Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples are a bucket list destination and a highlight of any Southeast Asia itinerary. However, if you want to see all the Best Angkor Temples, you need a good plan!
During our first trip to Cambodia, we spent an entire week in Siem Reap – and 3 days visiting the temples. Angkor Wat was, of course, at the top of our list, but we wanted to see other famous Siem Reap temples, too.
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With careful planning, we crafted an ideal way to visit the Temples of Angkor. Now, we are sharing our Siem Reap Temple Guide with you!
Planning Your Visit to the Angkor Temples
Planning a Siem Reap Temple Tour is a big undertaking. Travelers are tasked with deciding which ones to see, how many days to spend at the site and whether or not to hire a guide.
Before we get to our list of the best temples in Siem Reap, we’re answering a few frequently asked questions about planning an Angkor Wat trip.
Later in the article, we share essential information, including opening hours, tickets, organized tours, and a sample itinerary.
How Big is the Angkor Temple Complex?
We didn’t fully comprehend how expansive the Angkor Archaeological Park is until we arrived. It’s the largest religious complex in the world, a UNESCO Heritage Site and encompasses more than 400 acres.
What are the Best Temples at Angkor?
While the area is home to more than 1,000 temples, the three most well-known are Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayan Temple.
While they are not all worth visiting, there is so much more to see beyond those three. Don’t worry, we’ll share the scoop on which ones we believe are actually the best.
Is Angkor Wat a Single Temple?
Angkor Wat is a single temple…but travelers typically take the name to mean the entire archaeological park. So, we use the term ‘Angkor Wat’ to refer both to the temple and the complex as a whole.
Should I Hire an Angkor Wat Guide?
Part of planning how to visit Angkor is deciding whether to get a guide, join an organized excursion or complete a self-guided tour.
We hired a private guide for our first day. On subsequent days, we set off with a tuk tuk driver and an Angkor temples list. We share suggested tours and guides later.
Our 15 Best Siem Reap Temples to Visit
We are featuring all the top temples of Angkor and provide information about each one. Afterwards, we provide a helpful itinerary, along with an Angkor Map of Temples to help others discover the area.
#1 Angkor Wat
This is arguably one of the premier religious sites in the world. Even the approach is astounding, as you travel along the expansive moat to the long bridge at the entrance.
Construction was started by Suryavarman II in the year 1113 and completed by Jayavarman VII in 1150. It took more than 300,000 workers to build Angkor Wat over 40 years.
Angkor Wat Exterior
Before entering, take in the view from the outside, where the five towers are clearly visible.
The exterior walls run for more the 2,600 feet and are covered in intricate carvings. These bas-relief etchings tell stories of life, the king and the gods.
Angkor Wat Interior
You enter Angkor Wat via a single, straight walkway. Just inside the gate is a statue of Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated. The path then leads past the north and south libraries and between the reflecting pools
Now climb up the stairs to the center tower, which houses multiple Buddha Statues. Although the original religion here was Hindu, parts have been converted into a Buddhist sanctuary.
#2 Angkor Thom
Translating to Great City, this ancient enclave is home to several superb sights. Founded in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom stretches nearly 4 square miles.
The entire complex is surrounded by both a wall and a moat. The best entry point is the south gate, which is accessed by walking across the bridge through the ‘Churning of the Ocean of Milk’.
The sensational span features 54 demons on the right and 54 gods on the left. You then pass under a high tower with four imposing faces.
#3 Bayon at Angkor Thom
Built in the late 12th century by Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple is best known for its 54 towers and the 216 faces that stare out from the tower walls.
Before entering, examine the bas-reliefs carved on the exterior. Religious stories and fables are etched in detail on the stone walls, which have survived surprisingly well over the centuries.
#4 Baphuon Temple
Just a short stroll from Bayon, Baphuon was completed sometime around the year 1060. The long causeway you walk along to enter is particularly impressive.
Carved directly into the western wall is a 200-foot-long Reclining Buddha. It can be difficult to see – almost like an optical illusion.
#5 Phimeanakas: Terrace of Elephants and Leper King
Phimeanakas is a Hindu temple that was built at the end of the 10th century by Rajendravarman.
The site was constructed in the middle of the royal enclosure (where the palace was located). It is believed to have had a golden spire or dome at one time.
Perhaps not nearly as opulent now as it once was, the location in the middle of a forest provides a tranquil and mysterious setting.
