The Angkor Temples

Breakdown by location and features

The Angkor Archeological Park is a huge place. It has more than 40 major temples within the park, and many others outside it.

Some of them, like Banteay Srei and the Rolous group, receive regular visit from visitors.

But since it's so large and spread out, how are you to determine which ones to visit?

Here you’ll be able to see how they are grouped together, and get to know a little bit how they are laid out.

This could help you save time in planning your visit.

• Angkor Wat - This is THE temple to visit. Consider yourself never having been to Cambodia if you did not stop by here. It is the largest religious monument in the world, and it has so many interesting things in it. You'll probably need to allow at least a couple of hours here.
  
  
• Angkor Thom - This is a large temple complex near Angkorwat. It has several temples within its gates, and is probably one of the most interesting areas to visit. Most of the temples are located right in the center of the complex, making it easy to go from one temple to the next. This area will also take quite a bit of your time.
  
  
  
  
  Baphuon temple's causeway (within Angkor Thom)

• Nearby Temples (Temples just outside the Angkor Thom complex) - Several other temples in the area are located just outside the Angkor Thom gates. Temples like Ta Prohm and Phnom Bakheng are some of the popular ones. Preah Khan is also not to be missed.
  
  
• Faraway Temples - These temples are located outside the park, but some of them are worth seeing. Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and Kbal Spean, are some of the temples that have unique characteristics to them.
  
  
• Rolous Group Temples - Rolous group is also located outside the temple Park, and it used to be the capital city for one of the old Khmer kings. It has 3 temples in the area, with Bakong temple as the highlight.

So those are basically the temples that are doable as day trips from Siem Reap. But if you’d like to break them down more, you can. These temples below are also from the above temples, but grouped according to their own specific features.

Temples with unique features

• Baray Temples - Baray means reservoir, and these are the temples that are located in the middle of the manmade lake. All but one of those lakes has completely dried up, but it’s interesting to visit them nonetheless.
  
  
• Hill Temples - Some of the Ankor temples are built on top of the hill. Phnom Bakheng is probably the most popular. These temples, because they’re located high up, usually provides a great view of the surrounding area.
  
  
• Pyramid Temples - If you like climbing the temple stairs, and some of them are very steep, these are the temples to visit. Climbing up to also gives you a great view of the landscape below. Some temples go up 20 meter high and more from the ground.
  
  
• Sunrise Temples - Angkorwat is popular for sunrise, but if you’re looking to know what other temples that provide a great sunrise experience, here are some of them. Just make sure you set that alarm clock correctly, because if you're late, you'll miss the dawn breaking, which is the best part of it.
  
  
  
  
  Sunrise at Angkorwat temple

• Sunset Temples - As it is with sunrise, some temples are also a great place for viewing the sunset. Everybody knows Phnom Bakheng is the default choice for sunset viewing, but if you’d like to try something different, try some of these temples. 

So in short…

There are so many temples in Angkor Archeological Park, that it would take multiple visits to see them all.

If you only have a limited time, planning your visit in advance is necessary. That way you can tailor your visit according to your wants and interests, instead of just going to temples that everybody goes to.

This will also determine what kind of pass you'll get, the 1 day, 3 day, or 7 day pass.

A 1 day pass is really too short to for you to take in the temples and enjoy them. But if 1 day is all you have, then make sure you get the pass the day before, and squeeze-in that free sunset visit.

A 3 day pass will let you see most of the temples, and if you want, all of them. But seeing all in 3 days, especially for first time visitors, will no doubt will leave you feeling heavily templed out. By the time you reach day 2.1, you're going to start hating the temples and lose interest in them.

A 7 day pass is a good one, but it's probably a little bit too much for first-time visitors and casual travelers who don't have vested interest in the temples. The pass also might not get used for some of the days, which is kind of a waste.

