Temples are everywhere in Siem Reap.

There are temples two streets away from where you are standing. There are temples right behind your hotel. There are temples beside the temple that you're visiting. The only difference is how new or old they are; Chances are that you are only interested in seeing the oldest ones.

The first step to your temple tour is to purchase the temple pass. Once that is settled, it's time to brace yourself for the longest, most monotonous excursion in your life. Since it is only natural for travellers to always wanting to make the most out of the limited time that they have in a country, they would then want to experience as much as they could within any given day. Surviving a day (or two, or three, even seven days) of temple tour, however, requires much more determination than you think. After the third temple, a revelation will hit you and you'll start to question yourself as to why you would spend so much time and effort walking around..... ruins and rubble.

So, we did 12 temples within 11 hours. How many can you do? Below is a list of some of the best temples to visit when you are at Siem Reap:

Read also: 10 Must-Try Cambodian Dishes

Table of Content

1. Angkor Wat
2. Angkor Thom
3. Bayon Temple
4. Prasat Prei Temple
5. Prasat Bakong Temple
6. Phnom Bakheng Temple
7. Banteay Srei Temple
8. Terrace of the Elephants
9. Ta Prohm Temple
10. Baphuon Temple
11. Phimeanakas Temple
12. Phnom Kulen Temples
13. Travel Tips During Temple Visits in Cambodia

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat

The northwest Cambodian region of Angkor features awe-inspiring temples that have been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventurous travellers in Southeast Asia. The Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Khmer creativity, is a popular attraction and the largest religious structure worldwide. The temple's perfect blend of symbolism and symmetry is a testament to the Khmer civilization's ingenuity, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient architecture.

Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Top 12 Temples to Visit in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Thom

Undoubtedly, Angkor Thom is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the highest level of creativity. The city's grandeur and scale are a testament to the Khmer civilization's ingenuity, with its three-dimensional representation of Buddhist cosmology being a sight to behold. The ideas embodied in Angkor Thom are so profound that only the most accomplished painters could have dared to portray them, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient architecture.

Located on the west bank of the Siem Reap River, which is a tributary of Tonle Sap, Angkor Thom is approximately a quarter of a mile from the river. The city's south gate is situated 7.2 km north of Siem Reap and 1.7 km north of the entrance to Angkor Wat, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Angkor Thom temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon Temple

Situated within the Angkor complex in Cambodia, the Bayon temple is a lavishly adorned Khmer temple that dates back to the late 12th century. Serving as the state temple for King Jayavarman VII, who was a Mahayana Buddhist, the temple is a remarkable testament to the Khmer civilization's artistic and religious achievements. The Bayon temple's impressive carvings are a sight to behold, providing visitors with a glimpse into the Khmer civilization's rich cultural heritage.

In the past, the Bayon temple was located at the heart of Angkor Thom, the capital of Jayavarman's kingdom. Today, the Bayon temple remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world who are interested in exploring the history and culture of Southeast Asia.

Bayon is packed with tourists that come in hordes. Be patient when waiting for your turn to take a photo of the towers.

Prasat Prei Temple

To the south of Banteay Prei lies the Prasat Prei, also known as the "Sanctuary of the Forest." This temple, although small in size compared to other structures in the area, is a remarkable architectural marvel. The outer enclosure of the temple measures only about 20x24 meters, with a central cruciform sanctuary and a single 'library' located within. Despite its small size, the temple's intricate design and rich cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient architecture.

The entrance to the Prasat Prei temple is through a heavily damaged gopura, which adds to the temple's mystique and allure.

Prasat Prei Temple, Angkor, Cambodia

Prasat Bakong Temple

Bakong, the first temple mountain constructed using sandstone, was built during the Khmer Empire's reign. It served as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the ancient city of Hariharalaya in the late 9th century AD. Today, the temple is located in the quaint village of Roluos, where it continues to be a popular tourist attraction.

Even after all these years, the magnificence of Bakong remains breathtaking, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the Khmer civilization's exceptional achievements. As the first temple mountain constructed entirely from sandstone, it showcases the Khmer's remarkable architectural skills and innovative techniques.

