Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating destinations for temple exploration, housing an extraordinary assemblage of ancient sacred sites. From the world-famous Angkor Wat to remote jungle and cliff-top sanctuaries, each Cambodia temple reflects the country’s rich history and spiritual depth. Exploring the temples offers more than iconic landmarks; it reveals the enduring legacy of Khmer civilization across centuries.
Angkor Wat: The Greatest Cambodia Temple
Angkor Wat is one of the best examples of religious buildings globally. Created during the 12th century, Angkor Wat is a large temple complex, marking the pinnacle of Khmer architecture. This temple complex has eye-catching dimensions for its size and shape, and it has long walkways and spectacular carvings that cover hundreds of meters along the walls.
Angkor Wat was originally erected as a site of worship in honor of the Hindu deity Vishnu, but over the centuries, it has transitioned into the practice of Buddhism, so it now illustrates an ancient history of spirituality in Cambodia. The five prominent towers in Angkor Wat symbolize Mount Meru, and their heights above the temple complex give the visitor an immediate impression of grandeur and balance.
Experiencing a sunrise at Angkor Wat is regarded as one of the greatest temple experiences to be had within the Southeast Asian nations. As the dawn breaks and illuminates the sky above Angkor Wat, visitors will see the towers of the temple silhouetted against the horizon. As a feature of the Angkor Archaeological Park, Angkor Wat is not only Cambodia’s best-known temple but also the starting point for those wishing to learn about the extensive history of temples that exist throughout Cambodia.
Entrance fee for Angkor Archaeological Park (including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and also Phnom Bakheng):
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1-day ticket: $37/ person
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3-day ticket: $62/ person
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7-day ticket: $72/ person
Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple: Faces of the Khmer Empire
Angkor Thom, located to the north of Angkor Wat, was the last capital of the Khmer Empire and remains one of the most impressive temple cities in Cambodia. Visitors to Angkor Thom will instantly recognise its massive gates as their entrance, as well as the size and symmetrical layout of the temple complex, as hallmarks of an Ancient Royal City.
In the middle of Angkor Thom is the Bayon Temple. Bayon Temple is one of the best-known Cambodia temples and is known primarily for its large stone towers with hundreds of smiling faces, which are believed to represent compassion, wisdom, and royal authority. Unlike Angkor Wat, which has a linear layout, the Bayon Temple is organised and layered non-linearly, resulting in magnificent views at all angles.
Additionally, the terraces around the Bayon Temple, like the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, are where the Nelson ladders for proceeding ceremonially from terrace to terrace were previously used by the kings. Together, Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple are the political and religious centres of the Khmer Empire and are essential for all visitors to explore while visiting temples in Cambodia.
- Entrance fee to Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple is included in the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance ticket.
Ta Prohm: The Jungle Temple
Ta Prohm at Angkor is one of the most visually stunning examples of a Cambodia temple. Many of the temples at Angkor were restored and are now in excellent condition, but Ta Prohm was left in its original condition with large trees growing through the stone walls, doorways, and towers.
Constructed in the late 1100s, Ta Prohm was a large Buddhist monastery and university. Today, the large trees and fallen corrugated roofs provide an incredible contrast to the architecture of the temple, and give visitors an opportunity to experience something completely different from the symmetry of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple.
As soon as you enter Ta Prohm, you will feel like you have walked into another time; it is as if the trees are slowly merging back into the ruins. For many tourists, Ta Prohm is one of the most popular photo opportunities in Cambodia.
- Entrance fee to Ta Prohm is included in the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance ticket.
Preah Vihear: Cliff-Top Cambodia Temple
Preah Vihear is a truly breathtaking example of the way our ancestors crafted buildings to reflect their environment. Located on top of the stunning Dangrek Mountains, Preah Vihear stands in stark contrast to the other temples found throughout Cambodia; rather than being built on flat ground like so many others, this temple sits upon a ridge that allows for unobstructed views across much of central Cambodia.
Completed over the course of three hundred years (from 900 AD to 1200 AD), Preah Vihear was created to be a devotional site for the Hindu deity Shiva and had been specifically built as part of a long ceremonial route leading up to its corresponding ‘sanctum’. The way in which the temples were arranged in relation to the naturally occurring landscape creates a seamless transition from one area of the temple complex to the next, with each transition serving as an additional step up the ladder toward the Divine.
In 2003, UNESCO recognised Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site, making it one of the few temple complexes in Southeast Asia that boasts such an incredible combination of architectural and natural splendour. Furthermore, the temple’s remote location and lofty elevation make Preah Vihear very unique, as many visitors will find themselves exploring parts of Cambodia that lie outside the Angkor experience.
- Entrance fee to Preah Vihear is $10/ person
Banteay Srei: The Pink Sandstone Temple
This Hindu temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its distinctive pink sandstone and highly detailed carvings were created in the tenth century.
While its size is much less than Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei is known for its well-executed and fine bas-reliefs that are amongst the finest in Cambodia. Each door, lintel, and wall has been beautifully decorated, making the temple an appealing destination for photographers and those interested in architectural design.
Situated slightly outside of the main Angkor Archaeological Park area, Banteay Srei offers visitors a much calmer setting and the ability to experience its refined visual appeal. The warm colours of the stone, along with the detail of the engravings, provide a lovely visual contrast to the larger stone temples located elsewhere and make Banteay Srei one of the most beautiful temples in Cambodia to visit.
