Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a undoubtable standing-out gem of the human race’s cultural heritage, however there are more treasures awaiting from you in this part of the world.
While most tourists visit Angkor Wat and a couple of other famous temples (including the one where Lara Croft was filmed), there are dozens more, including those deep in the jungle on potentially active mined fields and those still not restored.
Here’s my selection of lesser-known places to visit around Angkor as well as some information about the most famous temples!
Important:
To start exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, you’ll need an entrance pass. Arrive early to get your tickets from the ticket office located in the city centre: you cannot buy them at Angkor Wat itself or any other temple, only in the official ticket office! We also heard that the online system for tickets purchase was introduced just this year but we haven’t tried it.
The ticket includes a photo, and you must carry it with you while visiting all the temples. The guards will be checking it at the each temple’s entrance. Access tickets for 1, 3, and 7 days are available.
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings in the world and the main sight of Cambodia — it’s even depicted on their flag!
The tourist season was low during our visit, so the temple was not overcrowded, allowing us time to explore everything. However there were still lots of touristic groups in the morning, and when we came for the second time in the evening, I found it much quieter and feeling more like a proper temple and not only a touristic landmark.
You can start your visit at the main entrance — the West entrance — where you cross a picturesque bridge and pass through the area with the most iconic view of this mountain – temple; however, we began with the East entrance, which is less crowded. What a proper introduction to such a magnificent site too when jungles open up after!
Angkor Wat was constructed in 1150 by the great Khmer King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. However, as Buddhism gradually became the primary religion of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat transitioned accordingly.
Angkor Wat is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also the largest religious monument in the world, covering an area of 162.6 hectares! The temple is spread through three levels accessible by stairs, and you can even climb to the main tower to admire the views.
The overall structure might remind you of mountains – and that was the intention of builders indeed as the temple represent the sacred Mount Meru with its five peaks, and very steep steps lead to the upper galleries (but now you can use only a modern stair to climb there).
Angkor Wat is renowned not only for its size but also for its stunning decorative style. The earlier temples were built in bricks (see below) but a softer material of Angkor Wat such as sandstone allowed to decorate the temple with magnificent stucco, bas-reliefs, columnar windows, balustrades representing Naga serpents with many heads, and colonnades. The temple was originally painted in black, red, and gold, and you can still see remnants of red pigment.
The restored colonnaded galleries feature huge murals depicting various scenes: the Churning of the Sea of Milk, Heaven and Hell, the military parade of King Suryavarman II on Shivabats Mountain, and the Kurukshetra battle. You can open hours there examining various details of the carvings.
The most recognisable feature is probably the Apsara dancers, celestial spirits who dance gracefully in beautiful outfits and crowns — there are over 1,500 of them throughout Angkor Wat, and every single one is different from the others! The skill of dancing the Apsara Dance has almost been lost in the 20th century however it was revived, and now you can see ladies dances as Apsaras in many venues of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (we saw it too!).
I sincerely recommend going with a local guide, as there are so many ornaments, decorations, and symbols that you won’t be able to decipher on your own.
2. Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm is probably the most visited temple after Angkor Wat, thanks to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie. Probably, I was impressed by it the most but not because of the movie.
Originally known as Rajavihara, it was dedicated by King Jayavarman VII to his mother. Some restorations were taking place during our visit as well.
This temple dates back to the late 12th century and was built in the Bayon style. However skilful carvings, dancing Apsaras and magnificent ornaments are not what attracts visitors here.
This temple is often referred to as the Tree Temple because of the silk-cotton trees, strangler figs, and banyan trees that have grown through the ruins of the temple. This natural power really cannot be stopped!
Only here you understand fully the phrase ‘beam swallowed by the jungles’ because nature definitely wins here over time, with its nightly roots and strong trunks climbing the stones and getting to the very core of the building. It’s absolutely unique and surreal scenery (apart from tourists of course) – and you even can spot honey combs on some trees!
3. Banteay Srei Temple
Banteay Srei, dating to the late 10th century, is considered by many to be the most beautiful and elaborately carved temple in the Angkor area. Although it is small in size, many call it a jewel of Khmer art!
It is known by its modern name, meaning “Citadel of Women,” due to its pinkish sandstone and incredible carvings. Originally, the temple was called “Tribhuvanamaheshvara” and was primarily dedicated to Shiva.
Unlike many other temples, it was commissioned not by kings but likely by a powerful member of the royal court.
For archaeologists, this temple is significant because it was the first monument in Angkor reconstructed using the anastylosis style, where original pieces are used for restoration, but new materials may also be added. Henri Marchal borrowed this technique from Borobudur in Java.
One of the most famous images from the temple depicts Vishnu in the form of Lord Nrsimhadeva (half-man and half-lion) tearing the breast of the demon Hiranyakashipu with his claws. However there are many other intricate carvings and sculptures there dedicated to guards and deities.
4. Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom was the longest-lasting capital of the great Khmer Empire and contains several important temples and archaeological sites within the city. Once it was the most populated city in the world – and look at it now.
