10 MUST-SEE TEMPLES IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
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Siem Reap is arguably Southeast Asia's historical epicenter.
Nowhere else in the region are so many ancient wonders seen in one place, some dating as far back as 802 A.D. Travelers make tough calls everyday on where to go and what to see among all the tempting sights and sweaty tourists in Siem Reap—as we did!
Temple tours are usually divided into four routes: the small circuit featuring all-stars Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm (best for those with only a day to spare); the big circuit; the Roluos group; and others closeby, including the Banteay Srei that I found unimpressive. We saw these in half-day intervals.
1. PREAH KHAN
What it is: A 12th-century temple once home to King Jayavarman VII and 1,000 Buddhist monks.
Why I love it: Gorgeous marshland setting, ruins are overgrown with trees, a less-crowded version of Ta Prohm
2. BAPHUON
3. BAYON
4. ANGKOR WAT
What it is: The Siem Reap's crown jewel and the biggest religious monument in the world. It's both a 12th-century temple and mausoleum of King Suryavarman II.
5. NEAK PEAN
6. TA PROHM
What it is: The Tomb Raider temple where Angelina Jolie did her acrobatics. This tourist darling was a Buddhist monastery and a university back in the 12th century.
7. BAKONG
8. TA KEO
What it is: A Buddhist temple that began construction in 975 A.D. and passed through the hands of three Khmer kings.
9. TERRACE OF THE LEPER KING
10. BANTEAY SAMRE
What it is: A Hindu temple from the early 12th century.
Nowhere else in the region are so many ancient wonders seen in one place, some dating as far back as 802 A.D. Travelers make tough calls everyday on where to go and what to see among all the tempting sights and sweaty tourists in Siem Reap—as we did!
Temple tours are usually divided into four routes: the small circuit featuring all-stars Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm (best for those with only a day to spare); the big circuit; the Roluos group; and others closeby, including the Banteay Srei that I found unimpressive. We saw these in half-day intervals.
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| See the back of the Angkor Wat and dodge the crowds |
Here are ten of my favorite temples and sights in Siem Reap:
What it is: A 12th-century temple once home to King Jayavarman VII and 1,000 Buddhist monks.
Why I love it: Gorgeous marshland setting, ruins are overgrown with trees, a less-crowded version of Ta Prohm
Best time of the day to go: Anytime
Location: Big circuit
2. BAPHUON
What it is: A newly-restored state temple built by Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century to honor the Hindu god Shiva.
Why I love it: Stunning architecture, historical significance
Best time to go: Early morning, late afternoon
Note: Must cover legs and arms before entry
Location: Small circuit
3. BAYON
What it is: The 12th-century state temple of the illustrious King Jayavarman VII. Some sections are being restored as of Sept. 2013.
Why I love it: Striking exteriors, mysterious giant heads, unlike any other temple
Best time to go: Early morning, late afternoon
Location: Small circuit
4. ANGKOR WAT
What it is: The Siem Reap's crown jewel and the biggest religious monument in the world. It's both a 12th-century temple and mausoleum of King Suryavarman II.
Why I love it: Impressive size
Best time to go: Between 7-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Note: Must cover legs before entering the inner temple
Location: Small circuit
Tip: The best views are at the back where tourists don't usually go. I enjoyed watching the sunrise more than the sunset over Angkor Wat. Also, stay away from the "helpful" people inside the temple, who may just oblige you to donate $5 each.
5. NEAK PEAN
What it is: A 12th-century Buddhist temple built on an artificial island by the awesome King Jayavarman VII (I seriously love this man!). The waters around it are believed to have healing powers.
Why I love it: Charming scenery, wooden bridge, unique setting
Best time to go: Anytime
Location: Big circuit
6. TA PROHM
What it is: The Tomb Raider temple where Angelina Jolie did her acrobatics. This tourist darling was a Buddhist monastery and a university back in the 12th century.
Why I love it: Ruins overgrown with trees, not heavily restored, breathtaking when without crowds
Best time to go: After 4 p.m.
Location: Small circuit
What it is: Siem Reap's first temple-pyramid constructed in the 9th century.
Why I love it: Rarely visited by tourists, one of Siem Reap's oldest temples
Best time to go: Anytime
Location: Roluos group
8. TA KEO
What it is: A Buddhist temple that began construction in 975 A.D. and passed through the hands of three Khmer kings.
Why I love it: Exciting (i.e. deadly) climb to the top
Best time to go: Anytime
Location: Small circuit
Note: Not for the faint-hearted or the arthritic!
9. TERRACE OF THE LEPER KING
What it is: A mystery. Was there even been a leper king? No one knows for sure.
Why I love it: Intricate carvings on the walls
Best time to go: Early morning, late afternoon
Location: Small circuit
10. BANTEAY SAMRE
What it is: A Hindu temple from the early 12th century.
Why I love it: Quiet and peaceful, a smaller version of the Angkor Wat
Best time to go: Anytime
Location: Near big/small circuit
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