Explore Siem Reap's Amazing Ancient Temples: Your Easy Guide
Explore Siem Reap's Amazing Ancient Temples: Your Easy Guide
Siem Reap is the main gateway to a truly special place: the ancient temples of the Khmer Empire. These old stone buildings are like a window into a powerful civilization that lived long ago. They are not just beautiful; they tell stories of history and beliefs.
You might wonder why only these stone temples are left. Well, back then, people only built religious buildings like temples from stone. Other buildings, like homes, were made of wood, which has since disappeared over time. This means the temples we see today were built to last, showing how important religion and kings were to the Khmer people.
This guide will help you discover the most important temples, give you useful tips for your visit, and share some of their fascinating stories.
The Famous Three: Temples You Must See in Angkor
The Angkor Archaeological Park has many temples, but THREE are especially famous and are part of the popular "Small Circuit" tour. Each one offers a different and amazing experience.
Angkor Wat: The Grandest Temple
Equinox at Angkor Wat Photo by @laresidenceblancangkor (Instagram)
Angkor Wat is known worldwide as the biggest religious building on Earth. It's a symbol of Cambodia and is even on the country's flag. Built in the early 1100s by King Suryavarman II, this huge temple complex covers a very large area.
The temple's design represents Mount Meru, a holy mountain in old Hindu stories where gods live. The five main towers are like the mountain's peaks, and the walls and wide moat around it are like the mountains and ocean.
Angkor Wat is special because it faces west, which is unusual for temples in this region. Some experts think it was built as King Suryavarman II's tomb, because the carvings inside are read in a special way (counter-clockwise) that was used in old funeral services. Others believe it faces west because it was built for the god Vishnu, who is linked to the west. This makes the temple even more mysterious and interesting.
The temple is covered in detailed carvings called bas-reliefs. These carvings show scenes from old Hindu stories and are considered some of the best stone carvings ever. You'll also see thousands of beautiful carvings of dancing figures called Apsaras and Devatas. The temple was built using sandstone brought from mountains about 40 kilometers away, moved by a clever system of canals.
Many visitors love to watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. The best spot is by the reflection ponds, especially the one on the left side of the main path. To get a good spot, you should arrive very early, often by 4:30 AM, as the park opens at 5:00 AM. It's a good idea to buy your Angkor Pass the day before so you don't waste time in line.
Building Angkor Wat was a huge effort. It took over 35 years and more than 300,000 people, mostly farmers, to complete. This shows the incredible power and ambition of the Khmer Empire. When you visit, think about all the people who worked to create this lasting wonder.
Bayon Temple: The Temple with Many Faces
Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple is right in the middle of Angkor Thom, which was King Jayavarman VII's capital city. It looks very different from Angkor Wat and is known for its unique, detailed style.
Its most famous feature is the many calm, smiling stone faces on its towers. There are over 200 faces on 37 towers that are still standing. Many believe these faces look like King Jayavarman VII himself. Some think they represent Avalokitesvara, a Buddhist figure of kindness, while others believe they show Brahma, a Hindu god, because they have four sides.
The Smiling Faces of Bayon
Bayon was the last main temple built in Angkor and the only one mainly for Buddhist gods under King Jayavarman VII. Later, when the empire returned to Hinduism, some changes were made to the temple, including the destruction of a main Buddha statue, which was later found again. This shows how religions changed over time in the Khmer Empire.
The outer walls of the temple have detailed carvings that show historical events and everyday life of the Khmer people. You can see armies marching, elephants, and scenes of markets and palace life. The inner walls, added later, show stories from Hindu myths.
Bayon's many faces and close-together buildings make it feel like you're exploring a maze. The smiling faces seem to follow you, giving the temple a special, mysterious feeling. It's a great place for unique photos.
Ta Prohm: Where Nature Takes Over
The frontyard of Ta Prohm temple
Ta Prohm temple, located near Angkor Wat, is famous today as the "Tomb Raider Temple" because it was featured in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Actress Angelina Jolie, who starred in the movie, is said to have loved Cambodia after visiting this temple.
What makes Ta Prohm so special is how nature has grown into it. Huge silk-cotton and fig trees, with their "snake-like roots," have wrapped themselves around the old stone buildings, creating a stunning and wild look. Early experts decided to leave the temple mostly as they found it, because they saw its "beautiful ruined look". This choice makes Ta Prohm a unique place where you can see nature and ancient art together.
Tree growing on the temple-outside area
Massive tree roots l
Tree growing on the temple
Tree roots spreading over the temple wall
Popular spot
In the past, Ta Prohm was called Rajavihara, meaning "Royal Monastery". King Jayavarman VII built it in 1186 AD as a Buddhist monastery and school, dedicating it to his mother. Old writings found here show that a huge number of people, almost 80,000, worked for or lived around the temple, showing how important it was as a center for learning and daily life. Recent discoveries, like parts of a gold crown, add even more to its story.
