Become a real Lara Croft! The 11 best temples in Cambodia
Cambodia is famous for its beautiful ancient temples, which are scattered throughout the country and have miraculously survived to this day despite war and decay. Recently, these temples have also been attracting backpackers looking to make the discoveries of a lifetime! Whether you’re Lara Croft in training or just a novice explorer, there are many Cambodian temples that will transport you back to ancient civilisation. Grab your camera and take a tuk-tuk, it’s time for an adventure! Here’s our list of the best temples in Cambodia!
1. Koh Ker
Koh Ker is surprisingly not as popular as other temples such as Angkor Wat, although there are over 40 different ruins on the site. About a two and a half hour drive from Siem Reap, this site is worth a day trip. Fasten your seatbelts, because it’s a bit of a bumpy ride.
This remote site was one of the capitals of the Angkor Empire from 928 to 944 AD and was built to worship the god of good fortune, Treypuvanesvara. The most famous temple is Prasat Thom, a pyramid-like structure that resembles the Mayan temples in South America. You can even climb to the top – it’s quite steep, but definitely worth it for the view.
It’s worth taking the time to explore the surrounding structures. Just make sure you stay in the designated areas, as parts of the site have not yet been cleared of landmines. Exploring some of these smaller ruins is really fun. On my visit in 2016, I was able to move freely around these ruins – some were even ancient tombs! Unlike the other popular temples, there are no ropes holding you back, so be safe, respectful and go exploring! Personally, I think this is one of the best temples in Cambodia considering the value, the amount of structures and the low number of visitors.
If you want to reach Koh Ker in one day, staying in a hostel in Siem Reap is the best option. Plus, there are heaps of other temples to discover in the area!
Prices: US$10 for adults, children under 12 free
Getting there: Only accessible by car, so check if your hostel organises tours there!
2. Angkor Wat
If you know just a little bit about Cambodia, you probably have this massive temple in mind. It’s not just known as one of the best temples in Cambodia, it’s the best – it’s high time you saw this wonder of the world. It’s mentioned in every travel guide and advert for the country and is a must-see for any backpacker. And for good reason! The sheer size and complexity of the structure stops visitors in their tracks.
The temple was built during the Angkor Empire by ruler Suryavarman II and represents Mount Meru and the house of the gods in Hinduism. Dancing Apsara figures are carved into the walls of the temple, which are part of the Cambodian Hindu faith (Apsara dance performances are very popular in Cambodia).
Angkor Wat is so important to Cambodia’s identity that it is even depicted on the Cambodian national flag. Although the temple is a popular attraction, it is important to behave respectfully when visiting. The temple has an etiquette guide suggesting that visitors cover their upper arms and knees (the highest level may not be visited without doing so). It may be hot, but if you cover up more, you may even feel a little cooler!
When I was there in 2014, my family and I had lunch with local friends in a small village within the walls of Angkor Wat. With local cuisine (e.g. barbecues) and fascinating stories (my friend told me how he used to play among the ruins as a child), this was one of my most memorable and authentic travel experiences. Make friends with the locals, they are an incredibly hospitable people, and who knows where that will take you!
Opening hours: 5.00 am – 5.30 pm (upper level open from 7.30 am)
Price: (the price is for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
US$37 – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there:
A short journey by car or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap. Check out our hostels in Siem Reap to find cheap accommodation for your visit to Angkor Wat.
The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise, as this is when the sun casts a stunning light on the three main pillars (it’s also less hot and busy then!)
3. Bayon
These mystical structures with giant faces are a popular photo opportunity for travellers, and the Bayon has long been considered one of the best temples in Cambodia. The Bayon temple is located in the ancient city of Angkor Thom and has 50 pillars with around 200 faces, which are said to represent divine peace. Who these faces are supposed to be has been disputed over time. Some believe it is the Buddhist god of compassion Lokesvara, while many believe it is the Angkor king Jayavarman VII.
These giant faces are enigmatic, and it’s an experience you won’t have anywhere else. Allow plenty of time for your tour as there are many people and narrow corridors. In Angkor Thom there are also some other places worth seeing, such as the “Terrace of the Elephants”
Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:30
Price: (included in the price for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
37 US$ – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there: The site is located within the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park. So if you’re planning to visit Angkor Wat, this is an easy stopover as the visit is included in the price! Hop on a tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap to take a short drive to this site. The upper level of the temple is closed from December 2019 for restoration work and is expected to reopen in 2022.
Check out our hostels in Siem Reap to find cheap accommodation nearby.
4. Ta Prohm
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This stunning temple has been reclaimed by nature over time. Massive tree roots cling to the ancient temple and seep through in all directions, giving it an incredibly eerie atmosphere. This alone makes it one of the best temples to visit in Cambodia. But it is also known as the Tomb Raider Temple, as the Lara Croft film starring Angelina Jolie was shot here in 2001. Accordingly, there are many people who want to take lots of photos. But don’t let that put you off!
