gaol.
 * Porthwen Brickworks Built in the Victorian times, was a brick works on the beach Porth Wen located near Cemaes.
 * Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
 * Lighthouses: Skerries Lighthouse, The Skerries (reached via Holyhead); South Stack; Trwyn Du Penmon; Point Lynas Amlwch, Llanddwyn Island Newborough
 * St Cwyfan, church in the sea near Aberffraw
 * Penmon Priory and dovecote, Penmon

Historical sites

 * Holyhead Mountain Hut Circles. Site of village dating back to Middle Stone Age, South Stack
 * Din Lligwy, Neolithic, Roman and Medieval, near Moelfre

Industrial heritage

 * Menai Suspension Bridge. Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, Menai Bridge
 * Llynon Windmill, Llanddeusant near Llanfaethlu
 * Copper Kingdom Centre Amlwch

Museums and Galleries

 * Oriel Ynys Môn in Llangefni

Natural history

 * Anglesey Sea Zoo near Brynsiencyn
 * Pili Palas Butterfly Palace near Menai Bridge
 * South Stack RSPB reserve
 * Valley Wetlands RSPB reserve

Beaches
Llanddona, Benllech, Church Bay, Porth Dafarch, Trearddur Bay and Llanddwyn (Newborough) are all designated Blue Flag beaches.

Beaches that have received Green coast and Seaside awards are: Aberffraw; Borth Wen, Silver Bay (Rhoscolyn); Porth Trwyn (Llanfaethlu); Porth Ty’n Tywyn, Cable Bay, Porth Nobla, Traeth Crigyll (Rhosneigr); Cemlyn Bay; St David's (Red Wharf Bay); Sandy Beach, Llanfwrog (near Llanfaethlu); Lligwy Beach, Dulas (near Moelfre).

Other top beaches: Cemaes (Amlwch); Traeth Bychan (Llangefni); Moelfre.

Hiking

 * The Anglesey section of the Wales Coast Path

Horse riding
There are a number of equestrian centres on the island offering riding lessons including the chance to ride along the beach. These include the Isle of Anglesey Riding Centre in Tal Y Foel near Brynsiencyn.

Motor sport
Anglesey Circuit, west of Aberffraw hosts a number of car and bike racing events as well providing performance driving training courses.

Sleep
As well as the hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in the towns there is a good choice of self-catering cottages and caravans in the area. There are a number of specialist providers for Anglesey and the surrounding area, such as Menai Holiday Cottages and Wales Tourist online. Properties on Anglesey include those in the heart of the popular resorts of Trearddur Bay, Red Wharf Bay and Rhosneigr, as well as ones nestled in the countryside or located in picturesque fishing ports and historic towns.

Eat
Apart from the restaurants in the towns it is well worth hunting out the country pubs in the small villages.

Drink
Visit one of the pubs in the villages.

Go next

 * Gwynedd in particular
 * Caernarfon
 * Snowdonia National Park

title: Anglesey


text:
Angola

Angola is a beautiful nation in Central Africa endowed with beautiful waterfalls, rivers, national parks, and coastlines. There is plenty to do and see here.

Cities

 * — the massive, overcrowded, chaotic, and incredibly expensive capital of the country, filled with nightlife and culture, a jarring mix of wealthy expats in the oil industry and the masses of destitute migrants from the rest of the country.
 * — the most tourist-friendly city in one of the world's least touristy countries, with a strong Carnavale tradition, pretty oceanfront, and by the nation's best beaches.
 * — the wealthy capital of oil-rich Cabinda Province
 * — the center of the Ovimbundu region, one of Angola's larger cities that suffered greatly during the civil war, surrounded by much natural beauty.
 * — a beachfront city, basically part of Benguela, which is the epicentre of Carnavale celebrations.
 * — a good base for exploring the mountainous escarpment in the center of southern Angola.
 * — a destination owing to its proximity to tourist attractions like Kalandula Falls, Pungo Andongo, and Cangandala National Park.
 * — a small city in the remote southeast, the terminus of the Moçâmedes Railway, from Namibe.
 * — beachfront capital of the desert southwest, and jumping off point for exploring Iona National Park, and excursions to meet Khoisan peoples.
 * — beachfront capital of the desert southwest, and jumping off point for exploring Iona National Park, and excursions to meet Khoisan peoples.

