Tips for temple tours in Cambodia: which ones to visit if there are so many???

Many people only want to visit big famous temples but there are many small temples worth a visit too. When we visit the temples, normally, we would only think about the outer layout and architecture. However, each temple has different history to tell and has the spiritual significance of architectural features, points of bringing the temples to life as well as the combination of the nature. Some people would question, since there are many temples, which ones should I visit? Among all points above, and only consider the unique architecture and stories, from my personal experiences; I would recommend these temples for a record:

1.      Angkor Wat (Siem Reap) – biggest Hindu temple in the world, uniqueness of spring and autumn equinox when the sun are above the middle tower of Angkor. Hundreds of Apsaras with different hairstyles. This temple is least ruined compared to others.

Apsara carving at outside wall of Angkor Wat temple

2.      Taprum (Siem Reap) – amazing combination of big trees and the temples. It is more like temple in the jungles. Instagram bucket list!

3.      Bayon (Siem Reap) - the temple of smiling faces, Instagram bucket list! There are three layouts/galleries which speak a lot for Cambodian people. Outer gallery has many bas reliefs about daily life and historical events such as cockfighting, Khmer circus, kickboxing, life at the market, naval war with Champaa. It tells us about Cambodian people’ lives at that time. The inner gallery is more mighty figures and bas relief such as Vishnu, Shiva and Brahmas. The top floor is about smiling faces stone to all direction. This is what made the temple amazing.

4.     Preah Khan (Siem Reap) – while you are in Angkor Thom compound, it worth a visit another one as it is very closed to Bayon temple. With a huge complex and different styles, you should spend time to visit this temple. 

5.      Banteay Srei (Siem Reap)
– detailed carving with such beautiful masterpieces. This is rather small temple but more interesting at how they could carve such tiny details. Best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon. It is 45km away from Siem Reap town.

6. Koh Ker, Prasat Thom/Prasat Prang (Preah Vihear province) – the pyramid alike temple located about 100km away from Siem Reap, on the way to Preah Vihear. This temple is unique compared to other temples in Cambodia. However, there are 5-6 beautiful temples to see in this area, one of them is Prasat Pram – with massive roots of trees above, it is quite like Taprum in some sense! The only Pyramid temple they see in Asia!

7. Preah Vihear temple (Preah Vihear province) – temple located on top of the mountain border with Thailand.

8. Prast Preah Khan Kompong Svay (Preah Vihear province) - different styles with uniqueness of four faces buddha just 100km from provincial town, in Sangkum Thmey district. There are many temples in this compound too. Many of them also ruined. Here, you will witness how cruel people at time tried to take away the rock from temple’s building. It is rather quiet all year round. If you visit this temple, do not forget to check an ecotourism site called Betreed Adventure. It is a great project by a family of American-Australian to take care of the forest. You can stay in their treehouse and see various animals coming around. 

   

With time constraints and similarities between temples, I would only suggest these much of them to you. Other temples are pretty much or less like ones another. With these 8 temples, you would need at least one full day and half at Siem Reap and one full day and half Preah Vihear. Tickets might be purchased separately from Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. Always check with the counter when you are there. 

However, if you have time to spare, there are many many temples surrounding these temples, such as Bakong and Preah Ko temple for pre-Angkorian styles, Bakheng and Pre Rup for sunset, and many other small temples around Bayon and Angkor Thom. 

If you are the temple lovers, there are list of temples you can sneak in :)