Best 10 Temples in Siem Reap

With hundreds of temples scattered throughout Angkor - World Cultural Heritage Site in Siem Reap province, you can only select a few priorities of the biggest, most beautiful temples lying in best locations to admire.

Angkor Wat means “Temple City” (Angkor: "city" or "capital city") while Angkor Thom means “Great City”. These are two the most important relics in Cambodia, which are considered as supreme constructions of Khmer art and architecture.

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the greatest, best beautiful temple and situated in the best location among all temples in Angkor Complex Site. Angkor Wat was constructed under the dynasty of King Suryavarman II in the first half of 12th century, which is the pinnacle of Khmer architecture. This temple is well-known for long passage-ways carved with hundreds of Hinduism epic relievo statues along with thousands of absolutely stunning Apsara woman dancer statues.  

To walk and explore Angkor Wat entirely, you will have to spend a whole day. This is also the best place to contemplate sunrise in Angkor. 

2. Bayon

Lying in Angkor Thom ensemble, Bayon is remembered by hundreds of giant, spectacular four-faced-statues. Bayon was built in 12th century by Jayavarman VII, which is the only national temple in Angkor built for Mahayana Buddhism, dedicated to worship Buddha. After the death of King Jayavarman, Bayon was remodeled to Hinduism style.

This is the most impressive temple in Angkor Complex thanks to its majesty about scale along with mysterious, spiritual emotions when admiring this temple.

3. Ta Keo temple

Takeo temple was made of green sandstones, which is the sole temple not completed in Angkor Thom. Ta Keo was erected by King Jayavarman V, the son of Rajendravarman, as he was 17 years old. This temple is dedicated to worship God Shiva. However, Ta Keo was never accomplished due to the death of the king.

A legend was related that the temple had been struck by lightning while it had been constructing, and all work had been stopped in the period that primary structures had been newly completed.

4. Ta Prohm

Built in 1186, Ta Prohm is a Buddhism temple dedicated for the mother of King Jayavarman VII. This is one of a few temples in Angkor having proofs which provide information about inhabitants of the temple. Ta Prohm used to be home of over 12,500 people. After the fall of Khmer Empire in the 15th century, the temple was abandoned. Trunks have grown over the walls creating an occult, extraordinary beauty for the temple. 

Someone who used to watch the film Tomb Raider of the star Angelina Jolie will specially want to visit Ta Prohm.

5. Banteay Kdei

The temple located next to Ta Prohm is Banteay Kdei, meaning “A Citadel of Chambers”, also known as “Citadel of Monk’s Cells”. This is a Buddhism temple in Angkor, built in early 13th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This Buddhism monastery now decays a lot due to incorrect construction and poor quality of sandstones. 

If you are ones who fancy culture and beauty, you will not miss these ruins with graceful carved motifs on walls of the temple.

6. Pre Rup

Pre Rup temple looks like a miniature Angkor with three towers in the center. The temple was made of grey sandstone, which is less durable than pink sandstone like in several other temples in Angkor. Pre Rup is used as a place to cremate bodies of the Royal lineage.

Undergoing many centuries it was abandoned, complicated carved details in this temple has been eroded. 

7. Preah Khan

This is one of biggest temples in Angkor, constructed by King Jayavarma VII to offer his father – Dharanindra, was also the temporary residence of this king as Angkor Thom was under construction. Preah Khan was surrounded by a layer of citadel. Many construction categories was connected each other by two plus-shaped-corridors divided the temple into 4 parts. At head of each corridor, there is a temple gate with two colossal statues standing guard.

This breathtaking temple has retained numerous invaluable masterpieces overlaid by moss through the years. 

8. Phnom Bakheng

This Hinduism temple was constructed in late 9th century, the architectural center of the new capital under the reign of King Yasovarman. The temple faces east, lying in a 6-story-pyramid. After accomplishment, Phnom Bakheng had 108 small towers surrounding the temple on the ground and on the floors. 

Located in top of a hill, Phnom Bakheng is one of best places to witness dawn in Angkor.

9. Banteay Srei

Located nearly 30 km from Angkor Wat, but Banteay Srei is the temple cannot forget in Angkor. This temple with delicate, charming contours was built to worship Gods of Hindu and Shiva. Banteay Srei or “the temple of women” is a wonderful picture about sculpture art on laterite and red sandstone.

The temple is rated as the pinnacle of art with relievo statues and motifs created in a subtle, ingenious way for every small detail.

10. Preah Palilay

Preah Palilay is a very small temple which is little known, situated in the behind precinct of Elephant court. This is a Buddhism temple based on Bayon style, although there are a number of Hinduism carved parts. The temple is striking with the chimney-shaped tower and sculpture statues of God Naga really fabulous from the gate. 

The small temple ruins, hiding deeply inside Angkor Thom area but it is really attractive under cool shade of a green tree garden.

TIP: To discover Angkor Complex site, you can trek or bike over Angkor. Animated activities will make your discovery more interesting and bring you new experiences, especially as you go through forests and encounter amazing ruins.