Other destinations

 * — Angola's most famous park, a reserve designed to protect the critically endangered Giant Sable antelope, which is the national symbol of Angola.
 * — a rainforest reserve in Cabinda Province with very high biodiversity and many rivers and waterfalls.
 * — the steepest mountains of Angola, with scenic drives (4x4 only), opportunities for adventurous hikers, and some spectacular views, most notably the Tundavala Gap.
 * — adjacent to Namibia's Skeleton Coast, a sparsely inhabited desert region, accessible but short on infrastructure, home to some isolated and very traditional semi-nomadic peoples.
 * — one of Angola's most famous sights, near Malanje.
 * — Angola's most accessible park, near Luanda, with accommodations for tourists.
 * — a beautiful extension of land in the south of Luanda that's famous for its natural beauty; explore some of its local cuisine such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
 * — large, unusual black rock formations, reasonably easy to visit from Luanda or Malanje.
 * — beautiful caves in a jungle-filled canyon near the small city of Sumbe, about four hours south of Luanda.

Understand
The people of Angola are stoics. They have a deep understanding of patience, and avoid blaming the difficulties the country faces on the fact that there was war. In fact, Angolans behave as if there was no war although it is deeply rooted in every Angolan. Music is the heart and soul of Angolans, it can be heard anywhere and they use anything as an excuse to party. The country has a wide range of music, mainly Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba, and Tarrachinha, the latter being more sensual than all the others. In all, it is safe to say that Angolans are fun and loving people with a thirst for more of what life has to give.

Since the end of the brutal, horrific Angolan Civil War in 2002, the Angolan government is keen on improving the country's international image and opening up Angola to the world. Tourism is still in its nascent stages and it will take some time for things to get back to normal. The country's national park system was devastated during the war, with rampant poaching leaving Angola with relatively scant megafauna compared to its African peers.

The country's tourism industry has been steadily growing and attracts 500,000–600,000 people each year. Angola shares borders with Namibia, Zambia, and the two Congos.

History
Before colonial rule, northern Angola was home to the Kingdom of Kongo, and the capital of it was M'banza-Kongo. The Kingdom of Kongo also had several vassal states, including the kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, which would unite into a powerful entity in its own right under the rule of Queen Nzinga in the 17th century.

Angola as a Portuguese colony (15th century — 1975)
A Portuguese explorer, Diogo Cão, first discovered the country in 1484. Sometime later, the Portuguese established a trading post at the mouth of the Congo River. The Portuguese colonialists gradually expanded their control over the region, establishing a colonial administration and exploiting Angola's resources for economic gain.

As a Portuguese colony, Angola's society and economy underwent significant transformations. The Portuguese aimed to exploit the region's vast natural resources, including minerals, timber, and agricultural products. They introduced commercial farming, particularly in the fertile northern part, focusing on cash crops such as coffee, cotton, and sisal. The Portuguese even traded enslaved people for plantations, mainly to Brazil.

The Portuguese also forced their language, culture, and religion on the people of Angola. The official language became Portuguese, and the school system was designed to integrate Angolans into Portuguese culture. Christianity, primarily Roman Catholicism, was pushed, resulting in widespread Angolan conversion. Furthermore, the influence of Portuguese culture and religion eroded native African beliefs and practices.

As the winds of change blew over Africa in the mid-twentieth century, nationalist movements in Angola arose, demanding independence from Portuguese control. The most visible of them were the Popular Movement for Angolan Liberation (MPLA), the National Front for Angolan Liberation (FNLA), and the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). These movements fought for independence by armed confrontation, resulting in a lengthy and violent fight.

Finally, on November 11, 1975, Angola gained independence, and the MPLA established a socialist government with support from the Soviet Union and other socialist countries.

Angolan Civil War (1975 — 2002)
Following independence, Angola was divided into three major factions: the Marxist-Leninist People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), and the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA). Each faction had a different vision for the country's future and tried to capture power.

The civil war swiftly grew into a full-fledged struggle marked by guerilla fighting, military offensives, and massive human rights violations. The war's impact on civilians was severe, with millions displaced and massive casualties. The nation's infrastructure was severely damaged, and the war significantly influenced Angola's socioeconomic progress.

