Imagine strolling through temples more than 900 years old that were once part of the Khmer Empire – a series of more than one thousand temples, some of which took over thirty years to build. My fascination with history and ancient civilizations drew me to the East, and Angkor Wat was always high on my bucket list.
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument on the planet and undoubtedly one of the most impressive archeological sites in the East. There is something spectacular about the eerie yet enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, strangled by giant trees and roots, the intricate carvings of the Bayon Temple, and the massive sandstone bricks used to build Angkor Wat.
But like any major wonder, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you pack your bags. Having spent a week exploring the different sites at Angkor, I compiled a list of temple highlights, tips, and tricks for an unforgettable adventure. Here’s what I learned.
Angkor Wat Includes Thousands of Temples
Believe it or not, Angkor Wat is just one of thousands of historical sites. The temple is part of the expansive Angkor Archeological Park, which spans over four hundred square kilometers and includes 72 major temples built during the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th Century.
However, scattered between these 72 major temples are thousands of other minor temples and historical sites. Long story short, there is a lot to see other than just Angkor Wat, and I recommend you include a few of these temples on your itinerary.
Visit These Temples
And on that note, there are some especially impressive temples worth adding to your itinerary. Of course, no visit to Angkor is complete without a trip to Angkor Wat itself. This massive central structure really allows you to witness the scale and grandeur of the Khmer empire in all its glory.
Bayon Temple is known for its 54 towers, each with a unique carved face. Ta Prohm, which was iconically used as the set for the film Tomb Raider, is an overgrown ruin that captivates travelers with its massive tree roots growing throughout the temple.
Lastly, I visited Banteay Srei, a pink sandstone-carved temple with gorgeous waterways dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati. And truthfully, these few are just scratching the surface.
Pro Tip: Spend at least three to four days exploring the Archeological Site properly.
Angkor Wat Temple
Angkor Wat (meaning “City Temple”) is the most magnificent and largest of all Angkor temples. The structure occupies and enormous site of nearly 200 hectares (494 acres). A huge rectangular reservoir surrounds the temple which rises up through a series of three rectangular terraces to the central shrine and tower at a height of 213 meters (669 feet). This arrangement reflects the traditional Khmer idea of the temple mountain, in which the temple represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hinduism.
Built under the reign of king Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12 century, Angkor Wat is the pinnacle of Khmer architecture. The famous bas-reliefs encircling the temple on the first level depict Hindu epics including the mythical “Churning of the Ocean of Milk”, a legend in which Hindu deities stir vast oceans in order to extract the nectar of immortal life. The reliefs, including thousands of female dancers, are carved into the wall of the third enclosure of the temple.
In the late 13th century, gradually moved from a Hindu temple to a Theravada Buddhist one. Unlike other temples at Angkor which were abandoned after the fall of the Khmer empire in the 15th century, Angkor Wat remained a Buddhist shrine.
Bayon Temple
The Bayon temple features a sea of over 200 massive stone faces looking in all direction. The curious smiling faces, thought by many to be a portrait of king Jayavarman VII himself or a combination of him and Buddha, are an instantly recognizable image of Angkor. Built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII as part of a massive expansion of his capital Angkor Thom, the Bayon is built at the exact center of the royal city.
The Bayon is the only state temple at Angkor built primarily as a Mahayana Buddhist shrine dedicated to the Buddha. Following Jayavarman’s death, it was modified by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious beliefs.
The Bayon temple rises through three levels to a height of around 43 meters (140 feet). The outer gallery on the first level depicts scenes from everyday life and historical events, while the inner gallery on the next higher level depicts mythical figures and stories. Some of the figures depicted are Siva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The third level is where you will encounter many of the famous faces (and tourists).
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is undoubtedly the most atmospheric and photogenic ruin at Angkor, with trees growing out of the ruins. Here you can still experience an India Jones moment and feel like an early explorer. If Angkor Wat and other temples are a testimony to the genius of the ancient Khmers, Ta Prohm equally reminds us of the awesome power of the jungle.
Built from 1186, Ta Prohm was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. It is one of the few temples in Angkor where an inscription provides information about the temple’s inhabitants. The temple was home to more than 12,500 people, including 18 high priests, while an additional 80,000 khmers, living in the surrounding villages, were required to maintain the temple.
The inscription also notes that the temple contained gold, pearls and silks. After the fall of the Khmer empire in the 15th century, the temple was abandoned and swallowed up by the jungle.
Angkor Thom
The last great capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor Thom (literally “Great City”) took monumental to a whole new level. It was built in part as a reaction to the surprise sacking of Angkor by the Chams. King Jayavarman VII decided that his empire would never again be vulnerable at home. Beyond the eight meter (26 ft) high walls is a massive moat that would have stooped all but the most determined invaders.
