5 Most Famous Archeological Places Siem Reap Owns

Home to Angkor Archaeological Park, it comes as little surprise that ancient temples feature heavily in Siem Reap’s 5 best archeological highlights. However, more modern designs can be enjoyed in the city centre, from modernist creations to restored traditional homes.

* Angkor Wat

Siem Reap’s legendary temple complex needs little introduction. This attraction is the single impetus for many travelers to visit Cambodia. The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, before being converted into a Buddhist temple in the 14th century. Check out the temple’s thousands of Apsaras carvings, or nymphs; they are each astoundingly unique. While Angkor Wat is the most impressive and well-preserved of the temples in the complex, it’s worth checking out some of the lesser-known temples where you can appreciate Khmer architecture minus the crowds.

* Bayon

Another much-loved temple on the tourist trail, Bayon is best known for the 216 huge faces that are carved into its stone towers. Although small in comparison to Angkor Wat, this sacred building is much more condensed. It was built in the late 12th and early 13th century as the official state temple of King Jayavarman VII. Huge restoration work has since taken place, and is ongoing, so expect to clamber over stones and through dark, narrow passages to see it all.

* Ta Prohm

Another favourite with visitors, Ta Prohm was flung into the limelight when Angelina Jolie was filmed amid the dramatic, root-ravaged walls for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. One of Angkor’s oldest temples, Ta Prohm dates back to the 12th century and is said to be the first built entirely of sandstone. It features a five-tiered pyramid with steep staircases on each side. With many of the ruins consumed by the roots of towering trees, this temple is by far one of the most magnificent. It is also undergoing extensive restoration work, with some sections closed to the public.

* Banteay Srei

To escape the crowds, the 10th-century temple of Banteay Srei is worth the journey. The site is located 35 kilometres (22 miles) from Siem Reap, with the drive taking visitors through a stunning countryside, past children screaming ‘hello’ from their bikes, farmers working in the fields and women doing laundry in streams. Boasting intricately-carved buildings made from soft, pink sandstone, this miniature temple could be plucked straight from a fairytale.

* Wat Damnak

Situated close to Siem Reap’s Old Market, or Phsar Chas, Wat Damnak is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The colourful manicured gardens boast a bounty of shrines, statues and carvings, with the collection of intricate buildings that sit inside the pagoda all well maintained. Serving as the palace of King Sisowath, the temple can be visited and the site is also home to a library that is crammed full of more books than any of the country’s public libraries.