Temples

Angkor Wat Considered by many to be one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived it was built by Suryavarman II to honour Vishnu and for use as his funerary temple. The central temple complex consists of three storeys, each of which encloses a square surrounded by intricately interlinked galleries. Rising 31m above the third level and 55m above the ground is the central tower, which gives the whole ensemble its sublime unity. A vast moat surrounds the temple.

Stretching around the outside of the central temple complex is a series of extraordinary bas reliefs. The most famous scene, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, is along the southern section of the east gallery. This brilliantly executed carving depicts 88 asuras (devils) on the left and 92 devas (gods) with crested helmets on the right, churning up the sea to extract the elixir of immortality.

Angkor Thom is 10 sq km in size with an 8m high stone wall and is surrounded by moat. There are 5 causeways leading entry gates. As with Beijing's 'Forbidden City', only Religious, Royal and high ranking staff were allowed to live within the walled city.

Bakong, Preah & Lolei 3 ruins on route 6, about 10 km east of Siem Reap has no entry fee and is a good place to visit for half a day.

Boeng Mealea is a newly discovered temple which has not yet been renovated.

Banteay Kdei Temple was constructed by Jayavarman VII between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its system of galleries and vestibules were added after the construction of the main towers makes it look like somewhat like a church. Built in sandstone and is now very deteriorated but there are still some very beautiful lintels and pediments.

Banteay Srei 25 km north of Angkor Wat has bas-relief and carvings that are the best preserved and most detailed. Built by a Brahman in pink sandstone, it was dedicated to Shiva.

Bayon Temple Dominating the temple is the 45 m tower surrounded by 51 smaller towers, all with eerily smiling Avalokitesvara faces carved into them. The best time to visit the Bayon is at sunrise or sunset when the shadows and shafts of light make the faces, more enigmatic.

East Mebon Temple was built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman, and is situated on a small island in the middle of Oriental Baray.  It has all the characteristics of a mountain temple and is accessible by boat only.  From the inscriptions found closeby, we know that Rajendravarman dedicated it to his parents.

Gecko Environment Centre This centre promotes environmental awareness and education to the local communities in regards to sustainable management of the Tonle Sap lake. It is interesting and well worth popping by. Children too will find it fascinating.

Kbal Spean is a sacred Khmer site in the mountains where you can see beautiful carvings.

Neak Pean Temple located in the centre of 5 lakes (which are sometimes dried out) is worth a visit. It was built by Jayavarman 12^th and was supposedly consecrated to Buddha. The ornamental lakes surrounding it were meant for the pilgrims to wash and purify themselves before reaching the supreme perfection.

Phnom Krom is a hill just north from Lake Tonle Sap. There is a crumbled Angkor ruin & a new monastery on the top which affords a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The best time to visit, like many of the ruins, is at sunrise or sunset.

Preah Khan (Holy Sword) Buddhist Temple built by Jayavarman VII in 1191 is said to be the site where the Khmer defeated Champa. The outer gate is guarded by 2 giant Garuda.

Pre Rup Temple was built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman. The Khmer people believe it was a funeral monument.

Roluos About 10 km from Siem Reap, lies the complex of Roluos, one of the first Khmer capitals built by Jayavarman II, then called Hariharalaya. Today only three remain, the Hindu sanctuaries: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei.  All three temples are built of brick and though they are not as spectacular as the other temples of Angkor, they are well preserved and very interesting.

Ta Prohm Left in its 'natural' state, still overgrown by jungle, huge tree roots twisted around the temple. It is one of Angkor Wat's highlights.

Takeo Temple was built in the 10th century by Surayavarman I and its construction remains unfinished. It is a pyramid on 5 levels whose total height is 22 meters and is dedicated to Shiva.

Terrace of Elephants The 350m-long Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king's grand audience hall. The middle section of the retaining wall is decorated with human-size garudas and lions. Towards either end are the two parts of the famous Parade of Elephants.

