7 Ancient Temples To Visit Cambodia

Situated in South East Asia, Cambodia boasts a history engraved in stone, narrating tales of audacious ambitions that gave rise to awe-inspiring Cambodian Hindu temples of mammoth proportions. Rarely do you encounter a country that showcases such stark contrasts between the contemporary and the time-frozen. Once a formidable part of the Khmer Empire, which stood as one of the world's mightiest Hindu kingdoms, Cambodia's story unfolds through its historical monuments.

The tourism experience in Cambodia encompasses tropical beaches, historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking countryside. Annually, a multitude of tourists is drawn to Cambodia, enticed by its delightful tropical climate, particularly during the chilly and dry months from November to February, considered optimal for travel.

The remnants of Cambodia's grandeur can be witnessed in its Hindu temples, which, even in ruins, exude a majestic aura.

While numerous temples are scattered around Siem Reap, including the popular Cambodia Tamil temple and Cambodia Vishnu temple, among others, the country is home to a plethora of temples awaiting exploration during your journey.

Presented here are the top ten ancient temples in Cambodia, each possessing a spectacular charm that is a must-visit on your expedition through this remarkable land.

# Angkor Wat

A must-visit temple that captivates tourists worldwide in Cambodia is Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pinnacle of Khmer brilliance. Standing as one of the world's grandest structures, it not only holds the title of Cambodia's largest temple but also ranks among the most spectacular temples globally. Constructed in the 12th century by the formidable Hindu King Suryvarman II, this architectural marvel spans an astonishing 400 acres.

Distinguished by its remarkable design, the temple venerates the Hindu gods Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. The walls of Angkor Wat are adorned with depictions from the revered Hindu scriptures of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Encircled by a moat, access to the temple is granted via a 188-meter-long bridge, symbolizing the ocean around Mount Meru—the mythical abode of the Gods in Hindu cosmology. The five towers of the temple symbolically represent the peaks of this sacred mountain.

Internally, Angkor Wat comprises three extensive galleries, each separated by paved walkways. Following the invasion by the Cham army (present-day Vietnam), the ruling power shifted its allegiance from Hinduism to Buddhism. A new religious enclave, Angkor Thom, was established. By the 15th century, Angkor Wat had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. Only in the early 20th century did extensive restoration efforts restore its former splendor. A picturesque reservoir in front of the temple offers photographers a delightful reflection of the entire structure.

# Bayon Temple

If the magnificence of Angkor Wat left you in awe, the Bayon Temple with its thousand smiling 'Buddhesque' faces is sure to captivate your curiosity. Positioned at the heart of Angkor Thom, the city commissioned by King Jayavarman VII in the early 13th century during a period when Cambodian Kings had turned away from Buddhism, this temple holds unique charm.

The oversized smiling faces scattered throughout the temple carry two intriguing theories. One suggests a resemblance to the compassionate visage of Lord Buddha, while the other proposes an uncanny similarity to King Jayavarman himself. Some historians speculate that the King, perceiving himself as a deity, imprinted his likeness on this sacred structure. With a total of 54 towers adorned with bas-relief facial carvings, although many smiles have weathered or fractured, a considerable number remain intact, making this temple a truly unparalleled marvel in the world.

# Ta Prohm

Yet another renowned Hindu temple in Cambodia that merits a visit, it might surprise you to learn that this particular temple gained fame for its appearance in the well-known action-adventure film Tomb Raider. The haunting jungle temple of Ta Prohm, entwined with eerie roots, stands as a truly unique Cambodian marvel. Often considered one of the world's most photographed temples, it serves as a captivating example of nature reclaiming man-made structures in a surreal manner.

Enormous tree trunks emerge from arched gateways, a multitude of branches find refuge on temple walls, and colossal tree roots engulf the entire structure, creating a scene that defies expectations. Constructed in the late 12th century and originally named "Rajavihara," translating to Monastery of the King, it was dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. The entire complex is characterized by narrow passageways, enclosed courtyards, and winding corridors. Ta Prohm stands proudly at the pinnacle of Cambodia's most renowned temples, offering a sight that is truly out of the ordinary.

# Neak Pean

Adding to the array of distinctive Cambodian temples is Neak Pean, the intricately designed Snake Temple situated amidst a body of water. This petite temple rests upon a circular island positioned on a circular stone base, with no direct pathway leading to the temple itself. Instead, it is surrounded by expansive sandstone pathways, and to access these, one must traverse a wooden plank over a substantial reservoir. During the monsoon season, this plank becomes the sole link to the mainland.

The encompassing water, adorned with submerged tree trunks and logs, presents a picturesque scene. The entire complex comprises five ponds, with the main Cambodia Hindu temple situated in the central pond, symbolizing Lake Anavatapta in the Himalayas. According to Buddhist scriptures, this lake occupies the summit of the universe, from where four major rivers flow. Mirroring this belief, King Jayavarman VII designed Neak Pean with four additional ponds seemingly emanating from the central one.

# Bakong Temple

If there is a Cambodia temple that can rival Angkor Wat in certain aspects, it is the Bakong Temple. Constructed in the late 9th century under the reign of King Indravarman I, it stands out as the first temple-mountain designed on such an expansive scale. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the initial stone-built temple of the Khmer empire, departing from the prevalent use of bricks. Serving as the official temple of the King, this Shiva temple is characterized by its distinctive appearance, with dark, almost black sandstone walls that have weathered over time, losing the original colors.

The temple's architecture is truly unique, taking the form of a pyramid surrounded by numerous brick towers, with a solitary sacred enclosure atop the pyramid. The recessed, terrace-like design on its exterior walls imparts a stepped pyramid resemblance akin to those in Egypt. Bakong stands as another noteworthy example of Cambodia's Shiva temples, adorned with depictions of Hindu deities in various locations.

To fully appreciate these temples, a specific order of visitation is recommended, ensuring a comprehensive exploration.

# Baphuon Temple

Yet another Cambodia Hindu Temple adopting the temple-mountain architectural style, this temple complex resembles a grand palace ground with expansive open areas, water features, and numerous pathways encircling the structure. Stretching 400 meters in length and towering over 100 feet, this Cambodian temple, located beside the Bayon Temple, maintains a somewhat dilapidated state compared to its counterpart.

Despite the crumbling roof, it remains a renowned temple in Cambodia that attracts visitors. The temple's terrace remains accessible, offering an impeccable vantage point to appreciate the vastness of the surrounding grounds. Notably, this Cambodia Temple exhibits a distinctive three-tiered design, with the structure's height progressively increasing. Originally designated as a Cambodia Shiva Temple, it underwent a later conversion to propagate Buddhism.

# Banteay Kdei

Named the 'Citadel of Chambers,' this intricately designed structure has served as the prayer site for Buddhist monks for centuries since its construction. Thriving during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it likely faced vandalism under subsequent rulers. A particularly intriguing discovery within its confines is the unearthing of 274 Buddhist statues, arranged in a phased and specific manner—an unprecedented finding in Cambodian excavations.

This former monastery offers a delightful exploration with numerous small, symmetrically arched entrances. The entrance boasts a spacious layout featuring what appears to be four gates guarded by Garuda, the mythical bird in Hinduism. This detail further suggests that the site may have originally been a Cambodia Hindu temple before undergoing conversion into a place of Buddhist worship.