- Entrance fee to Banteay Srei is included in the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance ticket.
Sambor Prei Kuk: Pre-Angkor Temple Complex
Sambor Prei Kuk is an important 7th-century Cambodia temple complex that predates the establishment of Angkor by several hundred years. Located centrally within Cambodia, the site represents the historic capital of the Chenla Kingdom.
Sambor Prei Kuk comprises numerous individual brick temples scattered throughout a densely wooded area, creating a serene atmosphere. The temples at Sambor Prei Kuk differ significantly in size from those found at Angkor (i.e., generally smaller); however, they are characterised by their detailed exteriors (e.g., the hallmark eight-sided towers) and intricate ornamentation.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sambor Prei Kuk offers visitors an alternative way to experience Cambodia’s temple-based culture. The experience at Sambor Prei Kuk is much more reflective in nature than in the larger, more commercialised Angkor area and is ideal for visitors who wish to explore and learn about Cambodian temples other than those within the Angkor area.
- Entrance fee to Sambor Prei Kuk is $10/ person
Phnom Bakheng: Sunset Temple with a View
Phnom Bakheng occupies a hill overlooking the entire Angkor complex, and is one of the leading temples in Cambodia for viewing sunsets. It was constructed during the later part of the 9th Century (taken as being before the construction of Angkor Wat), and was originally designated as the primary state temple for the country’s former capital, Angkor.
The temple offers visitors a stunning panoramic view, and those who ascend the hill to the top of the temple will be rewarded with this magnificent viewpoint as they look out over the jungle surrounding them and view the silhouette of Angkor Wat in the distance. When viewed at sunset, the temple creates a striking visual image as the sky is filled with shades of pink, orange, and purple, while the surrounding landscape becomes masked in shadow.
In addition to being an important historical temple, Phnom Bakheng offers visitors a breathtaking view. It is an excellent place to end a long day of exploring temples, and it is one of the most visited temples in Cambodia. Visitors who are searching for photographs worthy of winning awards will find themselves rewarded with an incredible experience while at Phnom Bakheng.
- Entrance fee to Phnom Bakheng is included in the Angkor Archaeological Park entrance ticket.
Beng Mealea: The Lost Temple of Cambodia
Beng Mealea, located in the dense jungles east of Angkor Wat, is likely to have been used as an inspiration for building Angkor Wat. As a less developed temple than some of the larger ones in Angkor, visitors to Beng Mealea can explore the temple freely and have an intimate experience climbing over fallen stones and walking through dark hallways.
Beng Mealea is situated in an isolated area and has a wild and rustic appearance compared to many other temples in Angkor, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an immersive and unique temple experience in Cambodia, away from the tourist crowds.
- Entrance fee to Preah Vihear is $10/ person
Lesser-Known Cambodia Temples Worth Visiting
Cambodia boasts many lesser-known sites that provide equally enjoyable experiences with fewer crowds, being quieter than some of the more famous temple complexes.
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Preah Khan is an expansive monastic complex located in the Angkor Archaeological Park. This temple was constructed in the 12th century, and the long, narrow corridors, layered gates, and encroaching foliage create an air of mystery, making it one of the most atmospheric temples within Angkor.
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Ta Som is a small temple known for the large trees growing over the eastern entrance. The temple is compact and easy to traverse, and offers some excellent photo opportunities, as well as a quiet place to rest between longer excursions to the larger Angkor temples.
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Banteay Kdei is a former Buddhist monastery that consists of multiple courtyards and galleries arranged in a maze-like fashion. Although the temple is not completely restored, the open courtyards and time-worn stones allow visitors to experience a calm, contemplative atmosphere.
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Wat Banan is located on the summit of a hill in Battambang. The temple can be accessed via a long staircase and is often said to be a mini version of Angkor Wat. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill and are left with a feeling of being in complete solitude.
Suggested Cambodia Temple Itinerary
If you are planning a temple expedition in Southeast Asia, this is the ideal 3-Day Angkor Itinerary, which allows you time to visit Cambodia’s most celebrated temple sites: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom (including Bayon Temple) on Day 1; Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei and other lesser-known temples within the Angkor complex on Day 2; and Preah Khan and sunset at Phnom Bakheng on the last day of your trip. This itinerary is designed for people who want to explore the temples at a leisurely pace.
Spend five days contemplating a more comprehensive temple experience than just Angkor. After visiting Angkor for three days, you may venture north to Preah Vihear, home to one of Cambodia’s most stunning temples perched high atop a cliff! Your remaining days also allow some flexibility by including tours of more peaceful ruins like Beng Mealea or Sambor Prei Kuk, which provide an even richer and varied temple-themed touring experience.
This short sample itinerary can be easily customized to match different travel styles, durations, and interests. If you are looking for a worry-free journey to the best places to visit in Cambodia and Vietnam, where every detail is carefully handled, from planning and logistics to on-the-ground experiences, Vietnamtour.in offers expert, fully customizable travel solutions designed to help you explore Cambodia with ease and confidence.
Conclusion
Discovering a Cambodia temple is among the most fulfilling ways to learn about the history, beliefs, and design of Cambodia; from the great Angkor Wat to distant cliff-side temples and hidden forest shrines, every temple provides an opportunity to tell a different experience through its architecture and its location.
With these suggestions for the best Cambodia temples, Vietnamtour.in hopes you will have a truly enjoyable journey of discovery!
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