Cambodia’s temples, especially those in the ancient metropolis of Angkor, represent the country’s spirit. They are more than just historical monuments; they are alive, breathing reminders of the Khmer people’s culture, artistry, and spiritual tenacity.

The sheer scale of the Angkor Archaeological Park can be intimidating to the adventurous traveler. It covers more than 400 square kilometers and houses hundreds of temples, ranging from beautifully preserved masterpieces to moss-covered, neglected forest ruins.

Here is the curated a list of Seven Ancient Temples that you absolutely must visit. This selection moves beyond the iconic, providing a full spectrum of the Khmer architectural timeline, religious shifts, and the mesmerizing dance between stone and jungle.

Prepare to journey back in time, tracing the footsteps of mighty kings, priests, and artisans who carved an empire out of sandstone.

The Khmer Empire: A Brief History in Stone

The temples we see were constructed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, known as the Angkorian era. At the time, the Khmer Empire was one of the world’s greatest empires. Their rulers, known as devaraja (god-kings), built gigantic temple-mountains to house their personal deities as well as state temples and, eventually, mausoleums. The development of these structures mirrors a remarkable religious journey:

• Early Temples: Dedicated primarily to the Hindu god Shiva (the destroyer).
• Mid-Period (Angkor Wat): Dedicated to Vishnu (the preserver).
• Late Period (Bayon): Dedicated to Mahayana Buddhism, following the reign of the great King Jayavarman VII.

1. Angkor Wat: The Ultimate Masterpiece

If Cambodia has a crown jewel, it is Angkor Wat. Its image is emblazoned on the nation’s flag, and for good reason: it is the largest religious monument in the world, a feat of engineering and artistry unmatched in its time.

The Architecture: A Cosmic Mountain

Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Its design is a sublime, three-dimensional representation of the Hindu cosmos.

• Mount Meru: The central five towers (quincunx) symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. The tallest central tower stands 65 meters high, soaring above the surrounding jungle.
• The Cosmic Ocean: A massive moat, measuring 190 meters wide and spanning over five kilometers in perimeter, completely encircles the complex, representing the cosmic oceans that surround Mount Meru.
• Symmetry and Grandeur: The entire complex is oriented to the west, a rare alignment in Khmer temples, possibly because it was intended as a funerary temple for the King, whose patron deity was Vishnu (associated with the west).

Unparalleled Bas-Reliefs: The Stone Library

Perhaps the most astonishing feature is the nearly one kilometer of bas-reliefs lining the walls of the outer gallery. These incredibly detailed carvings are a historical and mythological encyclopedia:

• The Churning of the Ocean of Milk: This epic mural is a highlight, depicting 92 asuras (demons) and 88 devas (gods) using the serpent Vasuki as a churning rope to extract the elixir of immortality.
• Khmer History: Other sections depict King Suryavarman II leading his armies into battle, offering a vivid glimpse into the military might and court life of the era.
• Apsaras: Thousands of exquisite carvings of celestial dancing maidens (Apsaras) adorn every pillar and wall, each with a unique hairdo and jewelry, a testament to the skill of the Khmer sculptors.

The Visitor Experience: The Essential Sunrise

The sunrise at Angkor Wat is a must-see for anybody visiting Cambodia. Arrive before 5:00 a.m. to join a peaceful crowd in front of the northern reflecting pond. As the first rays of morning brighten the sky, the temple’s beautiful silhouette emerges from the darkness, marking a profoundly spiritual event that goes beyond tourist.

Expert Tip: After sunrise, do not follow the crowds out. Instead, go straight inside the temple complex while others are walking back to their hotels for breakfast. You will often have the inner sanctums and the magnificent bas-relief galleries almost entirely to yourself.

2. Angkor Thom & Bayon: The City of Smiling Faces

Angkor Thom (literally “Great City”) is a beautiful fortified city located just north of Angkor Wat. After a disastrous Cham invasion in the late 12th century, the great Buddhist King Jayavarman VII built Angkor Thom, his final, triumphant city, which covered 9 square kilometers.