The city wall has a sanctuary tower at each corner and five entry gates; one per cardinal direction plus an additional eastern portal, the Victory Gate. The gates each feature a tower topped by four huge faces, similar to those at the Bayon temple. The most fascinating way to enter Angkor Thom is through the south gate. The causeway here is flanked by 54 gods and 54 demons depicting parts of the popular Hindu legend “The Churning of the Ocean of Milk”.
Banteay Srei
Located far (about 32 km/20 miles) from the main group of temples, Banteay Srei is one of the smallest sites at Angkor. Due to its beautiful carvings however it is extremely popular with tourists and considered a jewel of Khmer art. Built of fine grained rose-pink sandstone, the temple walls are elaborately decorated with floral motifs and epic Ramayana scenes.
Construction of Banteay Srei began in AD 967 AD. It is the only major temple at Angkor not commissioned by a king but by a brahmin named Yajnavaraha. The temple was primarily dedicated to the Hindu god Śiva. Banteay Srei, the modern name of the temple, means “Citadel of the Women” as the elaborate carvings are supposedly to fine for the hand of a man. Its original name, Tribhuvanamaheśvara, means the “great lord of the threefold world”.
Phnom Bakheng
Dedicated to Shiva, Phnom Bakheng is a Hindu temple in the form of a temple mountain. It was constructed at the end of the 9th century, more than two centuries before Angkor Wat , during the reign of King Yasovarman. Phnom Bakheng was the architectural centerpiece of a new capital, Yasodharapura.
The temple faces east and is built in a pyramid form of six tiers. Upon its completion it boasted 108 small towers around the temple at ground level and on several tiers. Only a few of the towers now remain. Located on top of a hill, the temple is a very popular tourist spot for the magnificent sunset views.
Preah Khan
The temple of Preah Kahn is one of the largest complexes at Angkor. Like the nearby Ta Prohm temple, Preah Khan has been left largely unrestored, with numerous trees growing among the ruins. Preah Khan was built by king Jayavarman VII and probably served as his temporary residence while Angkor Thom was being built. The ultimate fusion temple, Preah Khan is both a Buddhist and Hindu temple.
Four ceremonial walkways approach the gates of the temple. The eastern entrance is dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism with equal-sized doors. The other principal directions are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma with successively smaller doors, emphasizing the unequal nature of Hinduism.
Pre Rup
With its three central spires, Pre Rup looks a bit like a mini Angkor Wat. Pre Rup was built as the state temple of king Rajendravarman in 961 and was dedicated to Shiva. It was the second temple built after the capital was returned to Angkor from Koh Ker after a period of political upheaval.
Pre Rup is made of gray sandstone, which is a less durable material than the pink sandstone of some of the other temples at Angkor. As such, time and weather haven’t served the temple well and many of the complex carvings and details have been worn away by rain and erosion. It’s a crumbling temple but still magnificent in size and structure.
Banteay Kdei
Little is known about this mysterious temple. It is presumed that Banteay Kdei was a Buddhist monastery as hundreds of Buddha statues have been excavated from the site. The temple was probably built in the 12th century, around the same time as the Ta Prohm temple.
Known as ‘the citadel of cells’, its design is quite similar to Ta Prohm and Preah Khan, but less complex and smaller in scale. After the collapse of the Khmer empire it remained neglected and covered with vegetation for centuries.
Ta Keo
Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Ta Keo was built as the state temple of Jayavarman V, son of Rajendravarman, who had built the Pre Rup temple. Jayavarman V was 10 years old when he succeeded his father, in 968 AD. When he was aged 17, he began the construction of his own state temple, whose modern name is Ta Keo. The temple was never completed however.
Legend has it that the temple was struck by lightning during its construction, and all work was abandoned at a stage where the main structure was complete but no external carvings had been added. Also unique is the fact that Ta Keo is made of green sandstone versus the deeper brown or grayish color of other temples at Angkor. The climb to the top of the temple is very steep, but the view is well worth it.
Siem Reap is the Closest Airport
If you’re wondering how to get to Angkor, Siem Reap International Airport is well-connected with most major Southeast Asian cities. It’s just seven kilometers from Siem Reap, which is the nearest town to Angkor.
When it comes to accommodation, Siem Reap is where you will find the most hotels, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnbs. There are plenty of taxis, tuk-tuks, and private cars available to shuttle you to your accommodation, restaurants, and Angkor Wat heritage sites.
Most Temples Open at 7:30 am
Do yourself a favor and start your day early! Luckily, most of the archeological sites and temples open their gates at 7:30 am to allow tourists to experience breathtaking sunrises from the temples themselves. Not only will you get to experience the sun rising over hundred-year-old temples, but visiting early also means you can explore the temples with fewer crowds and avoid the midday heat.
