What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Angkor Wat? Maybe it’s the sheer genius of ancient architects who built these temples centuries ago. Or the sight of massive tree roots entwining crumbling stone. Perhaps it’s the 2001 Tomb Raider movie that first introduced you to this incredible place—hard to believe that movie was over two decades ago!
Today, more than two million travelers explore Angkor Wat and other temples in Siem Reap every year, drawn by its history, beauty, and mystery. If you’re planning a visit, here are eleven must-see Angkor Wat Cambodia Temples you won’t want to miss.
About Angkor Wat And The Siem Reap Temples
Angkor Wat is located in the Northwest area of the country of Cambodia, just a few miles outside of the town of Siem Reap in Southeast Asia. It’s the largest religious structure in the world and Angkor Wat means “Temple City“.
Angkor Archaeological Park, the official name of the entire complex, has 72 major temples and many more smaller temples. Angkor Wat is actually the name of the main and largest temple in the complex but almost everyone just refers to the entire place as Angkor Wat.
Siem Reap is the town near the complex where everyone stays (there are no hotels within the complex), located about 4 miles away.
If this is your first time to Asia then you might be interested in reading this article about what you can expect to experience while in Southeast Asia: 9 Things you might not expect when visiting Southeast Asia. This might save you from having a big culture shock.
Angkor Wat History
Construction of the temples at Angkor Wat started in the 9th century during the Khmer Empire and continued up until the 15th century. Angkor was the center of the Khmer Empire and was once home to close to a million people.
It took over 28 years to build the main temple of Angkor Wat and it was originally built as a Hindu temple under King Suryavarman II. About 27 years after his death, Angkor was attacked and a new king, Jayavarman VII, established a new empire and converted the site into a Buddhist temple. Buddhism is still the main form of worship in Cambodia today.
By the 13th century Angkor Wat began to fall into ruin, although it was never completely abandoned. War, earthquakes, and the jungle have contributed to the site’s damage. In 1992 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, restoration is taking place on many of the temples in the complex to preserve what is still left.
How To Get To Siem Reap
Siem Reap can be reached by air, bus or boat depending on your starting point and travel style.
Siem Reap By Plane
The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) is located about 45 minutes from Siem Reap. This is a brand new airport opened in 2023 replacing the old airport that was only 15 minutes from Siem Reap.
There are direct international flights from major cities in Asia like Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Seoul, and Beijing. Flights from Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh, is just 45 minutes.
Reaching Siem Reap by air is the fastest and easiest way to get there but you will still need to get from the airport to the city of Siem Reap. You can take a taxi for $25 (fixed price), a shuttle bus for $10 per person, or a private car starting at $30.
Siem Reap By Bus
If you are arriving from Thailand, Vietnam, or Phnom Penh, there are buses that run throughout the day and night. While it will take longer than flying, a bus is a good option for those whose plans are more flexible or want to save a little money.
From Phnom Penh, there are several companies that run VIP buses or minivans including Giant Ibis and mekong Express. A bus will run between $12-22 and take around 6 hours. There is also a sleeper bus option for those who want to travel overnight.
If you’re traveling from Bangkok, you can get a direct bus from the Mochit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. A bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap will take between 8-10 hours and you will have to stop at the Poipet Border Crossing to go through customs before getting back on the bus and continuing to Siem Reap.
If you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, you can take a bus but you will have to stop in Phnom Penh and transfer. A bus from Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam will take 12+ hours with the stop.
Siem Reap By Boat
Another option to reach Siem Reap is by boat. This is a seasonal option only available from June – November during the wet season when water levels are high. Boats travel along the Tonle Sap Lake and cost around $30-40 from Phnom Penh.
Information For Visiting Siem Reap
There are a few important pieces of information you need in order to visit the best Angkor Wat temples at Siem Reap.
Cambodia Visa
Most people traveling to Cambodia will need a visa. You can apply for your visa online before you leave or you can get a visa on arrival. You will need to have a few passport size photos so be sure to bring those with you when you travel to Cambodia.
e-Visa
For an e-visa, you’ll chose the Visa T option which is $30 and will allow you to stay in Cambodia for 30 days. You’ll fill out the online form, pay, and receive your approval letter within 3 business days. Print it out and show it to immigration at the check point when you cross the border.
There are 8 border crossings that do NOT accept the e-visa so you’ll want to make sure you check the list before you get one. The major border crossings do accept them so as long as you aren’t traveling from a remote area, you should be fine.
Visa on arrival
If you don’t get an e-visa, you can get a Visa On Arrival. Just like the e-visa, it’s $30 and allows you to stay in country for up to 30 days. A visa on arrival can be obtained at the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville airports.
If you are traveling from Thailand, you can get a visa on arrival at the Poipet border gate. If you are traveling from Vietnam you can geta visa on arrival at several border gates. The Vinh Suong at Chau Doc border crossing, Xa Xia at Ha Tien crossing, or Moc Bai at Tay Ninh border crossing all have the option of obtaining a visa on arrival.