Ta Prohm's design is "flat," unlike older temples that looked like mountains. You'll see gates with smiling faces, like those at Angkor Thom, and beautiful carvings of dancers. For photographers, the tree roots framing doorways are a must-see. There's even a famous carving that some people think looks like a dinosaur, which is a fun spot for a photo.
More Temples to See: Small and Grand Tours
If you have more time to explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, there are two main routes: the Small Circuit and the Grand Circuit.
Source: travelchinaguide
The Small Circuit: A Classic Trip
The Small Circuit is the most popular route for first-time visitors. It covers 14 temples over 17 kilometers and usually takes 6 to 8 hours. Besides Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm, this tour includes other important sites:
- Angkor Thom Complex: A large walled city with many temples inside.
- South Gate of Angkor Thom: A huge entrance with carved faces.
- Terrace of the Elephants & Terrace of the Leper King: Royal platforms where kings watched parades.
- Baphuon: A tall temple inside Angkor Thom.
- Ta Keo Temple: A tall pyramid temple that offers good views if you climb to the top.
- Banteay Kdei Temple: Peaceful old monastery ruins that are usually less crowded than Ta Prohm.
- Srah Srang: An old royal pool, also a nice quiet spot for sunrise.
- Phnom Bakheng: A small temple on a hill, popular for sunset views, but it can get very busy.
A typical one-day plan for the Small Circuit starts with sunrise at Angkor Wat, then exploring Angkor Thom and Bayon, a lunch break, and an afternoon visit to Ta Prohm.
This circuit can get crowded, especially during peak times. To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM (though it can be hot then) or in the late afternoon (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM). Weekdays are also generally less crowded than weekends.
Here's a quick look at some temples on the Small Circuit:
| Temple Name | Time Needed | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| Angkor Wat | 2-3 hours | Very High |
| Bayon Temple | 45 minutes | High |
| Ta Prohm | 1 hour | High |
| Ta Keo | 30 minutes | Medium |
| Terrace of Elephants | Varies | Medium |
| Terrace of Leper King | Varies | Medium |
| Banteay Kdei | Varies | Low to Medium |
| Phnom Bakheng | Varies | High (sunset) |
The Grand Circuit: For a Deeper Look
The Grand Circuit is a longer tour, covering 21 temples over 26 kilometers, and usually takes 8 to 10 hours. This route is great if you want a quieter experience and unique photo spots away from the main crowds.
This circuit lets you see how Khmer building styles changed over time, helping you understand the empire's history better. Some key temples on this route include:
- Pre Rup Temple: Built in 961 AD, this temple was used for royal cremations and offers great views, especially at sunset.
- East Mebon Temple: This temple used to be on an island in a big lake that has since dried up.
- Banteay Srei Temple: About 25 kilometers from the main area, this temple is known as the "Citadel of Women" and has the "most detailed carvings" in Angkor.
- Ta Som Temple: A smaller temple famous for a tree growing through its entrance gate, a quieter option than Ta Prohm.
- Neak Pean Temple: A unique round temple on an artificial island, meant to look like a mythical lake.
- Preah Khan Temple Complex: A very large complex that was once a university and a city. It takes about 90 minutes to explore fully.
Here's a look at some temples on the Grand Circuit:
| Temple Name | Special Feature/Highlight | Distance from Center (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre Rup Temple | Royal cremation site, great views | - |
| East Mebon Temple | Former island temple | 8 km |
| Banteay Srei Temple | Most detailed carvings | 25 km |
| Ta Som Temple | Tree growing through gate | 5 km |
| Neak Pean Temple | Unique circular temple on island | - |
| Preah Khan Temple Complex | Ancient university and city | 3 km |
Temples Further Out: For the Adventurous
If you have even more time, you can visit some temples that are further away. These include Beng Mealea, often called the "Indiana Jones" temple because it's covered in jungle; Koh Ker, an old capital with a special 7-story pyramid; and Banteay Chhmar, a remote temple with impressive carvings. Keep in mind that some areas, like Phnom Kulen National Park, might require extra fees.
Planning Your Temple Trip: Tips for Visitors
To make your temple visit smooth and enjoyable, here are some practical tips and things to remember about local customs.
Angkor Pass: Your Ticket to the Temples
You need an official Angkor Pass to enter the Angkor Archaeological Park. Here are the different options:
| Pass Type | Price (USD) | Valid For (Non-Consecutive Days) | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | $37 | 5 days | Short visits |
| Three-Day Pass | $62 | 10 days | Flexible exploring |
| Seven-Day Pass | $72 | 30 days | Deep exploration |
The passes that are valid for non-consecutive days are great because they let you take breaks between temple visits. You can relax, see other parts of Siem Reap, or go back to your favorite temples at different times of day. This helps you avoid getting tired of temples and enjoy your trip more.