Angkor Thom: The Mandala City

Angkor Thom is an architectural representation of a Mandala (a cosmic diagram) with the Bayon Temple placed precisely at its geographical and spiritual center.

• The Gateways: You enter the city through one of five magnificent gates, the most famous being the South Gate. The causeway leading to the gate is lined by an extraordinary spectacle: a railing made of 54 larger-than-life stone figures on each side, representing devas (gods) and asuras (demons) engaged in a cosmic tug-of-war. The gate itself is topped by four colossal, smiling faces.
• Terrace of the Elephants: Inside the complex, don’t miss the 350-meter-long viewing platform once used by the King to watch public ceremonies and review his victorious army. It features detailed carvings of elephants and their drivers.

The Bayon: An Enigma of Stone

The true heart of Angkor Thom, and perhaps the most memorable temple after Angkor Wat, is the Bayon. It is renowned for its sheer architectural audacity and its mysterious, iconic feature.

• The Faces: The Bayon is a labyrinth of approximately 200 colossal stone faces carved into its 54 towers. These enigmatic, serene, and slightly mocking visages stare out over the surrounding landscape from every direction. Scholars believe they represent the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, and were also modeled on the compassionate face of King Jayavarman VII himself, simultaneously asserting his divine and earthly authority.
• A Fusion of Faiths: Unlike the purely Hindu Angkor Wat, the Bayon is a Mahayana Buddhist temple that artfully integrates Hindu mythology, reflecting the syncretic nature of Jayavarman VII’s reign.
• Bas-Reliefs of Daily Life: While Angkor Wat’s reliefs focus on epics, Bayon’s outer galleries offer a fascinating departure, depicting vivid scenes of 12th-century everyday Khmer life: markets, cockfights, women cooking, and a famous naval battle on the Tonle Sap lake.

Expert Tip: The greatest time to photograph Bayon’s faces is mid-morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM), when the sun hits the stone at an angle, highlighting the expressions and casting dramatic shadows. Get to the upper platform for an unrivaled glimpse of the faces from eye level.

3. Ta Prohm: When Stone Meets Jungle

If you saw an image of roots strangling an ancient wall, you were probably looking at Ta Prohm. This temple, which was famously featured as a scene in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, provides the most stunning and terrifying view of the ancient city of Angkor.

A Legacy of Conservation by Neglect

Ta Prohm was built in 1186 AD by King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to his mother. Unlike most other major temples, the École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) decided to leave Ta Prohm largely unrestored, allowing the jungle to remain a part of its identity.

• The Strangling Figs and Silk-Cotton Trees: The star attractions are the gargantuan strangling fig and silk-cotton (kapok) trees. Their massive, pale grey roots flow down the stone walls like melted candle wax, gripping the foundations and intertwining with the lintels and doorways. This powerful symbiotic relationship between nature and architecture is the essence of Ta Prohm’s allure.
• A Vast Monastic Complex: The temple was once a massive complex, housing over 12,500 people, including 18 high priests and 615 dancers. Its former wealth is documented by inscriptions detailing vast stores of jewels, gold, and silk. Today, only the silent, crumbling corridors hint at its past glory.
• The Dinosaur Carving: Travelers often seek out the small carving on a stone pillar that appears to depict a Stegosaurus. While a fun mystery, most experts agree it is likely a rhinoceros or boar with artistic embellishments of palm fronds behind it, but it adds to the temple’s enduring mystique!

The Visitor Experience: Navigating the Maze

Ta Prohm is a true stone maze. The experience involves ducking through low doorways, stepping over fallen blocks, and waiting patiently for that perfect, root-framed photo.

Expert Tip: Because of its popularity, Ta Prohm gets very crowded between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Try to visit either immediately upon opening (around 7:30 AM) or late in the afternoon (3:30 PM onwards) to experience the quiet contemplation the temple was designed for.