So from all the above choices, a 3 day pass seems to be the ideal one for most people. Just don't try to do all of the temples, though. Take it slowly, enjoy them, and if you miss some temples because you're too 'slow', that's okay. You can always save them for your next visit!

 

The Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia

A Tour in Pictures

Most people go to Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat temple, and rightly so.

There are many beautiful pictures of Angkor out there, and for most of us it was one of those pictures that inspired us to visit Angkor Wat.

Pictures like this one.

The Stone Causeway Leading to the Angkor Wat Temple
in Evening Light. Allposters.com

Or this one.

The Temple of Angkor Wat at Sunrise.
 Allposters.com

Or this one

.
Elevated View of Angkor Wat.
Allposters.com

But those pictures only show you how Angkor looks from the outside.
Have you seen the inside of the Angkor Wat temple?  Have you seen the detailed bas-relief and decorations that adorn almost every wall? Or the steep staircase that has been made even more precarious by age? Have you seen how the world looks from Angkor Wat after you climb those deadly stairs?
If you haven't, I'd like to take you on a little visual 'tour.'
Ready?

The Entrance to Angkor Wat

First, you'll cross the moat to get into the temple complex. The moat will hold more water in the wet season than in the dry one. The excitement starts here, and you'll no doubt start taking pictures if you have your camera on at this point.

Moat from outside the Angkor Wat temple.  Photo by Joel

As you enter the main causeway and start the long walk to the main temple, feast your eyes on the sight of the imposing structure. Historians have decided that Angkor Wat is both a temple and a mausoleum. Most visitors will not debate that much, because just enjoying the sight is enough.
Symmetry has been long prized as one of Angkor's great features. Walking the causeway is one of the best times to appreciate it.

The long causeway to the center of Angkor Wat.
 

The Famous Angkor Wat Reflecting Pools

You'll shortly see the reflecting pools where some of the most beautiful Angkor Wat pictures were taken. The pools make Angkor Wat even more interesting to photograph, because you then have the addition of natural symmetry.

Angkor Wat Temple reflected in the pools. Photo by K. Simourd

The pool is usually completely filled with water during the wet season, and you can take some great pictures. It is only partially filled during the dry season, so mirror images are harder to come by. For example:

Angkor pool in dry season: not full.

Passing the pools, you'll then step onto the Cruciform terrace. The crucifix shape isn't that obvious unless viewed from above. Below, on your left and right sides, you'll also see two 'smaller' buildings. These are the two libraries (symmetry again, you see?).

Angkor Wat cruciform terrace. Photo by S. Cornish

Inside the Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas (Preah Pean)

When you first enter the temple, you'll immediately see the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas (Preah Pean).

One of the corner pools inside the Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas. Photo by A. Dinh

As the name suggests, this area used to have hundreds of Buddha images. Now only remnants remain as some were removed and others stolen. There are 4 'pools' within the cloister, but none of them are filled with water any longer.

Pillars in the gallery, full of inscriptions.

On the pillars, you'll see inscriptions of people's good deeds. Most of them are written in Khmer, but some are also written in Japanese or Burmese.

Standing within the cloister is a great experience. Your eyes will be busy taking in every detail - the size of the enclosure, the many Apsara dancer figures, the airiness and ancient feeling. Being under the roof where it's shady and cool, you can see how bright the Cambodian sun is shining.
The contrast made by the bright stones and sculptures under the direct sun, and the calm, still ones inside is indescribable.

Apsara dancers at the Angkor Wat temple. Photo by electrostatico

Shady on the inside, bright on the outside.

Another one of the corner pools in the gallery. Photo by K. L. Yeo
There's a large 'Buddha' statue opposite the gallery entrance, towards the end. The statue is actually Vishnu, the Hindu God, dressed as Buddha. Many people come to pray and give their offerings while visiting the Angkor Wat temple.
It reminds you once again what the temple is about. It was a religious structure then, and it is still one now, though maybe not on the scale it used to be.

People praying and placing offerings inside the Angkor Wat temple.