Present day (2002 — present)
Since the conclusion of the Angolan Civil War, the country's economy has grown, and the political situation has stabilised considerably; however, the government is still feeling the damaging effects of the civil war. Poverty, malnutrition, and disease are widespread, the standard of living for many Angolans is poor, and the country suffers from high corruption and inequality. Over 70% of Angolans live below US$3.20 a day.

In August 2006, a peace treaty was signed with a faction of the FLEC, a separatist guerrilla group from the Cabinda exclave in the North, which is still active. About 65% of Angola's oil comes from that region.

Since 2017, the government has made fighting corruption its main agenda. Numerous corrupt politicians have either been jailed or are awaiting trial.

Climate
Like the rest of tropical Africa, Angola experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons.

The coastal strip is tempered by the cool Benguela Current, resulting in a climate similar to coastal Peru or Baja California. It is semiarid in the South and along the coast to Luanda. There is a short rainy season lasting from February to April. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild. The northern part has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season (November to April). In the interior, above 1,000m (3,300 ft), the temperature and rainfall decrease. The interior highlands have a mild climate with a rainy season from November through April followed by a cool dry season from May to October.

The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, and is accompanied by violent storms. The far north and Cabinda enjoy rain throughout much of the year.

Electricity
Officially 220 V, 50 Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian travellers should pack a transforming adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Angola.

Also, be aware of the power related problems in Angola. If you plan to rent a house, you for sure should rent a house with a generator. Power outages are quite frequent.

People
The majority of Angolans are Bantus and are home to three of its groups, including the Ovimbundu, Mbundu, and Bakongo. The Mbundu people have their roots to a 16th-century kingdom Ndongo, which had a title for rulers known as ngola, the word for the origin of the name Angola.

Books about Angola
There is very little literature on Angola available and most of the available literature is in Portuguese or (in some cases) French.

Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mendes was translated from the Portuguese and published by Harcourt in 2003. Mendes traveled across the country by train in 1997 while the war was still going on in Angola. His account is a fascinating look at the people and the nature of life there during the war.

John Frederick Walker's A Certain Curve of Horn, documents the history of a sub species of Antelope unique to Angola - "Palanca Negra Gigante" (Hippotragus níger variani).

Ryszard Kapuściński authored a journalistic narrative called Another Day of Life in which he reports on the chaotic period leading up to Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975. As one of the only journalists in Angola during this very dangerous period, his perspective is rare and full of insight.

The travel writer Paul Theroux visited Angola and wrote about it in his book The Last Train to Zona Verde (2013).

Information about Angola

 * Angola Embassy in the U.S.

Talk
Portuguese is the official language of Angola, the second-largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world, and is understood by virtually everyone. For clarity, Angolans speak standard Portuguese (European Portuguese).

Other commonly spoken languages include Umbundu, Kikongo, and Kimbundu. This said, those languages have been largely supplanted by the growth of Portuguese among Angolan youth.

English is not widely spoken in Angola, even though it is the most commonly studied foreign language in the country. A solid knowledge of Portuguese is essential if you wish to travel outside of Luanda or travel to Angola independently.

Entry requirements
Passport holders of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Angola: Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa, Zambia.

Since September 2023, Angola allows visa-free travel for a period of up to 30 days per entry and 90 days per year to visitors from the following countries: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Panamá, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

When obtaining a visa from countries to the north, you will often only be issued a 5-day transit visa for Angola. If travelling by road, this will only give you enough time to get to Luanda where it takes up to 4 days to get another five day transit visa. If you're coming into Angola from the DR Congo, you may well need an Angolan visa before entering DR Congo.

By plane

Luanda-4-de-Fevereiro is situated 4 km outside Luanda. There are public phones and bank facilities at the airport.

The most reliable taxi system from the airport is Afritaxi. Their white vehicles are clearly marked, and they charge per km or per minute, depending on how bad traffic congestion is. They only operate during daylight hours. Eco Tur also runs reliable airport transfers, but you'll need to book in advance.

 * TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola has flights between Luanda and some states in Africa, for example to South Africa (Johannesburg), Namibia (Windhoek), Zimbabwe (Harare), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). TAAG has three weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
 * Air France flies from Paris
 * Airlink flies directly from Johannesburg
 * British Airways offers direct connections between London
 * Brussels Airlines flies from Brussels.
 * Emirates flies directly from Dubai
 * Ethiopian Airways flies from Addis Ababa
 * Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt.
 * Iberia flies from Madrid.
 * Kenya Airways from Nairobi
 * Qatar Airways from Doha
 * TAP Air Portugal flies daily from Lisbon
 * TAME flies from Conakry

By train
There are no railway links between Angola and other nations.