Outside the royal enclosure you can access the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
During ceremonies, the king would have sat on the Terrace of the Elephants amongst large lotus flowers. The adjacent Leper King Terrace was used to cremate the remains of the royal family.
The outside walls feature bas-reliefs and on top of the platform is a statue of Yama, the god of Death.
#6 Ta Prohm: Tomb Raider Temple
Built in 1186 by Jayavarman VII – but made famous by the move, Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm is one of the most popular Siem Reap temples.
It’s beauty is not necessarily in the architecture, but rather attributed to how nature is gradually reclaiming the site.
Dedicated to the mother of King Javavarman VII, at one time Ta Prohm had nearly 80,000 people living in or providing services for the temple. That included more than 600 dancers!
Now, trees grow on top of the stones, wrapping and digging their roots around and through the rocks.
#7 Phnom Bakheng
Built under the direction of Yasovarman I from 889 to 910, Phnom Bakheng originally had 108 towers. However, most of these have crumbled and only a few are left standing today.
Historically significant, this hill-topping temple actually pre-dates Angkor Wat. It is believed that the intent was for it to be the focal point of the new capital.
Today it is mostly visited for the incredible views. In fact, watching sunset from here is one of the most popular things to do at the Angkor Temples.
We skipped the crowds and actually visited shortly after witnessing an incredible Angkor Wat Sunrise. We practically had the place to ourselves!
#8 Prasat Kravan
This modest, red-brick temple was built in the year 921 – either by Harshavarman I or Ishanavarman II. It is surrounded by a moat and features five towers in a row.
The most striking element is the interior carvings. What is unique about it is that the carvings are made on brick rather than stone slabs.
It’s a style of bas-reliefs that are very rare in Cambodia. The best-preserved etchings are of Vishnu and Lakshmi.
#9 Sra Srang
Built in the mid-10th century by Rajendravarman II, this temple is no longer standing. Instead, only the foundation with guarding lions remains at the edge of the reservoir.
Regardless, we feel it’s still an interesting place to see. The lake, also known as the Pool of Ablutions, is the former royal bathing pond.
#10 Banteay Kdei
Built from the 12th to 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, this is one of the atmospheric temples to visit at Angkor. Due to a poor choice of building materials, it is literally crumbling.
However, the intricate carvings that remain are quite striking. Although it’s being restored, we believe the disrepair is part of its charm.
The Buddhist temple was occupied by monks until the 1960s. Inside, bright saffron robes and colorful shrines can still be seen throughout.
#11 Pre Rup
The name Pre Rup translates to ‘turn the body,’ which has led to the common belief that this temple was used as a crematorium.
The mountain site was built in the year 961 by Rajendravarman and the view on the approach is staggering.
The towers (now sprouting vegetation) rise from a reddish stone. Between the outer enclosure and the stairs to the inside is a black box. It is debated whether it was used for cremation or was the base of a statue.
#12 Eastern Mebon
Eastern Mebon was built in the same style as Pre Rup, with the top platforms looking almost identical.
Constructed in the 10th century by Rejendravarman, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva, but was built to honor the king’s mother and father.
The intricate carvings over doorways have survived the elements, even though the rest of the building is deteriorating. One of the most identifiable features are the large elephant sculptures that sit at the corners.
#13 Ta Som
Built with only one shrine at the end of the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, it’s still a very popular Siem Reap temple to visit. What garners visitors’ attention is the dazzling gated entrance and outer walls.
Nature is absorbing this site as well. The sacred fig tree growing over the eastern entrance is a prime example. The main gate features a tower of faces, which appear to be looking at you as you pass through the entrance.
#14 Neak Pean
This unique island temple sits in the middle of a square pond. It is surrounded by four smaller ponds that feed into the main pool.
Neak Pean was constructed according to the Hindu belief of balance. It is thought to be modeled on a legendary lake in the Himalayas, Anavatapta.
The four connected pools are meant to represent Water, Earth, Fire and Wind – and the pools were believed to have curing properties.
#15 Preah Khan
Similar to Ta Prohm, Preah Khan once hosted a large community of nearly 100,000 people. Constructed in 1191, it was a dedication by Jayavarman VII to his father.
The site has also been influenced by the forces of nature, which has left it in a state of reclamation. Some structures have been stolen or demolished – like the headless statues that guard the entrance – but many carvings survived.
Creating an Angkor Wat Itinerary
Travelers need to consider numerous factors when planning to tour Angkor. The main considerations are time, cost and interest.