When you are done taking in the sights, it's time to move into the central courtyard where the main towers are.

Angkor Wat Central Towers

As you emerge from the hallway, you'll be greeted with the grand sight of the towers.

Standing on the 1st level, looking up at the towers on the 2nd level.

You are now standing on the second level of the temple (the Thousand Buddha Gallery is on the first). The third and final level is located in the middle of these second-level towers.
It is a great idea to spend some time on this level. Some people just sit at the ledge and take in the sights of the main towers. It is also a good place to rest after the long walk, especially if the sun is particularly hot that day.
When you are 'done' with the courtyard and ready to go up, be careful climbing the steep stairs to the third level. It was deliberately designed to be steep to illustrate how reaching the heavens is not an easy task. 

Unbelievably steep stairs going down. Photo by C.Hong
There have been casualties before on these steps, so the Apsara authority placed some metal stairs with railings on the other side of the courtyard. Don't think less of yourself if you use these stairs, because safety really comes first.

Stairs with railings.

Top Level of Angkor Wat

After your climb up the stairs, you'll finally arrive at the top level. Here you'll be able to enjoy some really great views, because you're now 50 meters from the ground.
There are many spots to just sit and take in the moment of being at the top of Angkor Wat.

View from the top of the Angkor Wat temple - photo by electrostatico

Imagine that at one time people actually lived and worked here.

Views from the top of Angkor Wat. Photo by T. Hill.

With a view like this, you won't want to come down.

View of the trees from the top of the Angkor Wat Temple - Photo by E. Molina

But sooner or later you must. Later is better.

Going Down the Stairs

Another reason to linger longer at the top is that it's better to limit your exposure to these deadly steps. Going down is even scarier than going up.

Angkor Wat Temple's steep stairs - photo by N. Rickards

But if you think it's a cakewalk after your first try, then of course no one is going to stop you. Except maybe this sign that's posted several places throughout the temple.

Warning signs placed in several places.
Photo by Mike

Where to Go Next?

After coming down from the top (hopefully safely), you are by no means finished with the temple. Be prepared to be awed by the bas-relief on the outer walls. The details and the magnitude of it will overwhelm you to the point that you will remember very little of what you saw after the whole affair is complete.
Once you've marveled at the detailed carvings, you can take a walk on the grounds and venture into lesser known areas, areas such as the monastery, the south causeways, and the libraries.

Angkor Wat temple map

Where would you like to go next?

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Return to The Angkor Temples for a brief overview of all the temples within the park.

Angkor Wat History - An Overview
Want to know a little bit of Angkor Wat history? Here is a condensed version, including the most important facts about the Kings and the temples.

Apsara - The Nymphs and Goddesses of Angkor Wat
An Apsara is a beautiful and seductive girl of Hindu mythology who were charged with the job of using their charms to seduce mortals. The Apsaras can be found depicted on many of the Angkor Wat temples and especially at Angkor Wat temple itself.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia- A Quick Review
Angkor Wat, Cambodia is located near the town of Siem Reap. It's been listed under UNESCO's World Heritage site since 1992. Preservation has been done constantly in order to keep it in great condition.
Angkor Wat Temple Bas-Relief? Astonishing!
When I first saw the Angkor bas-relief, I was astounded. Having seen and read only a little about it, I wasn't prepared for the great sight. And they're everwhere, not just in one little section!

 

Angkor Thom Temples

Great Angkor or Great City

The Angkor Thom complex has an area that is much larger than the Angkor Wat complex. But unlike Angkor Wat,  it houses several 'smaller' temples instead of just one.