By car
You can go in from Namibia at the border post near Oshikango(Namibia)/Ondjiva(Angola) which is open 24h/24.

Entering from the north was, as of 2002, via Luvo, a small town on the Kinshasa-Matadi 'road'. If you want to drive through Angola, it's a real experience. Off the beaten track, road conditions might not be quite what you are used to so be prepared, particularly during the rainy season where potholes are likely to be a frequent occurrence. Also, keep a look out for livestock and the overloaded vehicles of the Angolan residents.

By bus
As of 2024 there are bus connections between Angola and Namibia offered by Macon, Silas Ndapuka Transport and maybe others.

By boat
As of 2003, it was at least possible to enter Angola via a small passenger ferry near Rundu in Namibia. There was both an Angolan and Namibia border official present. The crossing was mostly used by Angolans for the purposes of acquiring food and other supplies in Namibia. There are (as of 2007) ferries running from the enclave of Cabinda to Luanda, which can be useful to avoid the unstable DR Congo. They carry cars as well. Seek local advice for when they depart. Sources claim that they run twice a week, cost $180 per person (bike included), and take 14 hours to do the trip (2005).

If there are no ferries, there might be cargo planes that you (and your car) can ride on between Cabinda and Luanda. Be warned - these planes are unsafe. Use them at your own peril.

By bus
There are many private bus companies which offer services as Macon and Huambo Expresso being the biggest ones. Those companies offer a wide range of services dealing with locations one wants to travel, especially inter-provincial courses. There are lines that connect most of the major cities of the country, from the coast to the interior. Local minibus transport is not safe.

By train

Angola’s rail system is finally being restored with the help of Chinese firms after more than 30 years of disuse. There are three main lines reflect the country's colonial past, running from the resourceful interior to the coast. They do not connect with each other.

 * The northern line Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL) between the capital Luanda and Malenje is back to full service. There are three classes, Primeira, with reclining leather seats with individual television sets; Exspresso, with comfortable chairs arranged in fours around tables and communal televisions; and Tramway, the cheapest option fitted out with benches to maximize passenger numbers. Ticket prices hover around 2,500 kwanzas ($26; £17). Carriges are clean and modern carriages with functioning toilets and a restaurant car. There are daily departures.
 * The middle line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) have just started services between Lobito, Cubal and Huambo with some trains continuing to Luau at the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. There are several departures per week.
 * The southern route Caminho de Ferro de Mocamedes (CFM) runs between Namibe, Lubango and Menongue.

By ferry
A passenger ferry links Luanda with the oil port of Soyo and the enclave of Cabinda. Timetables and operators haft shifted over the years, inquiring directly at the harbor is probably the easiest way to get information.

By plane
TAAG Angola Airlines offers scheduled flights around the country departing from Luanda to Cabinda, Catumbela, Dundo, Harare, Huambo, Kuito, Lubango, Luena, Menongue, Moçâmedes, Ondjiva, Saurimo, Soyo and Uíge

By car
The main roads in Luanda and the provinces are in relatively good condition. However, during the rainy season (November to April), bridges and even roads can be washed away by water. When travelling outside Luanda, travel with someone who knows the local conditions, as conditions can be difficult. When travelling in rural areas, beware of landmines. There may be a shortage of petrol. Avoid driving after dark.

See
In Luanda: the Mussulo island for clean tropical beaches and water sports, the Benfica Market for Kwanza River.

Eco Tur Angola do various bespoke no tours Angola including Kissama with specialist game viewing vehicles.

In Benguela: Baia Azul for beautiful desert beaches. Art deco architecture in Benguela. Lobito City for the Restinga Peninsula and ice cold draught Cuca beer, the Benguela Rail road, and fantastic scenery.

In Kwanza Sul - Cubal Canyon, Conde Hot springs and Cachoeiras and Binga Waterfalls, with the Cambambe Dam on River Kwanza. Waku Kungo plains has fantastic scenery.

In Malange - Kalandula Waterfalls and Pungo n'Dongo Black Stones.

