8 Cambodian Temples that Aren’t Angkor Wat

The Hindu-Buddhist Khmer Empire stretched across what is now known as Cambodia, and you can see numerous relics from this incredible empire today. The most popular and famous is Angkor Wat, but when you visit Siem Reap and beyond, you’ll find fantastic ruins that rival anything else you’ll find in the world.

Many of these temples are within the Angkor Archaeological Park, and you can see many of them on a guided trip to the park that ends, or begins, at Angkor Wat. Others are a bit further from Siem Reap, but still an easy day trip from the city.

Bayon Temple, in the Angkor Archaeological Park, is one of the most impressive ruins near Siem Reap. Full of marvelous relics, including long-lost statues and set next to a lake that reflects its magnificence, Bayon Temple will be one of the highlights of your trip. Make sure that you look for the smiling faces, carved into the prangs and towns of the temple.

The Bayon Temple was built in the late 12th century and features several Buddha statues, as well as carvings of Naga and Dvarapala around the entrances. If you visit, plan to spend about two hours touring the temple.

2. Baphuon

You can visit both Bayon Temple and Baphuon in a single morning, as the two are very close to each other. It’s nicknamed the “golden mountain,” and if you visit right as the sun is coming up, you’ll fully understand why. Baphuon is one of the oldest temples on our list, dating back to the early part of the 10th Century, and was initially built to worship Shiva. In later years, the temple was repurposed as a Theravada Buddhist site.

Baphuon is an excellent place to take photographs, both inside and out. If you’re feeling inclined, you can make the steep climb to the temple’s terrace and enjoy excellent views of Angkor Archeological Park.

3. Preah Vihear Temple

At three and a half hours away from Siem Reap by Car, Preah Vihear Temple is one of the further-flung options on our list, but it’s well worth checking out. This 11th-century temple stretches 500 feet long and 535 feet wide; you’re likely to spend several hours exploring it fully. Plus, since it’s very far off the beaten path, you’re less likely to run into any fellow tourists on your journey.

One thing that you’ll notice as you wander through Preah Vihear Temple is the intricate stone carvings depicting the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. These carvings are in excellent condition, making the Preah Vihear Temple a superb option for those who want to learn more about Cambodia’s religious history.

Ta Prohm is located within the Angkor Archeological Park and is a Bayon-style temple built in the 12th Century. Initially, a Mahayana Buddhist monastery, the temple gained fame in 2001 when it was used for the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. One of the coolest things about this temple is that it’s partially reclaimed by the jungle, so you’ll see huge trees amongst the ruins.

Ta Prohm translates to “ancestor Brahma” and was created initially by Jayavarman VII with a depiction of Prajnaparamita, also known as the incarnation of wisdom, and the “Mother of Buddhas.” Although the ruins are intertwined with the forest, they’re fairly stable, and you can safely walk amongst them.

5. Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei is a 30-minute drive from Siem Reap and is an excellent example of a 10th-century temple. One of the significant reasons people fall in love with Banteay Srei is its gorgeous pinkish exterior and exquisite carvings and bas-reliefs. That, and its proximity to Siem Reap, makes Banteay Srei a must-visit next time you’re in Cambodia.

This temple is dedicated mainly to Shiva, but you can find artifacts that honor Vishnu as well. Banteay Srei is mostly carved of red sandstone, which lends the exterior its pinkish hue. If you want to visit somewhere truly unique, make sure that you consider this spot.

6. Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea is another temple close to the Angkor Archeological Park. It’s not as well-maintained as some of the others, which is part of its charm. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when you enter. Since this temple isn’t as popular as some of the others in the complex, you’re more likely to have it to yourself. Like many temples in the Angkor Archeological Park, you’ll find a mix of Buddhist and Hindu carvings, and it was likely created around the same time as Angkor Wat.

Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll see plenty of interesting depictions in the temple, such as the story of Garuda and Vishnu, and plenty of Naga scattered throughout the ruins. If you want a place of quiet solitude and contemplation, Beng Mealea is a great bet.

Part of the Angkor Archeological Park, Phimeanakas is a late 10th-century Hindu Temple with multiple tiers, also known as the “Celestial Temple”. This towering pyramid features several towers and galleries to explore, and has undergone several modifications since its initial construction.

Visitors will find plenty of interesting things to discover throughout the temple, including animal depictions on each of the tiers, naga, and other carvings. Like many of the temples in the Angkor Archeological Park, Phimeanakas is partially reclaimed by the jungle, which just adds more to its appeal.

8. Neak Pean

Drive half an hour away from Siem Reap and you’ll discover one of the most interesting temples in the country: Neak Pean. This smaller temple sits in the middle of a little lake, making it a great place to get unique photographs. It dates back to the 12th Century.

Neak Pean also has a fascinating history. It used to be a sort of hospital, where visitors could bathe in the healing waters that surround it. Today, nobody visits for medicinal reasons, but it is a popular trip from Siem Reap, and you can easily pair it with a visit to Angkor Archaeological Park.

These eight incredible temples are must-visit spots in Cambodia. Of course, you’ll want to see Angkor Wat on your visit, but if you want to get the full picture, see these ones as well.