Angkor Wat Ticket
You can’t visit the temples of Siem Reap without getting an entrance ticket to Angkor Park, known as an Angkor Pass. You can get either a 1 day, 3 day, or 7 day pass to the park granting you access to the amazing temples in Angkor Wat.
There isn’t a limit on how many visitors can enter the park per day so there isn’t a need to purchase your ticket in advance. You can just show up and either purchase your ticket at the Angkor Enterprises Ticket Office or purchase your pass online.
A one day ticket is $37, a three day pass is $62, and a seven day pass is $72.
Angkor Visiting Hours
The Angkor Archeological Park is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The majority of the temples are open from 7:30am to 5:30pm but there are a few exceptions.
- Angkor Wat & Srassrang Temples are open to view the sunrise starting at 5am and closes at 5:30pm.
- Phnom Bakheng and Prerup Temples are open from 5am to 7pm for viewing the sunrise and sunset.
- All other temples are open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
Siem Reap Temples Map
The Angkor Archaeological Park is massive at just over 400 square kilometers, or 154 square miles. Authorities who manage the park have divided it into two circuits to try and help make visiting the Angkor temples easier for tourists.
The circuits do intersect with each other so you don’t have to worry about going to two separate places. They just make it easier to plan your visit to the Angkor Wat Temples.
Angkor Wat Small Circuit
The Angkor Wat Small Circuit (the purple route) covers the most famous temples. It’s about 17km (10.5miles) in distance and will be the most crowded. These are the temples everyone wants to see. Temples on the Small Circuit include:
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon
- Ta Prohm
- Banteay Kdei
- Phnom Bakheng
- Thommanon
- Chau Say Tevoda
Angkor Wat Grand Circuit
The Angkor Wat Grand Circuit (the yellow route) extends beyond the small circuit and is about 26km (16 miles) long. The Angkor Wat Grand Circuit Temples are generally less crowded and include:
- Preah Khan
- Ta Som
- East Mebon
- Pre Rup
How to visit the Temples in Siem Reap
Many people will visit the temples by doing one circuit one day and the other circuit on a different day. Of course, there are so many temples to see that it will be impossible to see everything in just two days. If you want to see more, plan on staying longer. I recommend no less than 5 days.
If you want a complete guide to visiting Angkor Wat, click over to my Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat. It tells you all about the Siem Reap area and other things to do besides temples.
Angkor Wat Temple Guide
I’ll start with the temples located on the small circuit since those are the most popular temples in Angkor Wat. All of these Siem Reap Temples are pretty spectacular so this isn’t a worst to best list. I do have my favorite (Ta Prohm) but they are all unique and interesting.
If you’re short on time or if it’s the rainy season and you’re seeing temples in between downpours then you’ll want to prioritize the ones you’re set on seeing first.
FYI: There is a dress code for Angkor Wat so you’ll want to make sure you cover shoulders and knees when you’re visiting any of the temples.
Angkor Wat Small Circuit Temples
Temple 1: Angkor Wat
The first temple on our list of temples in Siem Reap is Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the name of the main and largest temple and what the entire complex is named after. It’s also the most popular temple there so expect it to be crowded.
From the moment you approach the grand moat to the intricate carvings in the sandstone walls, expect an awe-inspiring experience. It’s a masterpiece of Khmer architecture built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu but gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple.
There are three levels of galleries with detailed bas-reliefs depicting mythological battles and celestial dancers for you to explore. Be warned that the steps are steep but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding complex.
Arriving at sunrise is very popular so if you decide to do this (and you totally should), be prepared for large crowds. Arrive early, dress comfortably, and bring plenty of water. Once you’ve seen the sun come up spend the next few hours exploring the temple before it gets too hot.
Temple 2: Bayon Temple
You might not know this temple by name but if I said “it’s the temple with all the faces“, you might then realize which one it is. Construction of the Bayon Temple started in the late 12th century and has 216 stone carved faces. Imagine having to cut and carve these large stones 216 times. It’s truly a great piece of architecture that you can’t miss.
There are three seperate levels to this temple with 54 towers and four faces on each tower. As of late 2022 there is restoration happening and the third level (and the best) was off limits. It was disappointing for sure but it is what it is. Thankfully I had already been there in 2017. Plan to spend 1-1.5 hours at Bayon Temple.
Temple 3: Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm, aka the Tomb Raider Temple, is my favorite temple in Angkor Wat. I love the overgrown trees growing through the walls and out the tops of the buildings. It just makes it even more beautiful. Everywhere you turn there’s something even more interesting to look at than the last thing you just saw. It’s also much larger than it looks on a map.
You’ll want to spend at least 2 hours here. And I’m warning you right now about the vendors across the street. When you park or get out of the tuk-tuk or taxi, you might be swamped with vendors trying to sell you scarves, shirts, and water. Vendors have to stay off temple grounds so just walk away if you do not want to purchase anything.
Temple 4: Phnom Bakheng
The Phnom Bakheng temple was constructed in the late 9th and early 10th century which makes it one of the oldest temples on this list. This temple sits on a hill, the highest point in the Angkor Wat Complex.