This ancient city complex literally translates to "Great Angkor" or "Great City", and it certainly lives up to its name (Angkor = great, Thom = city).
It's a huge temple complex with 5 elaborate entrance gates (gopuras). On each side, there are 54 demon statues (on the left) and 54 god statues (on the right). The demons and gods are all pulling a serpent, so it's similar to the bas relief scene at Angkor Wat's gallery. 
The complex also has a moat surrounding its outer walls; it's 100 meters wide, and 12 km long. Here, the moats aren't as full as Angkor Wat. In some sections, only a small amount of water remains. In the dry season, you can sometimes see cows grazing, kids playing, or even residents farming. Right there on the moat.

There are people who actually live within the gates of Angkor Thom, and most of them are probably the descendants of the ancient Khmer people. There are also several Wats (Buddhist temples) inside, two of them are just across from the Bayon temple. These are active Wats, and you'll often see monks, people visiting the Wats, and maybe even some religious ceremonies.

Temples within the gates of Angkor Thom

The temples within Angkor Thom are probably some of the most interesting ones to visit. They're rather easy to visit also, because most of them are located in the center and built close to one another. It's amazing to see so many temples within a 'small' area, and most of them are a must-see too!

Bayon Bayon temple is located exactly at the center of Angkor Thom. It's right up with Angkor Wat in terms of must-see and popularity. It has a unique architecture of 214 smiling faces on the towers, and of course the bas relief carvings on its outer walls are also very interesting.	Bayon Temple with its 4-faced towers
Baphuon This three-tiered pyramid temple is currently undergoing restoration.  However, it has been said many times that when this temple was in prime condition, it must've been one of the greatest temples of Angkor due to its sheer size.	Baphuon with the top almost gone
Phimeanakas Phimeanakas is a three-tiered pyramid temple within the Royal Palace enclosure. It is surrounded by walls five meters high, which are largely still intact and standing. There are pools right behind the temple, and the ancient royals originally used them for ritual washing.	Phimeanakas temple
The Elephant Terrace You guessed it, lots of stone elephants. They're either carved on the walls of the terrace, or as statues on both sides of the stairs. Make sure you get down from the actual Elephant Terrace to enjoy the many elephants carved on the walls.	Elephant carvings all around the temple
Terrace of the Leper King This is actually a misnamed terrace. The "King" is actually Yama the God of Destruction, and the leprosy isn't real. It's moss growing on the statues, causing discoloration on the stones.  The Terrace of the Leper King is also the place for enjoying great bas-relief carvings.	Carvings at the Terrace of the Leper King
Prasat Suor Prat This "Temple of the Rope Dancers" with its 12 towers is very picturesque.  With all of them lined neatly in a row, 6 on the left, and 6 on the right, one imagines that it would make a great picture. Sadly it's hard to get all of the Prasat Suor Prat in one shot.	Prasat Suor Prat tower
North Khleang and South Khleang The Khleangs are two similar buildings behind the Prasat Suor Prat towers. They could've been royal palaces, but they look too small to have been so. The North Khleang was built first, and the South followed later.	Inside the North Khleang
Preah Pithu The Preah Pithu group doesn't receive much attention, but this small cluster of temples is a delight! Five Buddhist and Hindu temples, and a terrace, all located very closely to one another.  It sure does give a whole new meaning to the phrase Angkor Archeological Park.	5 temples hidden in the jungle
Preah Palilay A small temple, more like a shrine, with an unusual four-sided cone shape.	Preah Palilay shrine
Tep Pranam A cruciform Buddhist terrace, which was once the base of a pagoda.	Praying items at the base of the Buddha statue. Photo by Mike
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What Transportation To Use
To Get To the Angkor Thom Temples?

Since Angkor Thom is near Angkor Wat, there should be no problem getting around the complex. Your usual transportation choices apply, choices such as bicycle, moto-bike, tuktuk, car, or van. 
You can also go on an an elephant ride at this old Angkor City, either at Bayon in the morning or at Phnom Bakheng during the sunset.
In the 1860s, when Angkor was first rediscovered, elephants were the original mode of transportation for Angkor visitors. So if you want to do it old style, ask the elephants to take you around some of these Angkor temples! Click here to read more about temple transportation choices.