In Huila - Serra de Leba, Tunbda Vala Gorge, Mumuila tribespeople, fantastic scenery.

In Namibe - Arco Lagoon, beaches and a desert, and Mucubais tribespeople.

In Huambo - City Tours, Alto Hama hot springs, and fantastic scenery.

In Cunene - Himba tribes people, Ruacana Falls, and fantastic scenery.

Money
The currency of Angola is the Angolan kwanza, denoted by the symbol "Kz" (ISO code: AOA). It used to be prohibited to import or export any sum of kwanza, but now you can carry up to Kz50,000 out of the country. The kwanza (sometimes called the "new kwanza") replaced the kwanza reajustado at a rate of 1000:1 in 1995. The kwanza reajustado had replaced the novo kwanza at a rate of 1,000,000:1 in 1990. Watch out for old notes and coins.

Coins of Angola are issued in denominations of 10 and 50 cêntimos, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 kwanzas. Banknotes of Angola are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 kwanzas.

The kwanza lost 2/3 of its value against other currencies in 2023; prices in articles may not reflect recent inflation.

Most restaurants and small hotels only accept Angolan payment cards and cash, but not foreign payment cards.

ATMs are common in cities but the maximum withdrawal amount (in 2024) is usually 60,000 Kz (BIC bank, red logo) or 40,000 Kz (BAI bank, blue logo) which can be quickly spent if you pay everything with cash. There is often a long queue at the ATMs and they commonly run out of cash. Plan ahead to stock up on cash money.

Shopping
Just south of Luanda, the Benfica Handcrafts Market offers the best prices for handicrafts and souvenirs. This is an open market where local artists and artisans display their products, and bargaining is not only acceptable, but recommended. The products range from sculptures and paintings to jewellery, batik cloths and accessories.

Eat
Generally, dining out is not very easy in Angola, since even in Luanda restaurant food is expensive and many of the less well equipped restaurants have poor hygiene. Nonetheless, Angolan cuisine is varied and tasty, with local dishes based mainly on fish, cassava products and spicy stews.

Angolan seafood is abundant and very good, and the Angolan coast is a special place to eat fresh lobster right off the fisherman's boat.

Tropical fruit in Angola is also a treat because artisan production has maintained organic methods so that rich fruit flavours, unusual to the Western palate accustomed to industrially produced tropical fruits, predominate. If, however, you are situated in Luanda and need to dine, it is recommended that you get to Ilha de Luanda, where beach-restaurants (of varying price-classes from very exclusive to rather informal) can serve most foreign needs. Restaurants in Luanda grew in numbers and quality after the 2002 ceasefire brought stability and significant investment to the country.

Be careful: when eating out, do not drink tap water, ask for bottled mineral water instead.

Not all restaurants accept US dollars in cash; ask before ordering. Credit cards will not be accepted at most restaurants, although that is rapidly changing.

Signature and national dishes

 * Doro Wat
 * Muamba de galinha (Chicken Muamba)
 * Mufete de cacusso - fish rubbed with fresh lemon and pepper
 * Mufete - grilled fish of your choice (type of fish subject to availability) with boiled sweet potatoes and a mixture of raw finely chopped onions, peppers and tomatoes. Locals like to add beans as a side dish.
 * Calulu a maneira com Funge de bombo
 * Pirão ou funge - polenta made of corn meal and cassava roots. It is also served as the main meal in homes during Christmas.

Sleep
World class hotels include the Tropico Hotel, the Alvalade Hotel, Le President Meridien Hotel, the Continental Hotel, the Skyna Hotel, the Epic Sana hotel, and the Palm Beach Hotel, among others.

Stay safe
You should consider hiring a trusted and knowledgeable local guide for travel within Angola, although if you follow some basic rules then travelling in Angola isn't dangerous. Travelling after dark and alone is never a good idea. If possible, join with several cars of the same make and model because of the possible need of spare parts.

Never step beyond the red and white HALO Trust posts. These denote mine fields. In fact, beware of anything surrounded by any kind of red stones or similar markers.

In Angola, it is mandatory to have a form of identification on you at all times. What this means: carrying a certified copy of your passport or your national identification card.

Crime
Angola has a high crime rate. Carjackings, muggings, robberies, sexual assaults, and the like are not unheard of in the capital city, Luanda.