4. Preah Khan: The City of the Sacred Sword

Preah Khan (which translates as “Sacred Sword”) is located just north of Angkor Thom. This temple, built by Jayavarman VII shortly before or around the same time as Ta Prohm, played an important function as a temporary residence and capital while Angkor Thom was under construction. It was dedicated to the King’s father.

An Enormous Religious Metropolis

Preah Khan is an enormous, sprawling flat temple complex surrounded by four concentric walls. It acted as a major Buddhist university and monastery, rivaling the size of Ta Prohm.

• Architectural Diversity: Preah Khan is unique for its incredible variety of structures. It features Hindu shrines (dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu), as well as elaborate Buddhist galleries. This mix reflects Jayavarman VII’s tolerance and the complex religious landscape of the time.
• Hall of Dancers: One of the most beautiful remaining structures is the Hall of Dancers, a long, elegant building with collapsed ceilings but still featuring wonderfully carved Apsara and dvarapala (guardian) figures along the walls.
• The Two-Story Structure: The most architecturally unique element is a mysterious Greek-style two-story building (the only one of its kind in the Angkor park) with cylindrical pillars. Its original purpose remains unknown, leading to speculation that it may have been a granary, a library, or a place for storing sacred texts.
• Unrestored Walls and Roots: Like Ta Prohm, the jungle is an active participant here. Many walls and towers are still held captive by enormous trees, though the temple feels more like a long, quiet processional route than the chaotic maze of Ta Prohm.

The Visitor Experience: Quiet Contemplation

Preah Khan offers a profound sense of history and scale without the crushing crowds of the major temples. Its elongated corridors and quiet side chambers invite deep reflection.

Expert Tip: Look for the subtle carvings that indicate a religious shift. Many images of the Buddha were systematically destroyed or removed when later Hindu kings took power, leaving ‘hole-in-the-wall’ evidence of iconoclasm.

5. Banteay Srei: The Citadel of Women

We travel about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of the main Angkor complex to the jewel box of Khmer art, Banteay Srei (meaning “Citadel of Women” or “Citadel of Beauty”). Despite its distance, it is often regarded as Cambodia’s most beautiful and artistically carved temple.

Miniature Scale, Monumental Detail

This 10th-century temple is older than Angkor Wat and Bayon, and its architecture is a striking contrast to their colossal scale. Banteay Srei is built on a small, miniature scale, which is perhaps why it gained its nickname, suggesting it must have been carved by women who were thought to have more delicate hands.

• Pink Sandstone: The temple is constructed from a unique, reddish-pink sandstone, which is softer than the gray stone of Angkor Wat and allows for exceptionally detailed, deep carving.
• Artistic Perfection: The relief work here is simply breathtaking. The carvings cover every inch of the temple, featuring mythological scenes and divine beings with three-dimensional depth that looks almost wooden. Look closely at the pediments (the triangular areas above the doorways). They depict scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and Mahabharata with unparalleled artistic quality.
• The Guardians (Dvarapalas): The small shrines are guarded by wonderfully preserved, whimsical statues, often featuring multi-limbed figures or monkeys, adding character and charm to the entire complex.

The Visitor Experience: Time Your Lighting

Because the carvings are so deep and fine, the quality of light dramatically affects the viewing experience.

Expert Tip: Visit Banteay Srei in the morning (about 8:00 AM) or in the late afternoon (approximately 3:30 PM). The sun’s low angle throws deep shadows, bringing the elaborate relief carvings to life and accentuating the color of the pink stone.

6. Beng Mealea: The Indiana Jones Temple

Beng Mealea (literally “Lotus Pond”) is located around 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the main park and provides the ultimate “explorer” experience. This is Ta Prohm, magnified and unmanicured. For years, the temple was inaccessible due to landmines and its distant position; now that it is secure, it retains a gorgeous, dilapidated appeal.

