Cambodia is home to some of the most remarkable temples in the world that bear witness to the grandeur of the Khmer country. These buildings are rich in history, architecture, spirituality and natural beauty and continue to amaze tourists from all over. The massive structures of Angkor Wat, the most famous of all the temples in the country, draw millions of visitors every year. It even appears on the country's flag!
Here are five temples you shouldn't miss when exploring Cambodia's sacred heritage.
A symbol of Cambodian identity and a great source of pride, Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument and a symbol of Khmer genius. Built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its intricate bas-reliefs, grand galleries and towering pinnacles. Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, Angkor Wat was rededicated as a Buddhist temple in the 14th century. Today, statues of both Buddha and Vishnu are visible on the temple grounds, along with carvings of celestial nymphs depicting ethereal and elegant deities. The best time to visit is at sunrise where you can see Angkor Wat's stunning reflection in the nearby Lotus Pond.
Located within the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple is famous for its mysterious smiling stone faces. With more than 200 four-metre-high giant faces carved into 54 minarets amid the dense forests of Angkor, this temple is a wonderful example of both religious art and architecture. The faces are believed to represent either the Bodhisattva of Compassion or King Jayavarman VII, who built the temple in the late 12th century. Exploring Bayon is like stepping into an ancient spiritual landscape where history and mythology meet.
Ta Prôhm was built in the local Bayonne style in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The temple is a fascinating blend of nature and human creation; as the surrounding forest advances and reclaims the landscape, a vast root system emerges to embrace the deteriorating towers of the once-immaculate Buddhist temple. Here, centuries-old trees grow in and around the temple's stone structures, creating a beautiful sight. Left largely undisturbed, Ta Prôhm offers visitors a glimpse of how ancient temples would appear if they were rediscovered. The interplay between jungle and ruins makes this temple one of the most atmospheric ones in Cambodia.
This 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva is made of pink sandstone, giving it a distinctive appearance compared to other temples in the Angkor area. Banteay Srei translates to "Citadel of Women" and is famous for its delicate and intricate carvings. Despite its small size, the exquisite artistry of Banteay Srei, especially its detailed mythological depictions, makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Khmer art and history.
Perched on the edge of a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, the Preah Vihear Temple offers architectural beauty and breathtaking views. Built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 12th centuries, this temple complex dedicated to Shiva is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The temple is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and for religious functions, as well as for the top quality of its carved stone ornamentation. Its location on the border with Thailand adds a sense of adventure to the trip, and although it is quite a distance from the temples of Angkor, it rewards travellers with its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance.