A guide is not required to visit Angkor Wat, or any of the other ancient sites. You can do a self-guided tour using a good guidebook. However, you'll get much more out of your visit with a competent guide. They can point out and explain the most significant and interesting of the temple's many features. Some guides are multi-lingual, and can speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German and French, among other languages. Guides will approach you by the entrance to Angkor Wat, but some are not properly trainedregistered. It is generally better to book a guide in advance.
You need a valid admission pass (called an 'Angkor Pass') to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park. These are usually bought at the main entrance, on the road from Siem Reap. You can get a one-day pass from the secondary entrance, on the road from the airport.
