We know why you’re here in Siem Reap - if not to explore the famous Angkor Wat, then what else? However, there are plenty of other temples for you to visit in and around Siem Reap, all of which were vital to the ancient Khmer Empire. Don’t you fret over which temples to visit! In this guide, we’ll take you through which temples are the most significant, and we’ll also let you know how you can visit all of them during your visit to Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat
The magnificent Angkor Wat is probably already on your to-visit list, but it’s significance is still worth stating here. When visiting Cambodia’s massive 12th century Buddhist temple complex, pay attention to the intricate details and carvings all around the temple. They all tell stories and legends of the ancient past such as the Battle of Kurukshetra, which is the main subject of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. You’ll also see such scenes like the victory of Krishna over the demon king Bana, and Heaven and Hell.
The sheer vastness of this complex makes its majesty hard to describe in words. You simply have to be there yourself to take it all in! Make your way up to the highest point if you want, though you should take note that the upper level is open to a limited number of visitors a day. If you want to get some breathtaking views, get there early!
Angkor Thom
From Angkor Wat, it is an easy 10-minute ride to Angkor Thom, another temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and the complex is divided into four main parts, each representing something different. The temple of Bayon symbolises the link between heaven and earth, the wall enclosing the complex represents the mountain ranges of Meru, and the moat represents the cosmic ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for some interesting stone figures, like one of a serpent with 9 heads! You can access this great city with the pass you’ve purchased for Angkor Wat, and we recommend you set aside at least 2 hours to take in Angkor Thom’s beauty to the fullest.
Banteay Srei
Translated to mean the ‘Citadel of the Women,’ Banteay Srei is built of sandstones that are of a more pinkish hue than the other temples you’ll see around Cambodia. Its carvings are rumoured to be made by women due to their intricacy. Interestingly, it is the only major Angkor temple to not be constructed by a king. Instead, it was built by a courtier, who was one of the king’s counsellors. Some carvings you can find at this temple include some scenes from the epic Ramayana, as well as some scenes of women holding lotus flowers. About 20km away from the main Angkor Wat complex, this temple is smaller and less imposing than the massive Angkor Wat. It’s definitely still worth your time, as this place is considered by many reputable architects to be the precious gem of Angkor architecture.
Beng Mealea
Built in the 12th century to worship the Hindu deity Vishnu, Beng Mealea (or ‘lotus pond’), does not just feature Hindu symbols, but some Buddhist depictions as well. It’s primarily made of sandstone, and up till this day has remained largely unrestored. Yet, Beng Mealea is one of the larger temples in the Khmer empire, and its beauty lies in fact that it really embodies the term ‘ruins’. The bricks lying all around, and the overgrown roots of the trees that grow atop them add a layer of rustic beauty to its disorganisation. If anything, travel here to appreciate how much time has passed and how much has changed between then and now. The nearby Koh Ker Temple is also worth visiting, though it will cost you US$5 to enter as it isn’t included in the pass!
Kbal Spean
About 50km from Siem Reap lies Kbal Spean, known also as the original River of Thousand Lingams, is an intricately carved riverbed deep in the foothills of the Cambodian jungle. Lingams are phallic symbols sacred to Brahmanism that represent fertility, and if you look closely you can see that many are carved in Kbal Spean. When you get to the entrance, it’s roughly a 2km walk to the river itself along a path that winds up the forest. Don’t worry about having to snack along the way - at the bottom there are some food stalls where you can re-energise before you embark on your mini-hike. It’s best if you visit during July to December, otherwise you might be greeted with a dry river.
Banteay Kdei
Constructed in the latter half of the 12th century, this temple is made of soft sandstone, and like Beng Mealea is unrestored, allowing you to see and experience the place as if you were in ancient Angkor yourself. Its hasty construction in the past also contributes to its appearance as a ruin. Apart from the Angkor, you’ll also see another architectural style, the Bayon, featured in this complex. In here you’ll find at least two libraries, a sanctuary and a courtyard known as “hall of the dancing girls,” which derives its name from the artwork that features dancers. Towards the east of Banteay Kdei, you can see the Sra Srang, a large body of water which was once used as a bathing pool by the king and his consorts.
Ta Prohm
Near Banteay Kdei lies Ta Prohm, a laterite temple built on the site of a 6th century Khmer shrine. Large fig, banyan and kapok trees shade the area, and with their overgrown nature, lend the temple an ethereal feel. Here, you’ll feel like you are protected not just by the splendor of the temple, but by Mother Nature herself. Sanskrit inscriptions around the temple give more detail on how much was required to maintain this complex - around 79,000 people! We recommend that you make your way down early, as Ta Prohm is known to be especially tranquil and peaceful in the mornings.
Phnom Bakheng
Phnom Bakheng is a mountain temple built in honour of the Hindu god Shiva. Atop a 60m high hill, this temple is one that’s popular with those who are seeking to witness the beautiful sunrise over Angkor Wat, as it can be easily seen from your vantage point. It was the first state temple built after Yasorvan ascended to the throne in 889, and is sometimes called “the first Angkor”. There were originally 109 towers here, with 12 of them representing the 12-year cycle of the zodiac, though a majority of them have fallen over the course of time. If sunrise’s too early, you can also climb up here to see the sunset, which will be just as splendid.
Pre Rup
Another popular sunset spot is Pre Rup, which has earned the nickname of ‘sunset temple’ because of the breathtaking views of the nearby rice fields of Eastern Baray at dusk. It’s essentially a pyramid-shaped mountain with the highest three tiers carrying five lotus towers. Translated, Pre Rup means ‘turning the body’, an interesting reference to ancient cremation rites. Some sources say this suggests that the temple might have served as an ancient crematorium, though there are plenty that also refute this idea, claiming that the temple’s true origins were unrelated. Explore this interesting mystery yourself while admiring some countryside views!
Roluos Group
Roluos Group is a collection of Angkor temples situated about 12km east of Siem Reap. This site is significant, as these temples are what remain of the Hariharalaya, the first important capital of the Khmer empire. The site includes Prah Ko, Bakong, Lolei, and a baray, which is an ancient Khmer reservoir. Some iconic features of the Roluos Group include the Kala, which is a monster head, the Hindu god Vishnu on the Garuda, as well as a lot of guardians and Apsaras, female spirits of clouds and waters in Hinduism and Buddhism. Though it’s some ways out of Siem Reap, it’s definitely worth visiting as there are some stops along the way where you can visit some markets and eat.
Best of all, admission to all these magnificent temples is included within the cost of your Angkor Pass! So be sure to plan out your itinerary before buying the pass as the cost of your Angkor Pass varies depending on which type you buy. A one-day pass costs US$37, a 3-day pass costs US$62 (valid for 10 days from issue date) and a 7-day pass costs US$72 (valid for one month from issue date). Each ticket also includes a donation to the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital fund. Admission passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you’re going with family, children under 12 do not require a ticket, though you’ll need to present their passport as proof.
While there are no group discounts and ticket prices are non-negotiable, one pass allows you to visit many different locations - not just the ones we have featured in this article but many more! You can purchase your Angkor Pass at the entrance to Angkor Wat.
