Angkor Wat, located just north of Siem Reap, is one of the largest Khmer ruins in the region and the most recognizable landmark in Cambodia. Built by King Suryavarman II in the early 1100s, this Hindu temple was dedicated to Vishnu. Most visitors choose to come here either at sunrise or sunset when the light is at its most atmospheric.
After Angkor Wat, the temples of Angkor Thom are the most famous and most visited. It is here you’ll find the 216 enigmatic stone faces of Bayon, a Buddhist temple dating back to the late twelfth century, as well as Baphuon, one of the largest Angkor monuments just to the Northwest. Angkor Thom means “Great City,” and the population was believed to have topped one million people. This grand scale is evidenced in some of the city’s other ruins, including the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King.
A bit further afield from Siem Reap sits the three temples of the Rolous Group. Preah Ko, the oldest of the three, dates back to the ninth century, but all three temples predate the other main temples of Angkor. If you have the time, a visit to these temples helps piece together an architectural timeline of the Khmer style.
One of the best known stand-alone temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm, has been overtaken by strangler figs since it was abandoned centuries ago. The strange combination of man-made architecture and nature have made it one of the most popular stops in the park, especially since its appearance in the 2001 film Tomb Raider.
Tours & Tickets
Angkor Temples Small-Group Tour
Discover the mysteries of Angkor on this full-day, small-group temples tour from Siem Reap. See the iconic Angkor Wat and the enigmatic faces of Bayon temple. ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Private Tour: Angkor Wat and The Royal Temples Full-Day Tour from Siem Reap
Be mesmerized by Angkor Wat and other magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire on this private tour from Siem Reap! Beginning at the south gate of Angkor Thom ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Angkor Wat Helicopter Flight with Private Tour of Temples
See Cambodia’s magnificent Angkor Wat and other temple ruins by land and air on this private full-day tour! Explore the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
Private Tour: 3-Night Angkor Temples and Tonle Sap Lake by Tuk-Tuk
Ride a ‘remork’ (Cambodian tuk-tuk) to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park on this private tour that includes three overnight stays in ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
Private Tour: Angkor Wat Ancient Temples Full-Day Tour from Siem Reap
Visit Cambodia's magnificent Angkor temple complex on this private full-day Angkor Wat tour from Siem Reap. In the morning, visit the Roluos Temple Group, ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Angkor Temples Tour and Overnight Buddhist Monastery Stay
This overnight stay at a Buddhist monastery near Siem Reap includes a half-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Visit the famous Angkor ... Read more
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Duration: 2 days (approx.)