You can buy passes at the official ticket office, which is about 4 kilometers from the main temples and open from 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. If you want to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, it's best to buy your pass the day before. A nice thing to know is that $2 from each pass goes to the Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital. Always keep your pass safe, as you'll need it to enter the park again.
Getting Around: How to Travel
Angkor Wat is about 5.5 kilometers from Siem Reap city. If you arrive at the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which is about 50 kilometers east of the city, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to get to Angkor Wat by taxi, costing around $30 USD.
Inside Siem Reap and the Angkor Archaeological Park, you have a few ways to get around:
| Way to Travel | Good Points | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk | Easy to find, charming, affordable, flexible | Open-air, driver might not speak much English, exposed to weather |
| Bicycle | Freedom to explore, good exercise, eco-friendly | Requires effort, can be traffic, weather can be hot |
| Motorbike | Freedom, flexible, faster | Need a license, safety concerns, traffic |
| Car or Tuk-tuk Tour | Comfortable, guided, personalized | More expensive, less flexible if you want to explore on your own |
Tuk-tuks are very popular and convenient. Riding a tuk-tuk also lets you experience local life. You can talk to your driver, get tips, and learn more about Siem Reap. It's common to agree on a price for a round trip or for a certain number of hours.
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Showing Respect: Visitor Rules
Since the Angkor temples are sacred places, it's important to follow certain rules to show respect. There's a strict dress code: you must wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This means no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops inside the temples. If you don't follow this rule, you might not be allowed in. It's best to wear loose, breathable clothes to stay comfortable in the warm weather while still being respectful.
Here are some general rules for visitors:
- Always carry your Angkor Pass, as it will be checked often.
- Be quiet and thoughtful of other visitors.
- Don't climb on the structures or touch the carvings to help protect them.
- Stay on the marked paths to keep the site safe and preserved.
Taking Pictures: Photography Tips
Taking photos of the Angkor temples is a great way to remember your trip. Here are some tips:
For your camera gear, a wide-angle lens is very helpful to capture the huge size of the temples. A telephoto lens can also be useful for getting close-up shots of details or the faces at Bayon Temple. Since you'll be taking many photos, bring extra batteries, especially if you have a mirrorless camera, as they use more power.
Tripods can be tricky to use in crowded areas, especially during sunrise at Angkor Wat. A monopod is a lighter option for steady shots in low light. The best times to take photos are usually before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, because the midday sun can create harsh shadows. Cloudy days can actually be good for photos, as they provide soft, even light.
Dealing with crowds is important for clear photos. Be patient and wait for groups to move out of your shot. For the famous Angkor Wat sunrise, arrive very early, even before the park opens, to get a good spot by the reflection ponds.
To make your photos more interesting, "Think Outside the Wat". Look for colorful signs, plants, and scenes of daily life to add more to your story. Try different angles, like lying on the ground or holding your camera high. Also, remember to look up for amazing carvings on ceilings and other hidden details.
Some technical tips: use a slow shutter speed for clearer photos, especially with moving clouds or water. When taking reflection shots, make sure lily pads don't block the temple's reflection. Vertical photos often look better on phones and social media. You can use photo editing software like Lightroom to make your pictures look even better. Finally, because Siem Reap is hot and humid, try to keep your camera out of air conditioning when you're not using it to prevent the lens from fogging up. Carry a lens cloth just in case.
Some of the best photo spots
Preah Khan Temple’s front entrance
List of temples in Siem Reap and Other Provices
Source: នាម - Neam
Local Tips: Money and Food
Cambodia uses two types of money: the Khmer Riel and US Dollars. Only US Dollar
notes are accepted, not coins. Also, people in Cambodia are very picky about the quality of USD notes; they might not accept old or damaged ones. You'll often get your change in Khmer Riel.
Trying the local food is a big part of visiting Siem Reap. Some popular Cambodian dishes include:
- Beef Lok Lak: A tasty beef dish with onions, tomatoes, and lettuce, served with rice and a savory sauce.
- Amok: A very popular dish, usually made with fish or chicken, known for its unique flavor and served with rice.
- Sour Soup: A refreshing soup with meat and vegetables.
- Khmer Curry: Unlike Indian curries, Khmer curry is not spicy and is often eaten with bread or rice.
When shopping, be careful if you're buying gemstones or jewelry, as they are often fake. However, clothes, silk, handicrafts, and other small souvenirs are usually good buys and much cheaper than in Western countries.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Time
The temples of Siem Reap are more than just old buildings; they are a journey through time and spirit. They show the amazing history, art, and beliefs of the Khmer Empire. From the grand Angkor Wat to the mysterious faces of Bayon and the wild beauty of Ta Prohm, each place tells a unique story of human skill, religious devotion, and the passing of centuries.
By planning your visit well, respecting local customs, and taking thoughtful photos, you'll have an unforgettable experience exploring the heart of Cambodia's ancient wonders.