This temple was built in 1186 and was a Rajavihara (royal monastery) that around 80,000 people were obliged to visit. Today, it is a favourite attraction for visitors from all over the world and can be easily walked around thanks to the many safe paths and barriers. Take at least a few hours to visit this natural wonder.
But hurry before the jungle swallows it whole!
Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:30
Price: (the price is valid for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
US$37 – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there: The site is located within the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park. So if you’re planning a visit to Angkor Wat, this is an easy stop! Hop in a tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap and travel to this site in a short time.
5. Beng Mealea
This ancient ruin is ideal for anyone who wants to find their inner Indiana Jones. The old Buddhist and Hindu temple is overgrown by nature and basically crumbling, so visitors can walk around and climb to their heart’s content (if they dare and aren’t afraid of spiders like me). This temple, which has only recently been opened to visitors and is accessible via a main road, was lost in the Cambodian jungle for a long time. The date of construction is unknown, but it is estimated to have been built during the reign of King Suryavarman II.
Even to get inside, you have to climb over some very large moss-covered stones. To safely explore this marvel and understand its history, hire a local guide! It’s a little busier than Koh Ker, but it’s still an incredibly unique experience – that’s why we think you shouldn’t miss this temple in Cambodia!
Opening hours: 7.00 – 17.30
Price: US$5
How to get there: It is very close to Koh Ker and is a favourite day trip for guests from Siem Reap. It’s about an hour and a half by car from Siem Reap.
6. Banteay Srei
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This smaller Hindu temple complex is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park and features some incredibly intricate stone carvings. The temple was built in 967 AD in honour of the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei (also known as ‘The Pink Temple’) translates as ‘Citadel of Women’, suggesting that the temple was built by women, as the very fine carvings were carried out by small hands. After its discovery by the French in 1914, restoration work began on the temple, which led to the restoration of many other important Angkorian buildings. I think this temple is perfect for photos because the pink limestone and intricate design are really beautiful. It’s also a refreshing change from the large, dominating structures of Bayon and Angkor Wat.
Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:30
Price: (the price is for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
US$37 – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there: The site is located within the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park. So if you’re planning a visit to Angkor Wat, this is an easy stop! Hop in a tuk-tuk or car for a short drive to this site from Siem Reap. On the way to this temple, you will pass by the Landmine Museum, which is worth a visit to understand the impact landmines had on the Cambodian people.
7. Pre Rup
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This Cambodian temple is also dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and has the shape of a pyramid with three storeys. As the name “Rup” means the surrounding of a deceased body with ashes, it is used in modern Cambodian culture for funeral processions, as many thought this was its original purpose. King Rajendravarman II used it as a state temple after the return of the city of Angkor to power in the 10th century. It was discovered in the 1930s by French restorers when it was covered with earth.
A visit to this temple is recommended at sunrise and sunset, as the red colour of the bricks creates an enchanting glow.
Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:30
Price: (the price is valid for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
US$37 – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there: The site is located within the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park. So if you’re planning a visit to Angkor Wat, this is an easy stop! Hop in a tuk-tuk or car from Siem Reap and travel to this site in a short time. The popular Ta Prohm temple is also not far away.
Stay at a hostel in Siem Reap to find a cheap place to sleep!
8. Sambor Prei Kuk
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site predates the famous temples of Angkor and is estimated to have been built between the mid-6th and early-7thcenturies. It was the original capital of the Khmer empire and is around 300 years older than Angkor! The ornate sandstone was a popular design for pre-Angkor temples and became known as the Sambor Prei Kuk decorative style. This is a great place for those who want to get off the beaten track (literally) and avoid the crowds.
If you’re planning to visit the capital after exploring all the temples around Siem Reap, this is a fascinating stopover! Close by is Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the oldest and best temples in Cambodia!
The temple is located between Siem Reap and the capital Phnom Penh. Take a look at our youth hostels in Phnom Penh for an all-round successful stay. The Mad Monkey Phnom Penh will refresh you from the steaming Cambodian heat. Plunge into the swimming pool and hang out with your new hostel mates at the bar.
Price: $10 (plus $6 for the local guide)
How to get there:
By car, it’s about 2.5 hours from Siem Reap via motorway number 6.
9. Banteay Chhmar
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This temple is located in the Banteay Chhmar district in north-west Cambodia. The 12th century Angkorian temple was largely untouched for around 800 years until it was finally visited by travellers. The site has never been restored and is quite remote, so you’ll feel like you’re discovering the temple for yourself! It was built around the late12th to early13th century. Century for King Jayarvarman II and later remodelled as a mortuary temple for his sons who died in battle. The temple was once the centre of the ancient city, but no other structures have survived. If you want to fulfil your thirst for discovery, this is the place for you!
Price: $5 (additional $10 for a local guide)
How to get there:
To get to this remote temple, you must first reach the town of Sisophon, which is about an 8-hour drive from Phnom Penh and a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap. From Sisophon, you can take a taxi to the temple, which is another 1-1.5 hour drive.