Being a tourist will, undoubtedly, make you an "easy" target for criminals. Having little to no knowledge of Portuguese will also make you stand out. You can drastically reduce the likelihood of being a crime victim by applying a modicum of common sense — don't display signs of affluence, don't flash around your gadgets, keep your valuables and belongings out of reach, don't go to unfamiliar areas, don't go out at night, dress conservatively, and don't be too trusting of people you don't know.

If you've been sexually assaulted, immediately seek medical attention; Angola has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

Political unrest
Angola has a long history of political instability and unrest.

Be careful with voicing your political opinions in public or on social media; disrespecting government officials is a punishable offence in Angola. This also encompasses complaining about how government officials and authorities are carrying out their duties.

Photography
Given Angola's history of enduring civil conflict, perceived threats to national security are taken very seriously in Angola. Taking photographs of certain structures and individuals — government buildings, military installations, train stations, police officers, airfields, airports, and bridges — will land you in serious trouble with the Angolan authorities and they may (incorrectly) assume you're a spy or a terrorist.

Stay healthy
State-of-the-art medical care is virtually non-existent in Angola; the country has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the world, the country is ideal for many tropical diseases, and a significant portion of Angolans are too poor to afford healthcare.

Malaria is the leading cause of death in the country. Regularly use insect repellent to lower your chances of contracting malaria, and consider draping a mosquito net (if you have one) over your bed. It's strongly recommended to get vaccinated against malaria before travelling to Angola.

Do not drink tap water. There is no working water purification system in Angola. Stick to bottled water.

Yellow fever is prevalent in the country. You are normally required to get vaccinated against the disease before applying for an Angolan visa and/or travelling to the country.

Dengue fever is another major health threat.

The country's HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among adults is 1.80%. Although it is low compared to other African nations, you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Respect
Since Angola is rarely visited by tourists, you may attract unwanted attention from the locals. This isn't to indicate hostility, it is to indicate curiosity.

As is the case throughout Africa, it is obligatory to show respect for elders (including authority figures) as they're generally viewed as wiser and more experienced. When visiting an Angolan home, it is customary to greet the oldest person first. If you're waiting to enter a building, allow someone older to go in first. If you're on public transportation, give up your seat for someone older than you.

Angolans are extremely hospitable and they consider it impolite to not give someone a good welcome. Therefore, you can expect to be treated with immense respect as a visitor. If you've been invited for a meal at an Angolan person's home, bear in mind that the oldest person in the house starts eating first.

Angolans are attentive listeners. They consider it extremely rude to interrupt someone's conversation.

If travelling to rural areas, take some time to greet the local soba (chief with government-backed authority). Words of kindness will allow you to enjoy your journey in peace.

Angolans are generally amiable, and it is important to greet everyone respectfully and immediately upon seeing them. A simple hello ("Bom dia") will do.

Connect
The phone country code of Angola is +244. Telephone connections, cellular and landline, are heavily overloaded, making communication difficult at times. International lines are, however, often better.

Carry a satellite telephone in the case of a breakdown or other emergency. Be aware, that while Iridium satellite phones have global coverage, Thuraya satellite phones have coverage in most of Angola, but may not have coverage in the southern parts of the country.

title: Angola


text:
Angola (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Angola:

Africa

 * Angola - a country in Central Africa

United States of America

 * Angola (Indiana) - a city in Northern Indiana
 * Angola, Village of Angola, and Angola On The Lake are all located in the town of Evans in the Southtowns of Erie County, New York
 * Angola - locale of the Louisiana State Penitentiary - is in West Feliciana Parish, Florida Parishes, Louisiana

title: Angola (disambiguation)


text:
Angola (Indiana)

Angola is a town of 9,300 people (2020) and the county seat of Steuben County in Northern Indiana. It is the home of Trine University.

Get in

 * US 20 goes east-west through the center of town
 * I-69 goes near the west side of town, and there are off-ramps at US 20 and N 200 W
 * Indiana 127 and Indiana 827 come in from the north
 * Old US 27 comes in from the south

Get around
Walking or riding a bike are the most common ways to get around downtown, although many large chains are closer to I-69, so driving might be the better way to go in that way.

Do
Known as "The County of 101 Lakes", there's plenty of nature surrounding you nearly anywhere you go.

title: Angola (Indiana)