Tips for the tropical island of Koh Rong Samloem in Cambodia
April 25, 2023
Content
Visiting Angkor Wat is the highlight of a trip through Cambodia. Spread across the 400 km2 Angkor temple complex are more than 1,000 temples, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat. To visit the most beautiful temples, you need to know where to find them, and in an environment consisting of nothing but jungle and rice fields, this is still quite complicated. So in this article we share useful information and tips for visiting the temples of Angkor.
Angkor temple complex
Just outside the bustling city of Siem Reap lies the mega-sized Angkor temple complex. To avoid confusion, it is useful to mention right here that Angkor is the reference to the entire area, and is not the same as Angkor Wat. In fact, Angkor Wat is the most famous temple and one of the many temples you can visit. The diversity of temples is enormous, but logically explainable since temples were built over a period of 500 years. Several kings therefore influenced the construction of the Angkor temple complex.
The history of Angkor
Angkor Wat is the national symbol of Cambodia and the largest religious structure in the world. Not only Angkor Wat, but all of the Angkor temple complex represents a very interesting civilization: the Khmer Empire. In the year 889 construction of Angkor began and over a period of 500 years they continued to add temple after temple. At the height of the Khmer empire, about 1 million people lived in Angkor.
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire in which it ruled over much of Southeast Asia during the years 800 to 1432. In the 15th century, the Khmer Empire left Angkor and settled in Phnom Penh. Over the centuries, the temples fell into disrepair and nature had free rein. Consequently, many temples were damaged. It was only some 400 years later that Angkor was rediscovered by the French. To this day, they are still restoring the temples.
Visit the most beautiful temples of Angkor
The Angkor temple complex consists of very large as well as small temple ruins. We visited many different temples in 3 days and have highlighted the 10 most beautiful ones below.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is Angkor's most famous and important temple. This gigantic temple is the world's largest religious structure and was built in 32 years by as many as 50,000 people. Initially, Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple but towards the end of construction, in the 12th century, the style was nevertheless changed to Buddhist.Â
The view of the temple is quite impressive as you enter the complex. Follow the wide stone path that leads to the temple's entrance. Inside, feast your eyes on the detailed bas-reliefs and beautiful passageways. Be sure to visit the top of the temple from where you will have a beautiful panoramic view. You may have to wait a while to get to the top, but this is worth it.
To watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, it is best to enter the temple complex around 05:00. The best spot, we find, is to the left of the lake because here you have a beautiful reflection in the lake.
Banteay Srei
The spectacular Banteay Srei temple is about an hour's drive from the central Angkor complex, but it is definitely worth visiting. Combine a visit to Banteay Srei with watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Instead of going into the Angkor Wat after sunrise, leave directly for Banteay Srei. One advantage of this is that you arrive early and get ahead of the crowds (read crowded tour buses).Â
The Bantey Srei, also called the Lady Temple, is a relatively small temple, but is very beautiful because of the bas-reliefs in the stone walls. In our opinion, the temple is one of the most beautiful in Angkor. The name Bantey Srei is derived from the many detailed wall drawings, which could only have been made by women.
Ta Prohm
The Ta Prohm temple is the second most famous and most visited temple in Angkor. You may also know the temple from the movie the Tomb Raider where this location was used as a movie set. Characteristic of this temple are the many trees and plants growing in, through, on and over the stone ruins. So you can clearly see here that the jungle has taken over the temple.
Bayon
The Bayon temple is known for its massive stone faces in the towers, but there are many more faces incorporated into the temple. It is estimated that there are more than 200 (!). Bayon is one of the best preserved temples in Angkor and a picture to see and visit. To reach the top of the temple, you have to pass through some dark, cramped and smelly corridors. Once at the top, you can admire the massive stone faces up close. You can find the faces on the temple's 54 towers, each of which has 4 faces.
Baphuon temple
The Baphuon temple is close to the iconic Bayon temple, so a visit to both temples is easy to combine. The walk up to the pyramid-shaped temple is beautiful. To get to the top of the temple, you have to climb some steep stairs. Once at the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, of which this temple is a part. This Hindu temple has suffered quite a bit of earthquake damage over the years, but they have managed to restore the temple well.