The five gates to the city are still standing – for instance, we entered the city from the Victory gate, a ceremonial entry to the city, and left by the South Gate that is adjacent to a bridge over a picturesque moat and framed with statues.
There is also the Gate of the Dead which was probably used for leaving the city for the last time – I mean the funeral processions. The Terrace of Elephants inside Angkor Thom was used for watching military parades and is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting elephants.
5. Bayon Temple
The main temple of Angkor Thom is Bayon, which I’m sure you recognize: its faces are one of the symbols of Siem Reap!
You can even spot such replicas throughout the city, in the restaurants and even in the Siem Reap airport. Look at them – they all have a bit different facial features!
Originally, there were probably around 50 towers, each with four faces (a total of 200), but only 37 remain today. The meaning behind them is still unclear and many theories are rumouring around. Probably they represent a wise and merciful smiling deity such as Avalokiteśvara, or a king looking after his subjects.
The Bayon was used as a state temple by King Jayavarman VII and built in the late 12th century. Now it’s still an impressive sight with courtyards, colonnaded passages and carvings.
Although it is not restored to the same extent as Angkor Wat, the stone images still capture your attention by skilful carved details: notice Apsara dancers standing on lotuses and on the ground, as well as large murals depicting military parades and daily life activities.
You can also spot a Linga and Yoni, symbols of creation and regeneration, representing male and female, and Buddha statues and other decorations reminding you of the magnificent part of this place.
6. Pre Rup Temple
Pre Rup Temple, with its five brick towers, was built in the mid-10th century as the state temple for King Rajendravarman.
If you see bricks, you can be sure it’s from the 10th century! It was most likely used as a crematorium and funeral site; that’s why its name can be translated as “turn the body,” as the ashes were distributed in a circle during ceremonies. Walk through the galleries and rooms here to admire the architecture!
7. Banteay Kdei Monastery
Banteay Kdei is a monastery built in the 12th to 13th centuries, located close to the famous Ta Prohm temple. It has a similar vibe of being reclaimed by nature: structures on its sides still lie in ruins and are covered with moss.
The monks have taken care of this temple for centuries, and you can see an ancient Buddha statue inside. Make sure to spend some time here exploring the temple’s premises because it has a great aesthetic vibes and is relatively empty so you can have some exclusive walk to remember here!
Notice the four huge faces on the gates of Banteay Kdei, as well as the dancer decorations inside the temple, they resemble the Bayon temple a bit, right?
8. Sras Srang
The Sras Srang terrace was originally built in the 10th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. It’s quite a peaceful piece of architecture overlooking a man-made water basin of the same name.
In the middle of the lake, there’s a small shrine. In the past, a wooden pavilion likely stood on this terrace, accessed by a staircase. You won’t need much time here unless you’d like to spend some moments in peace and quiet.
9. Banteay Samre Temple
Banteay Samre Temple, or the Citadel of the Samré (the Samré is a local ethnic group), dates to the mid-12th century. It is one of the best-preserved temples in the area.
Inside, there used to be a large pool filled with water. The temple features beautiful carvings, a balustrade with nagas, a small sarcophagus in the center, and a terrace with lions that now overlooks the jungle.
Some reconstruction is still ongoing, but most of the temple is open to visitors.
10. Prasat Kravan Temple
Prasat Kravan is another lesser-visited temple. It is one of the earliest temples in the area, built from bricks (a sign of temples erected in the 10th century).
Sponsored by a Hindu religious foundation rather than a king, it originally had five magnificent towers. Be sure to walk around it and see the beautiful images of Vishnu and others in its inner rooms.
11. Chau Say Tevoda Temple and Thommanon
Chau Say Tevoda Temple and Thommanon Temple are two facing temples dating to the early 12th century. Both are dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu and likely served as early road rest houses. Both temples have been fully reconstructed, with many parts being new.
Tourists tend not to stop here, but it’s a favorite spot for locals who have wedding photo shoots here in traditional attire! The Gate of Victory of Angkor Thom is also visible from this location.
Where to Stay: Anantara Angkor
Anantara is always one of our top-hotels to stay at, and Siem Reap wasn’t an exception.
Anantara Angkor is a small (only 39 accommodations!) but a lash hotel located pretty close to the Angkor Archaeological park protected area (it takes about 10-15 min to get to Angkor Wat by car), with a restaurant, a few shops and a large public pool nested under frangipani trees.
We received a wonderful welcome with a traditional krama scarf, a refreshing drink, and a foot massage, and during our stay staff was extremely friendly and helpful – we simply couldn’t ask for more attentive attitude.
We stayed in a marvelous Henri Mouhot two-bedroom suite decorated with details from Angkor Wat and other local temples. And yes, we not only had a private pool but also a spa room with a jacuzzi!
The food selection at their Chi (meaning ‘herb’ in khmer’) Restaurant & Bar was amazing.
We had the best introduction to Khmer cuisine we could ask for with many produce being sourced locally like fish from Tonle Sap lake. They had some western dishes as well.
We went to see the Apsara dance in a theatre but you can also opt for a private performance arranged at the hotel.
You might also like my other blogs about Asia.
Hope you liked my blog!
Yours, Anna
Xxxx