A Total State of Collapse

Built in the 12th century, likely under Suryavarman II (the builder of Angkor Wat), Beng Mealea is conceptually similar to Angkor Wat but constructed in soft, easily disintegrating sandstone. The combination of its remote abandonment and construction material means it has collapsed into a breathtaking, beautiful pile of rubble.

• Climbing and Exploration: Visitors don’t so much walk through Beng Mealea as climb over it. An elevated wooden walkway now navigates the central complex, but much of the experience involves clambering over gigantic, moss-covered blocks, stepping through dark, crumbling doorways, and feeling the sheer physical weight of history.
• The Scale: The temple’s enclosure is massive, spanning 1.2 km by 900 m, surrounded by a wide moat that is now mostly dry. Its great size underscores its importance as a proto-Angkor Wat.
• The Atmosphere: The atmosphere here is deeply quiet and meditative. The only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the chirp of cicadas. Huge vines and creepers carpet the fallen galleries, and the air smells strongly of damp earth and ancient stone.

The Visitor Experience: Embrace the Ruins

Beng Mealea is a temple where you should spend a quiet, leisurely morning. Hire a skilled local guide here—they know the safest routes around the ruins and can point out secret carvings and collapsed libraries.

Expert Tip: Pay special attention to the stunning Naga Balustrades. They are extremely well-preserved here, frequently forming long, twisting lines that snake across the jungle floor, creating a dramatic impression of the original plan. Look for the unusual stone reliefs on the fallen library walls depicting the churning of the Sea of Milk, a core story in Khmer cosmology.

7. Koh Ker: The Lost Capital of the North

For a proper detour, travel 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Siem Reap to Koh Ker. This location was the Khmer Empire’s capital for a brief but glorious 23 years (928-944 AD) under the ambitious King Jayavarman IV.

The Great Pyramid of Prasat Thom

The sheer remoteness of Koh Ker ensures that only a fraction of Angkor visitors make the trip, yet it is essential for understanding the empire’s full history and architectural range. Its architecture is radically different from the rest of the park, defined by a huge, seven-tiered pyramid.

• Prasat Thom: The centerpiece is Prasat Thom, a monumental, terraced pyramid that climbs 36 meters (118 feet) into the sky. It is unlike any other structure in Angkor. The steep terraces are reminiscent of Mayan or Aztec pyramids, though it is fundamentally a Hindu temple, dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva. Climbing to the top offers a magnificent, unspoiled view of the Cambodian jungle stretching to the horizon.
• The Water Serpent: At the base of the main pyramid is a massive, square stone structure that was once capped by a giant lingam (Shiva’s symbol). The whole complex was designed to channel water to the massive tank on top, further demonstrating the Khmer’s mastery of hydraulic engineering.
• Other Ruins: The Koh Ker area is dotted with dozens of other smaller, distinctive Prasats (towers) scattered through the forest, each with unique lintels and guardians, often demonstrating a powerful, bold, and somewhat crude style distinct from the fine detail of later Angkorian art.

The Visitor Experience: A Full Day Trip

Visiting Koh Ker requires a full-day commitment due to the distance. It’s best to combine it with a stop at Beng Mealea to make the long drive worthwhile.

Expert Tip: The path to Prasat Thom is now clearly defined and frequently features a modern wooden stairway. Take your time and notice the extraordinarily steep inclination of the original stone steps, which demonstrates the spiritual challenge intended by the builders.

Beyond the Bucket List

The temples of Angkor are more than just a World Heritage Site; they represent a living story of human ambition, religious zeal, engineering skill, and the never-ending cycle of creation and decay.
From the spectacular sunrise at Angkor Wat to the jungle’s grasp on Ta Prohm and the unique artistry of Banteay Srei, this ancient city provides a fascinating, multi-day trip into one of history’s greatest civilizations. The temples invite us to consider the fleeting nature of power in comparison to the permanence of stone and the calm, peaceful power of nature.

Don’t only visit the temples; live the history. Allow the voyage to shift your perspective on time, magnitude, and the never-ending wonder of discovery.