Prasat Bakong temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Nestled in the heart of the Angkor region, Phnom Bakheng stands as a testament to the Khmer civilization's architectural prowess. As the state temple of the first Khmer capital, Yasodharapura, this ancient wonder was constructed between the late ninth and early tenth centuries by Yasovarman I. Though abandoned shortly after its completion, its hilltop location remains a unique feature among the temples of Angkor, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

With its stepped pyramid construction, Phnom Bakheng is a true marvel to behold. The seven levels of terraces, adorned with shrines and guardian lions, decrease in size as you ascend towards the temple's peak, creating an awe-inspiring impression of height. Its design, a built representation of Mount Meru, the center of the physical and metaphysical universes in dharmic religions, further enhances its cultural significance.

Phnom Bakheng has become a popular destination to catch the sunset and gets crowded in the evening

Banteay Srei Temple

Dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva, the Banteay Srei temple was constructed in the 10th century. The temple is located near the Phnom Dei Hill, approximately 25 kilometres north-east of the main temple complexes. While the journey to Banteay Srei can be a bit of a trek, taking about 45 minutes by car from Siem Reap, it is well worth the effort for those interested in exploring the history and culture of Cambodia.

Banteay Srei is originally known as Tribhuvanamahesvara or “citadel of the women”

Terrace of the Elephants

As you stroll along the impressive 350-meter-long and 2.5-meter-high ornamental wall of the Terrace of the Elephants, you'll be transported back in time to the late 12th century. This remarkable structure, adorned with gigantic carved elephants, was built as a viewing platform for King Jayavarman VII to watch his victorious army return from battle. Once attached to the Phimeanakas Royal Palace in the heart of the ancient Khmer capital city, the terrace remains relatively intact today, offering visitors a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Terrace of the Elephants is an UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Angkor Archaeological Park

Ta Prohm Temple

Known to foreigners as the 'Tomb Raider Temple', Ta Prohm is built in Bayon style during the late 12th century. It was originally known as Rajavihara, and was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery. Unlike other Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm is left in the same condition in which it was discovered, with trees growing wildly out of the ruins. It is one of the most visited complexes in the Angkor region thanks to the unique features and untouched ruins.

Ta Prohm or the 'Tomb Raider Temple'

Rajavihara or Ta Prohm in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Baphuon Temple

Built in the mid-11th century as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, this grand three-tiered temple mountain was also dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Its beauty is truly awe-inspiring, with steep stairs leading visitors to a terrace that boasts one of the most magnificent views of the ancient complex.

Baphuon Temple at Angkor, Cambodia

Phimeanakas Temple

Phimeanakas or also known as Vimeanakas is a Hindu temple that was erected in the Khleang style. It was built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman, and was subsequently completed by Suryavarman I. The complex has a rather distinct shape of a three-tier pyramid for a Hindu temple.

Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia is a Hindu temple built in Khleang style

Phnom Kulen Temples

We did not make it to the astounding Phnom Kulen, but you should! The Cambodia's most sacred mointain of Phnom Kulen is home to countless temples and residences, such as the 1000 Lingas at Kbal Spean, the Terrace of Sdach Kum Ling Temple, and Srah Damrei - a large sandstone sculpture of an elephant. Here, you can also catch the view of a cascading waterfall. Phnom Kulen is a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap, and is in an entirely different direction from the other popular temples in the region.

Travel Tips During Temple Visits in Cambodia

Always put on appropriate attire when visiting the temples in Cambodia. You are required to cover yourself with long pants (below the knees) and a shirt or blouse that cover your shoulder. Avoid skirts, shorts, singlets or other types of clothing that are revealing as these are not allowed on temple grounds. Speak softly and avoid obscene behaviours such as kissing, touching or cussing. It is important to respect others spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Dress appropriately, put on a good, comfy pair of shoes and you're ready for temple-hopping adventures across Siem Reap!

Happy templing, and make sure to dress appropriately!
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