10. Temple of Preah Vihear
📸:Getty Images
This isolated temple in honour of the Hindu god Shiva has been described by UNESCO as an “outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture”. The 800-metre-long intricate temple complex consists of a series of interconnected shrines with multiple levels and staircases, which are said to represent the Mount Meru of Hindu and Buddhist ideology. It was originally built over time by seven rulers, beginning with Yasovarman I, who ruled from 889-910. In the past, there have been repeated conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand over ownership of the temple, even as late as the late 2000s and early 2010s. This came to an end in November 2013 when the International Court of Justice granted sovereignty to Cambodia. Take at least two hours to explore this large complex – it is very important to the Cambodian people and they are keen for people to visit!
Price: 10 US dollars (transport costs and tour guide are also organised at the welcome centre)
How to get there: The temple is located on a cliff on the border with Thailand in the Preah Vihear region. If you are staying in Siem Reap, you can reach the temple on a day trip via road 64, and if you are staying in Phnom Penh, via road 62. When you arrive at the visitor centre, you will need your passport to buy a ticket.
11. Ta Som
📸:Getty Images
This small tower temple is a great alternative to the busy Ta Prohm, as the branches of the trees cling to the ancient Buddhist place of worship in a similar way. The huge tree towering over the eastern entrance (Gopura) is a perfect photo opportunity with hardly any people in the way. Here you will find detailed carvings of Khmer culture and Buddhist mythology, such as the Apsara figure. Like the other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park, it was built towards the end of the12th century by the ruler Jayavarman VIII. If you are looking for a quiet and contemplative place to enjoy the beauty of these ancient temples, this is the right choice.
Opening hours: 7:30 – 17:30
Price: (the price is for the Angkor Archaeological Park)
US$37 – one day
US$62 – three days
uS$72 – one week
How to get there: The temple is located in the Angkor Thom Archaeological Park. So if you’re planning a visit to Angkor Wat, this is an easy stopover! You can reach the temple via the eastern entrance of the park.
Tips for exploring the best temples in Cambodia:
- Always take a bottle of water with you. From March to June the heat can be almost unbearable, and you want to see most of these incredible temples – so stay hydrated!
- Even if it breaks your heart, don’t give money to begging children. As the temples are tourist attractions, there are children everywhere who will try to sell you souvenirs. Most of them work for gangs and if you give them money, they will stay on the street. A better alternative is to give them food and drink.
- Consider visiting the temples with a guide. There are many alternative tours such as bicycle and Segway tours. Find out about tours that go directly to the local economy – you’ll learn a lot more!
- Make sure you have insect repellent with you, as the mosquitoes are not only annoying, but there is also a risk of malaria in some areas. If you want to visit some of the remote temples, ask your doctor if you can take malaria medication.
- Be aware that these are historical and religious sites rather than attractions. Be respectful as these sites are used by monks for worship.
- Watch out for the monkeys and don’t approach them for selfies as they have been known to take visitors’ belongings!
- The Angkor Archaeological Park suffers from excessive tourism and the country is currently struggling to make it sustainable for the future. When visiting the park, be sure to take your rubbish with you, stay within the barriers and do not touch, lean on or climb the structures unless signs indicate otherwise. These temples have survived hundreds of years, let’s make them survive a few more!
- If you want to learn more about the history of the Angkor empire, the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap is definitely worth a visit.
- It’s best to visit the temples in the morning or evening when it’s cooler and less busy. There are also beautiful sunrises and sunsets here!
What should you wear when visiting the temples in Cambodia?
- Sometimes less is not better. In the Cambodian heat, you can quickly work up a sweat, so loose cotton clothing can alleviate some of the humidity. At the Old Market in Siem Reap, there are clothes that are perfect for exploring temples. Don’t forget to haggle!
- If you are going to remote temples deep in the jungle, be sure to wear long sleeves and trousers as there is a risk of malaria.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes – you may be climbing very steep and old stairs where it is easy to fall.
Accommodation for visiting temples in Cambodia:
Most of the best temples in Cambodia are located near Siem Reap (rightly so, that’s why the city is so popular!) Due to the density of temples near Siem Reap, there are many backpackers in the city, which means that there are some really great hostels in Siem Reap! The Funky Flashpacker Siem Re ap is ideal for explorers who want to have a bit of fun even when the sun goes down. There are nightly parties, a huge swimming pool and a 24-hour sky bar. For the quieter types, Unity Hostel is a relaxing oasis where a queen-size bed awaits you after a long day of adventures in the temples.
Compare all youth hostels in Siem Reap
With this list of the best temples in Cambodia, you are now ready to venture into the Cambodian wilderness. Have you ever been to any of these temples? Which one was your favourite? Do you think we’ve left any off the list?
Read on:
🌟 It’s not all about temples! The 15 best things to do in Siem Reap for every type of backpacker
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