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Capital city of the Khmer Empire
Photo: Madelon van de Water Noledam, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Angkor Archaeological Park, near Siem Reap in northern Cambodia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. It's also known for celebrating the engineering of the world's first hydraulic city and was the largest pre-industrial city on Earth, covering roughly 3,000 square kilometers.
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A platform attached to the ruins of Phimeanakas famous for its elephant carvings, which was used by King Jayavarman VII to view his victorious armies returning to the ancient city.
In the corner of the Royal Square of Angkor Thom, this terrace is associated with Dharmaraja. Depicting the image of the Hindu god Yama, it may have been used as a cremation site.
The first temple-mountain constructed in Angkor, with a commanding hilltop location, is under renovation as shown by the cranes hauling piece by piece the stones out from the structure. Extremely popular (and crowded) spot for sunsets: allow half an hour for the sweaty hike to the top, and leave early or bring a torch for the way back. The final climb to the top of the temple is steep and dangerous at dark. The sun does not set over Angkor if seen from here, and any visible temples are in fact quite far away. You are not allowed to climb Phnom Bakheng after 17:30 - hence make sure you arrive earlier. An elephant ride back down the hill will cost US$15 per person, but is best avoided due to animal welfare concerns about the training of elephants.
An incomplete, largely undecorated temple built by Jayavarman V. The stairs at the east side of the monument are least steep and the easiest way to reach the top level.
Built during the time of king Jayavarman VII and is best known as the temple where trees have been left intertwined with the stonework, much as it was uncovered from the jungle. It might be considered in a state of disrepair but there is a strange beauty in the marvelous strangler fig trees which provide a stunning display of the embrace between nature and the human handiwork. This is one of the most popular temples after Angkor Wat and the Bayon because of the beautiful combinations of wood and stone. Black and white film photographers especially love this site because of this and most of the stunning postcard shots of Angkor's trees come from here. A few scenes from Angelina Jolie's Tomb Raider were filmed here. While the temple is very popular, most visitors follow a central route and the sides of the complex can be surprisingly quiet. Large sections of the temple are unstable rubble and have been cordoned off, as they are in real danger of collapse. Restoration of Ta Prohm has included removing plants, and some trees. Parts of the temple have been rebuilt, and wooden walkways run through the site, providing date access for visitors, and ruining photos.
Sprawling Buddhist monastic complex in the style of Ta Prohm. Its name means A Citadel of Chambers, but it is also known as Citadel of Monks' cells. In poor shape, but slowly being restored.
Terrace leading to a pond. Located right across the road from Banteay Kdei.
A little temple to end the little circuit.
Jayavarman VII's first capital, before the completion of Angkor Wat. Large and atmospheric, yet somewhat overshadowed by Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, this temple is partly in disrepair with strangler figs crawling up the walls, but has some excellent carvings and fewer visitors, and is well worth a visit. The temple is some 3 km north of Angkor Thom.
Not really a temple, this is an interesting quick stop. It consists of four ponds surrounding a large pond that has a tower in the middle. This complex is accessible via a 200-meter-long wooden causeway that cuts across the pond.
small temple worth the stop for its well preserved gates and an impressive strangler fig surrounding its far eastern door.
Sitting on what was an island in the now dry East Baray, this is a large, three-story temple-mountain crowned by five towers, like a miniature Angkor Wat. It was built by Rajendravarman II in the 10th century. Many structures are in poor shape, but the temple is best known for its massive (restored) elephant statues.
A temple-mountain close to and quite similar in style to East Mebon, and constructed only a decade later. Like East Mebon, Pre Rup is largely built from brick, rather than sandstone. A popular spot for viewing the sun set into the jungles and rice paddies of the Cambodian countryside.
A five-terraced pyramid in the mountain-temple style.
An island temple constructed in a baray, now dry.
The first temple to be built here, dating from the 9th century.
Located on the eastern edge of the Angkor Archaeological Park. The name Banteay Samre translates into the citadel of the ancient people of Indochina. The single towered temple is beautifully restored.
37 km north of Angkor Wat. This red colored temple is well known for its intricate carvings, and is worth a half-day trip on its own, since it is a bit further from Siem Reap than the main Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat areas. Car and motorcycle drivers will charge a bit extra (US$10) to take you to the temple.
8km north of Banteay Srey. After the man-made monuments of the temples, it can be nice to get back to nature for a while. Also known as the site of 1,000 lingas, the numerous submerged carvings on the rocky river bed may fall short of that number, but it makes for a pleasant walk along the river to a small but attractive waterfall. The 1500-m walk through rainforest past, precariously perched boulders and creeping vines is not too hard but requires a modicum of fitness and care, since some scrambling over rocks are needed, and especially if wet weather has made the steeper sections slippery. There are forks in the trail where the path is not well marked, but one can follow the general rule of climbing up or wait for passing visitors to ask for directions. Drier weather means less water, or none (for example, during the dry season of Jan-Feb), and easier viewing of the carvings. Best combined with a trip out to Banteay Srey.
80 km east of Siem Reap, about 1½ hr by car. Along with Ta Phrom and others, this is a temple which has been left to nature, but unlike Ta Phrom only a few trees have been removed. The trees and creepers that reduced this smaller version of Angkor Wat to ruins are still growing out of walls, and hanging over ruined buildings. This site is great for some atmospheric photos. Much of the route is along wooden boardwalks, although in a couple of places you have to clamber over walls. This can be taken in as part of a trip to the Roluos Group, or a long day trip with Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean, though this will entail about 5 hours travelling in total on some very rough roads. It is included in the Angkor Pass. Bus tours from Siem Reap will cost US$28 per person, or a travel agent can arrange a private car for US$45 for 2-3 people (Feb 2020). The trip can be extended to Koh Ker, located 120 km away.
12 km southwest of Siem Reap. This hilltop temple was built at the end of the 9th century, during the reign of King Yasovarman. The gloomy atmosphere of the temple and the view over the Tonle Sap lake make the climb to the hill worthwhile. A visit to the site can be conveniently combined with a boat trip to the lake. The Angkor Pass is needed to enter the temple so do not forget to bring your passport along when heading to Tonle Sap. The trip can be extended to the floating villages of Chong Khneas (16 km) and Kampong Phluk (31 km) on Tonle Sap Lake.
A double cascade waterfall amidst lush jungle landscape. Ideal for swimming, hiking and picnics. A refreshing break from the heat and temple tours.
Angkor is about 20 minutes to the north, by car or motorbike, from central Siem Reap. See the Siem Reap article for details on getting to the town.
Read in the guideGenerally speaking, two half-day tour options are offered, sun-rise (ends at the hottest time of day) and late morning (which includes sunset). Both last 4-6 hr depending on your tour.
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