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If there’s one country in Southeast Asia that has a galore of temples, it is Cambodia. Featuring stunning architecture and an in-depth history of years of rule, Cambodia temples reflect the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. With Angkor Wat capturing the majority of the tourist attention, many of us often miss out on the hundred other temples that exist in Cambodia, each offering a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the country. Here is a list of the popular temples across different parts of the country.
Top 10 Cambodia Temples To Explore
Be it the grandeur of Angkor Wat or the intricate carvings of Banteay Srei, Cambodia temples offer a glimpse into the devotion of its civilization.
1. Angkor Wat
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Starting the list with one of the most famous temples in Cambodia, Angkor Wat. The temple complex was constructed back in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. The highlight of this temple is its association with the sacred Mount Meru, which is the five-peaked mountain of Hindu cosmology. The temple complex was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later converted into a Buddhist temple. The temple’s bas-reliefs and stone carvings are celebrated for their detailed depiction of scenes from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹3106
2. Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple is a popular Khmer temple that is located in the middle of the jungles of Angkor. The temple’s origins date back to the 12th or 13th century wherein it was commissioned by King Jayavarman VII. The temple is within the Angkor Thom temple complex and the main attraction of this temple is the smiling faces that are intricately carved on the stone towers. There are 50 pillars and 200 such smiling stone towers spread across the temple. Some of the inscriptions depict historical and mythological scenes, including battles, daily life, and religious events.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
3. Ta Prohm
Located near the city of Siem Reap Ta Prohm is a Cambodian royal monastery that was constructed back in the 12th century, like most of the other temples across the country. Although primarily in ruins, the entwined vines that cross through the surroundings of the entire temple add to the beauty of this place. The giant tree roots of these vines have covered the temple in its entirety. Back in the day, the temple was home to 12,500 people and the locals came around to offer their prayers there.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
4. Banteay Srei
Photo: JJ Ying / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
More commonly known as the “Citadel of Women,” Banteay Srei is a popular temple in Cambodia. The temple’s origin dates back to the 10th century when it was constructed by Rajendravarman II. The temple is dedicated to Hindu gods Shiva and Parvati and lies near the foothills of Phnom Dei. The pink sandstone used in its construction allows for fine detailing, including elaborate depictions of Hindu deities and mythological stories. The intricate carvings and the architecture truly bring out the craftsmanship of the artisans. Some legends suggest that the temple’s carvings and inscriptions were likely made by women.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
5. Angkor Thom
Renowned as the last enduring capital of the Khmer empire, the Angkor Thom which is one of the Cambodia temples was commissioned by King Jayavarman VII back in the 12th century. It is also known as Nokor Thom. Historical evidence suggests that it was an old fortified city spread across a large area. There are five different entrance gates to this particular temple or city. The famous Bayon Temple with the smiling stone towers resides inside this temple city. There is also a “Terrace of Elephants” inside which is another must-see spot that is 350 metres in length and provides a glimpse into the battle of Khmer history.
Location: Angkor Archeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, 17000, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
6. Preah Khan
Also known as Prasat Preah Khan, this is one of the best temples in Cambodia. It was constructed in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and was initially built to be a Buddhist monastery and school. The name of this temple translates to “Sacred Sword,” and is renowned for its large layout and well-preserved carvings. Historically, the temple was dedicated to thousands of deities and it would host around 18 festivals. Not just Buddhist teachings, the temple also taught about Vaishnava and Shiva worship. There are two libraries inside the temple complex worth exploring.
Location: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
7. Pre Rup
Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons
Pre Rup is one of the Cambodia temples, which dates back to the 9th century. During its construction, the temple was supposedly constructed to be the king’s state temple. Made out of brick and grey sandstone, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has associations with funerary rituals. A major part of the temple has been ruined but owing to its historical significance, it stands as a symbol of historical and cultural significance. You can find a lot of the intricate carvings and inscriptions on the Southwest side of the temple.
Location: Angkor Archeological Park, Krong Siem Reap, 17000, Cambodia
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
8. Phnom Krom
Photo: Kazenelenbogen / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular temples in Cambodia that you must add to your travel guide is Phnom Krom. Located on top of a hill, the temple is made out of red sandstone and its origins date back to the 9th century. The temple is dedicated to multiple Hindu deities including Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Due to its location on top of the Phnom Krom Mountain, the journey to the temple is quite adventurous and physically straining too. On the way, you get to witness mountain goals and water buffaloes, which add to the experience and adventure further.
Location: Phnom Krom Mountain in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings:7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
9. Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea is another one of the biggest temples in Cambodia, dating back to the period of Angkor Wat. The temple itself dates back to the 12th century and was commissioned by King Suryavarman II, later improved by Jayavarman VII. The temple is located in Beng Mealea village, which is where the temple gets its name from. Located amid the jungle, reaching and exploring the temple is an adventure in itself. The temple has been built as a “miniature” with low-ride doors of the temple. To enter the temple, you have to bend and shake through these tiny contraptions.
Location: Wat Svay Rd, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹420
10. Koh Ker
Photo: PsamatheM / Wikimedia Commons
Last but not least on the list of popular Cambodia temples is Koh Ker. It served as the capital of Cambodia between AD 928 to AD 944. Built by King Jayavarman IV, the temple was dedicated to Trey Bhuvaneswari, the Goddess of Happiness. With the centuries that have passed, the temple now remains in ruins and is covered by heavy foliage and vines. There are reportedly 40 different kinds of ruins of the temple, which are spread across the jungle. The temple is renowned for the towering pyramid of Prasat Thom and the structure of Prasat Krahom.
Location: Preah Vihear, Cambodia
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹1260
The Cambodia temples, spaced across Angkor and throughout other parts of the country, provide a glimpse into the rich history and the spiritual devotion of the Khmer Empire. Each temple stands out with its unique architectural marvel and offers a unique window into the historical and cultural richness of Cambodia. Plan a trip with TripXL and get a first-hand experience of these temples.
Cover Photo: allPhoto Bangkok / Pexels