Pre Rup
This beautiful temple was built in 961 by order of Rajendravarman. The appearance of the temple is orange-yellow and is constructed of large brick and sandstones. It is a Hindu temple that consists of three layers and has five towers. You can visit all the layers of the temple by climbing up a steep staircase. Once at the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
Preah Khan
The Preah Khan temple is a mix between Buddhism and Hinduism and dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the largest temples in Angkor. As you walk through the temple you will notice that it consists of many courtyards and beautifully detailed towers. Each corridor leads to the next impressive place in the temple. The temple has four entrances, so remember carefully where you entered.
Ta Som
Another temple where you can see how the lush jungle has taken over the temple is Ta Som. The style and architecture resembles the famous temple Bayon. The temple dates back to the 12th century and was built for King Jayavarman VII. It is a busy temple so make sure you get here early in the morning or towards the end of the afternoon.
Neak Pean
A special temple at the Angkor temple complex is Neak Pean. Namely, this is a Buddhist water temple that you can reach via a long wooden path. The temple is located in the middle of a swamp. Personally, we found the temple itself not very impressive, but the story behind it is very interesting.Â
The temple is surrounded by four pools in the shape of a lotus. The water in these pools is said to consist of healing powers. The four pools are connected to each other and represent fire, water, earth and wind. Swimming in all four pools of water is said to keep your body in balance.
Sra Srang
The Sra Srang temple is located on a vast lake formerly used as a royal bath. A small wooden temple stood on the stone foundation, but unfortunately nothing remains of this. It is the ideal place to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Tips for visiting Angkor
Below we share some helpful tips for visiting Angkor. That way you'll be well prepared and can fully enjoy all the beauty Angkor has to offer!
Hit the road with a tuktuk driver
Exploring the temple complex by tuktuk is incredibly fun to do. You can book a tour to Angkor at any hotel or hostel, but you can also make your own arrangements with a tuktuk driver. Most tuktuk drivers are very familiar with Angkor and can recommend the most beautiful temples for a visit of 1 or more days. Of course you can also indicate which temples you absolutely want to visit.
Dress code
When you visit the Angkor temple complex, you should keep in mind certain dress codes. These mainly relate to women's clothing. Namely, women are expected to wear pants over the knees and shoulders covered. The inspections are not always meticulous, but it is very wise and respectful to adhere to the dress code.
Don't buy anything from children in Angkor
Around the temples, many small children walk around selling water, snacks or souvenirs. As pathetic as it is, do not support this. These children should be going to school and not selling products to tourists. Spending money on this perpetuates this.
Depart on time from Siem Reap
For visiting Angkor, we recommend getting up early. This way you can not only watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat or from another temple, but this way you are also ahead of the crowds and heat. Even if it is your first day visiting the Angkor temple complex, it is wise to go early since you still need to buy tickets.
The cost of visiting Angkor
How much it costs to visit Angkor depends on two things. Namely, the number of days you spend in the Angkor temple complex and how many people you share a tuktuk with. In fact, the price of the tuktuk depends on the number of people and the route.Â
The entrance fee for the Angkor temple complex is based on the number of days. You can choose a day pass at $37 per person or a 3-day pass at $62. We chose the 3-day pass because we wanted to visit many different temples. Also keep in mind that a trip to the Banteay Srei temple requires at least half a day.
Roughly speaking, tuktuk driver prices are around $13 for 6 hours, $16 for 8 hours and $25 for 12 hours. A fee of $5 is added for sunrise. If you want to have a guide while visiting the Angkor temples, you will pay $15 per day for this.
The best travel time to visit Angkor
It can get pretty hot in Cambodia, and believe us, you don't want to walk among the temples on a scorching hot day. The months of April and May are considered the hottest. If you are in Siem Reap around this time, visit Angkor early in the morning and spend the afternoon poolside at your hotel. Therefore, the most attractive period to visit Angkor is from November to February. These months are cooler and there is less rain.
more inspiration for a trip through Cambodia
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
Practical tips for traveling through Cambodia
April 30, 2023
The ultimate 2-week itinerary through Cambodia
April 14, 2023
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
