Temples & History

Cambodia’s temples are its defining feature — and the Angkor Archaeological Park near Siem Reap is only the beginning. The Khmer Empire (802–1431 AD) built thousands of temples across what is now Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Many have been reclaimed by jungle; others, like Angkor Wat, have been preserved and restored to their former magnificence.

The Angkor Archaeological Park

Spread over 400 square kilometres, Angkor contains the remains of the Khmer Empire’s various capitals. A 3-day Angkor Pass allows you to explore at your own pace — don’t try to rush it.

Must-visit temples:

• Angkor Wat — the iconic five-towered temple, sunrise essential
• Bayon — 54 towers of stone faces, the most enigmatic temple in the park
• Ta Prohm — silk-cotton trees swallowing ancient stone, left deliberately unrestored
• Preah Khan — a magnificent ruin, quieter than the main sites
• Banteay Srei — 37km from Siem Reap, finest stone carvings you’ll see anywhere

Beyond Angkor

Cambodia’s temple culture extends far beyond Siem Reap:

• Phnom Bakheng — hilltop sunset temple above Angkor
• Sambor Prei Kuk — pre-Angkorian temples near Kampong Thom (UNESCO listed)
• Prasat Preah Vihear — dramatic mountain-top temple on the Thai border (UNESCO listed)
• Beng Mealea — unrestored jungle temple, like Angkor 50 years ago

Living Buddhist Culture

Cambodia’s temples are not merely ruins — 95% of Cambodians identify as Theravada Buddhist, and most wats (temples) are active religious sites. The sight of saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn, or the smell of incense at a local pagoda, is as much a part of Cambodia’s temple experience as the stone monuments themselves.