From the top of the temple you will have a view of Angkor Wat in the distance. Sunset is the most popular time to visit this temple but if you decide to come at that time, arrive early. Only 400 people can enter to climb to the top to watch the sunset. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here.
Temple 5: Banteay Kdei
The Banteay Kdei temple dates back to the late 12th century and is affiliated with Buddhism. It’s fairly large in size and similar to Ta Prohm with trees and roots taking over the complex. Banteay Kdei has not been restored (as of 2023) so wear comfortable shoes because you will have to climb up and over toppled stones.
This temple is different from many of the others because it’s long and not square or rectanble in shape like many of the temples. Plan to spend around 30-45 minutes here.
Temple 6: Thommanon
Thommanon is a small temple but it’s in very good condition making it a must see. Construction started in the 11th century and the temple is affiliated with Hinduism. Right across the street is Chau Say Tevoda which is very similar in style.
To me it seemed like Thommanon was sort of like a prequel/trial build to Chau Say Tevoda Temple (the next one). Plan to spend around 15-20 minutes at Thommanon.
Temple 7: Chau Say Tevoda
Chau Say Tevoda is a Hindu Temple dating back to the 12th century and is located on the Small Circuit right across from Thommanon. This temple is fairly small but has a lot of nice decorative carvings.
It has been through restoration and is in good condition so it’s definitely worth visiting. Plan on spending around 30 minutes here.
Angkor Wat Grand Circuit Temples
Temple 8: Preah Khan
One of the largest temple complexes in Angkor, Preah Khan Temple served as both a monastery and a city. Built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, it was dedicated to the King’s father, Dharanindravarman II.
It features long corridors, elaborate carvings and a mix of Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Preah Khan has undergone some conversation.
Temple 9: East Mebon
The East Mebon Temple is fairly large but easy to explore. It was built around 953 so compared to some of the other temples it’s not as elaborate and you can definitely see it’s age.
There are three levels at East Mebon so prepare to climb some stairs. It has stone elephants that sit in each of the four corners of this temple. Plan to spend 30 minutes here.
Temple 10: Pre Rup Temple
The Pre Rup Temple is one of the oldest temples in the complex, constructed in the late 10th century. I really loved this temple, although the climb on the stairs is pretty steep.
There are a lot of great carvings and the doors (they don’t open) are beautiful. People also come to Pre Rup to view the sunset because it sits higher than most temples. You won’t have views of Angkor Wat here but you will still have a good view of the area. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes here.
Temple 11: Ta Som
Ta Som was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century and was dedicated to his father. It is a Bayon-style Buddhist temple and although smaller than Ta Prohm, it still has some similarities.
It’s most famous for its eastern gate where a giant tree has grown over the structure, creating a picturesque entrance. It’s less visited than other temples so it’s perfect for those who want to explore without the crowds.
How to get around Siem Reap
The Angkor Archeological Park is about 4 miles from the town of Siem Reap so you’ll need a way to get there. You won’t have any problem finding a way because there will be tuk-tuk and taxi drivers everywhere asking you if you want a ride.
You can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi driver for the day to take you to all the temples you want to see. Expect to spend between $20-40 for the day.
Another option is to rent a scooter. This is what we did and it’s nice to be able to go wherever you want whenever you want. The downside is you need to know where you’re going. But, just have your map on your phone and you’ll be fine. Sometimes getting lost is a good thing. You can rent a scooter for around $6-10 a day.
Where to stay in Siem Reap
There are hundreds of hotels and hostels in Siem Reap to choose from and they are very affordable. You’ll definitely want a place with a pool because it’s pretty hot and humid in Cambodia throughout the year.
Budget Accommodation
You can easily find budget hotels (hostels) in Siem Reap but you want to make sure you find one close to the center of town so you can walk to the restaurants and markets. Most hostels have shared rooms and bathrooms but many of them also have private rooms and bathrooms. It will cost just a little more than the shared ones but it’s still a low price.
Expect to find rooms starting at $6 a night but if you spend a few extra dollars a night you’ll can find a place with a pool and possibly a private room. The Darling Pub Hostel is in a great location, has a pool, and the option of a private room.
Mid-Range Accommodation
If hostels aren’t your thing and you have a few dollars more in your budget, you can get a pretty decent hotel in a great location with a pool. The best thing is that the mid-range hotels are VERY affordable with many of them around $25-40 a night.
The Indra Porak Residence Hotel has large private rooms with a private bathroom, centrally located and with a pool for about $25 a night.
Luxury Accommodation
And if you really want to splurge, and let’s be honest…It’s still a bargain at around $100 a night, you can stay at the Golden Temple Retreat and get afternoon spa treatments every day. Trust me, you’re going to want those massages!
11 Temples in Angkor Wat: Final Thoughts
Angkor Wat is one of the most fascinating, historical, and beautiful places to visit. What’s amazing to me is that we are actually allowed to walk through these places and touch them. That’s not allowed in many ancient sites around the world.
If you want more information about what to do and see at Angkor Wat, read my Ultimate Guide to Angkor Wat. It’s full of all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to this amazing bucket list destination!