This also means you’ll have ample time to explore more than one temple in one day, so you can really make the most of your stay.
Pro Tip: Independently check the opening and closing times of each temple, as they vary depending on the time of year.
Bring Along an Umbrella
Cambodia’s climate can be unpredictable – and that’s an understatement. One minute, you’re basking in the sunshine, and the next, you’re running for cover in the middle of a thunderstorm.
With unexpected downpours scattering our day of arrival, the best thing I did was carry along an umbrella from my accommodation. Cambodia has a tropical wet and dry climate. So, while temperatures don’t vary drastically, the country experiences very wet monsoon weather mainly between September and October.
Pro Tip: While we’re on the topic of essential items, make sure you carry a sunhat and a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated in the heat. There are plenty of vendors selling water, but it’s always best to limit your plastic use.
You Might Need a Visa to Visit Cambodia
Depending on your nationality, you might be required to get a visa to enter the country. Unlike many other countries, Cambodia offers a visa-on-arrival option, where you can obtain a visa at the airport or at the border where you cross into the country. There might even be options to apply for an E-Visa online to save time at the border.
Tourist visas are usually valid for thirty days, with the option to extend.
Pro Tip: Wherever you are from, make sure you research whether you need a visa or not and that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Watch Out For Cheeky Monkeys
Monkeys are a common site at the temples at Angkor, and in my opinion, add to the mystical charm of it all. That said, they can be a nuisance and are known to snatch food, drinks, and even some sunglasses or phones from unsuspecting tourists.
Keep your belongings close, and however much you want to, do not feed the monkeys!
You Need to Buy and Collect Your Ticket in Advance
To visit the temples, visitors need to pre-purchase a ticket. These tickets are available for single-day, three-day, or even seven-day visits and must be purchased directly from the official ticket office.
The office is around a 30-minute drive from the Siem Reap Airport. A one-day pass costs $37, a three-day pass costs $62, and a full-week pass will set you back $72 – a small price to pay to see some incredible sites!
Plan a Sunrise Day Trip at Angkor Wat
If there is one piece of advice I could offer you, it would be to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise. It truly is the quintessential experience, allowing you to witness the sun rising behind the temple, with mirror-image reflections on the lotus pond.
Pro Tip: Unfortunately, everyone else likes to visit at this time, too. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Plan Your Route Carefully Beforehand
While there is no possible way to visit all the temples and archeological sites, I highly recommend you plan your route carefully before you arrive. Decide which temples you want to visit and spend at least two to three hours at each site.
Hiring a guide or a driver is a great idea. Not only will they be a fountain of knowledge on the Khmer Empire and local history, but they will also have insider info on the best times to visit which temples, and the distances between them. Another great option is to rent a bicycle and explore the site at your own pace.
I’m still in Siem Reap as I type this. I love the place, the food and the people. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees when visiting any temple, or else you’d be rejected at the sites. Last minute remedies would be buying a scarf ($2) nearby to cover up. There are usually people trying to sell things near by. I strongly recommend visitors stay in smaller boutique hotels, which are owned by locals.
Beautiful photos! Angkor Wat must be one of the most amazing man made structures in the whole world. I cannot recommend it highly enough. For those who plan to see it, try and visit some of the lesser toured sites away from the crowds. You will not be disappointed.
I absolutely love Angkor Wat. Reading this article, I want to go back already – it seems I missed out on some of the temples 🙁
Very good post and I used it for our recent trip to Angkor. Agree with most of it: Ta Keo was undergoing massive restoration when we were there (Dec 2014) and many parts of the temple were under scaffolding. Banteay Samre doesn’t get a lot of people – I really recommend a visit.
What is amazing is how there is such variety. From temples covered in moss or by tree roots, to massive temple-mountains, to others that look like stone cities. Angkor is amazing and worth several visits.
Frank (bbqboy)
I know, all the temples of Cambodia in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia is surely splendid sight you ever seen. …and the exquisite carving is truly treasure to the world….wishing the world can preserved for the next generation to come. …..they were made by Cambodia / khmer people for Hindu. ….not made by Hindu like thai / Siam would said. …..
I went there last year and was absolutly blown away. What an amazing place. I also went to Beng Mealea and it was probably my favorite too. It’s completely unrestored and off the tourist track. We had the place largely to ourselves and really enjoyed it. Cambodia is a fascinating country. I encourage everyone to go check it out, you won’t e dissapointed.
I’ve explored each temple that made the Top 5, but I’m a bit shocked about this list… It’s so accurate in many instances, yet it leaves off my personal favorite of them all: Beng Mealea.
Will be going there this november ! I have always been mystified by this structure. Damn, can’t wait !