Personally, we were fascinated by the history of Angkor and enthralled by the ancient sites. So, we determined that 3 days are needed to properly explore the area.
Temples of Angkor 3 Day Itinerary
After carefully considering how to plan our visit, we devised a itinerary that enabled us to see 15 of the best temples. Plus, we still had ample time for relaxation and to see other top Siem Reap attractions.
On day 1, we started with a private Siem Reap guide showing us the iconic Angkor Wat as well as Angkor Thom and Bayon. We then explored a bit of Siem Reap, but made it an early night.
Up insanely early on day 2, we returned to Angkor Wat for sunrise and then set off on our own Angkor Temple Tours via tuk tuk to see sights #4 – 7 on our list.
For day 3, we again hired a tuk tuk and visited stops #8 through 15 from above. To celebrate, we headed out in Siem Reap to discover the intriguing markets and buzzing nightlife!
Angkor Temples Map
Our Angkor Tourist Map is color-coded to indicate which temples we recommend visiting on Days 1, 2 and 3. Use this Google Map for an interactive version of the one below.
Visiting Angkor Wat: Entry Fee, Hours and Tours
One of the top considerations when visiting Siem Reap temples is the cost. We’ll break it all down for you, including what we ultimately went with.
Angkor Wat Ticket Info and Prices
There are numerous options when it comes to buying an Angkor ticket and it can get a little confusing. For our itinerary, it’s best to purchase the Angkor Temples Park 3-Day Pass, but there’s still a few things you need to know.
First, consult their official website to make sure you get genuine tickets. Second, the Angkor Wat Temple Pass is valid from the date of purchase or selected date when buying it.
- 1-Day Angkor Wat Ticket Price – $37
- 3-Day Angkor Temple Pass Cost – $62
- 7-Day Angkor Pass Fee – $72
Generally speaking, the Angkor Park Complex is open from 5am until 6:30pm. However, hours do vary by temple, but most are open from 6am.
Angkor Wat Tours
There is no right or wrong way to see Angkor Wat. That said, there is no doubt that our experience was substantially enhanced by having a guide.
There are a seemingly endless number of Siem Reap temple tours – and choosing the right one can be challenging.
The basic options are a Private Guide, a Small Group Tour or Large Group Day Trip. You can also choose a mode of transport.
There are air-conditioned car tours, open-air tuk-tuk tours and tours by bicycle. There’s even a way to see Angkor by Helicopter!
Tips for Planning Your Angkor Temple Trip
Once you decide which temples you want to visit and what to see in Angkor Wat, there are still a few more details to think about. We are sharing some Siem Reap travel advice to help make your trip a breeze.
Angkor Wat Weather
Expect the weather to be very hot and very humid. During the rainy season – from May to November – you can count on sporadic thunderstorms.
What To Wear to Angkor Wat
You need to wear appropriate attire that is non-revealing and covers both the shoulders and knees. However, clothing also needs to be comfortable and suitable for the hot weather.
We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes, like these shirts, and capris or temple pants. A good pair of comfortable travel shoes are also essential.
Additionally, you may want sunscreen and a travel hat. Of course, insect repellent is a good idea, too!
What To Bring to Siem Reap Temples
Don’t forget a filtered water bottle and a travel umbrella (which can be useful for both shade and downpours).
Of course, a true travel camera is another necessity. We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens.
To keep all of your belongings organized, we suggest using a versatile day pack. We prefer these small backpacks with zippered compartments.
Where To Stay in Angkor Wat
Our must-have amenities for hotels in Siem Reap are an included breakfast, a refreshing pool and knowledgeable staff.
Before choosing a place, read our tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap. Then begin your search on Booking.com – like we do!
Cambodia Travel Insurance
Sometimes regardless of how well you prepare, luggage gets lost, flights cancel and travelers become ill. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, check rates at World Nomads.
Organize Your Trip to Siem Reap
As you begin making plans and reservations, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your vacation to Cambodia.
More Southeast Asia Travel Guides
- What To See in Siem Reap (Besides Temples)
- Top Things To Do in Phnom Penh
- One Week Cambodia Itinerary
- Ultimate Itinerary for Vietnam
- What To Do in Thailand for 2 Weeks
- 3 Days is Luang Prabang, Laos
- Best of Bali Itinerary
- Visiting Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur and Penang
Start planning your trip to Cambodia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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