Terrace of the Leper King Named after Yama, a naked god of death and now covered in lichen, thus giving the impression of a leper. (This statue is a reproduction, the original Leper King Statue is in the National Museum, Phnom Penh.

Note: There seems to be a lot of corruption regarding buying tickets to the temples. Many tourists are paying and then not getting their tickets. Don't feel pressured to buy from your hotel or moto driver if you don't feel happy. Tickets can be purchased easily & very quickly either from the Tourist Office or from the ticket booths at the checkpoints on the roads leading from Siem Reap to the temples.

Other Sightseeing Options

Angkor Zoo can be found at Mondol Chon Pika, within the Angkor compound. Be warned though, the animals are not looked after very well and the cages often small and inadequate. This is perhaps not the best place to visit if you truly care for animals.

Barays East and West are two enormous lakes, both man made. They were central to the health of Khmer civilisation. East Baray is now empty, but the western one is still half full and has a popular beach that locals often frequent.

Crocodile Farm Siem Reap Crocodile Farm is at the south end of town on the road to Tonle Sap Lake. There is a restaurant here too where you can savour a meal made from crocodile meat.

Helicopter Sightseeing Helicopters Cambodia Ltd. provides aerial sightseeing tours over the main Angkor Temples for a truly breathtaking view of this World Heritage site. Note: Departure times subject to a minimum number of passengers and prevailing weather conditions.

Lake Tonle Sap River boats can be hired for about 90 minutes to tour the floating village on the nearby Lake Tonle Sap, where you can see everything from fish farms to floating petrol stations.

Land Mine Museum This has a private collection of mines and bombs that were disarmed and cleared from the Cambodian landscape by the proprietor.

Les Chantier-écoles de Siem Reap Funded jointly by the Ministry of Youth and Sport and la Ligue Française d’Enseignement et Education Permanent, Ecole-Chantier came into existence in 1992. Its mission is to keep traditional skills alive by teaching them to talented apprentices. Visitors are welcome at the school, which is located on a quiet lane behind the night market. Students here can be seen pursuing their vocations in wood and stone carving as well as fine building crafts such as carpentry, masonry and tile work.

Market Sightseeing Walk around the old Psar Chas Market in Siem Reap and see the busy local trading life. Traditional handcrafts abound including silks, silver jewellery, wood carvings, lacquer-ware and souvenirs.

Prek Tuol Bird Sanctuary is where you can see numerous different bird species. Cross the Tonle Sap lake tothe floating village of Prek Tuol. From there, it is advisable to take a guide with you in to the wild-bird sanctuary and observe the numerous birds in their natural habitat. Note: From June to November, it is unlikely to see birds in the reserve.

Phnom Kulen is another hill, north-east of Siem Reap beyond Banteay Srei. Very popular with Khmers at weekends, there is a large waterfall here. Nearby is a river where the riverbed carvings of Kbal Spean (river of 1000 linga's) can be seen. Note: Currently, significant bribes are needed to tour these areas, but hopefully this is improving.

Silk Farming and Production To see silk production from mulberry bush to lustrous fabric, ask for a pass to visit the training facility at Poeuk. There is a small shop with finished work for sale.

Sras Srang is the royal pool and is situated opposite the east gate of Banteay Kdei.  It is also known as the King's Bath.

Stone and Woodcarving School Treat yourself to a trip to the Stone and Woodcarving School of Siem Reap where reproductions of the ancient Khmer temple carvings are reproduced for the commercial market along with many other interesting pieces. Prices here tend to be cheaper than elsewhere in Siem Reap for carvings, so a trip here, is well worth it, even if only for the lower prices you'll get.

Traditional Dance Shows Experience the dance and music styles of a Khmer dance performance. Discover the history and legends of the Kingdom through various types of popular and classical dances performed by the Apsara Ballet troupe. Step back in time to the courts of the Angkorian Kings and wonder at the magnificence of the traditionally styled performers' costumes.

Note: For more information on things to see and do in Cambodia please take a look at our Sightseeing pages, our Sport and Activity pages and our Children's Activity pages, our Top 10 Things to do pages for each area you intend visiting .