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Siem Reap grew up as the base for exploring Angkor, the sprawling seat of Khmer kings whose empire dominated much of mainland Southeast Asia for centuries. Temple ruins spread across forest and rice fields north of town, and the Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Siem Reap itself has grown from a small river town into a relaxed base with markets, restaurants and guesthouses.
Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, draws crowds at dawn. Its long galleries are carved with bas-reliefs, and visitors can climb to the steep central sanctuary known as the Bakan. To the north, the South Gate opens into Angkor Thom and the Bayon, known for its serene carved faces, with the Baphuon and the royal terraces nearby. Ta Prohm is known for trees whose roots grip its walls, while Preah Khan and the island shrine of Neak Pean feel quieter. Farther out, Banteay Srei has exceptionally fine carving in pink sandstone, and Kbal Spean has riverbed carvings. The Roluos Group includes some of the earliest temples, and Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup are favored at sunset. Stilted villages such as Kompong Phluk line the edge of the Tonle Sap lake.
Angkor suits history enthusiasts and photographers comfortable with heat and early starts. Multi-day passes allow a steady pace, and hiring a tuk-tuk driver is common.
WiserMap travel guideSiem Reap Cambodia Angkor Wat Sunrise and the BayonPlan Siem Reap and Angkor with this guide to Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Tonle Sap villages, Khmer food, Angkor Pass tips and the best season...Read the guide
The largest religious monument in the world, built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple and later Buddhist. Its five lotus towers rise beyond a wide moat. Sunrise over the reflecting pool is the classic view, so arrive before 5:30 am. An Angkor Pass is required and sold only at the ticket center.
The state temple at the center of Angkor Thom, built around 1200, famous for its towers carved with more than 200 serene stone faces. The outer galleries have bas-reliefs of battles and daily life. Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
A temple from the late 12th century left partly in the grip of the jungle, with giant silk-cotton and strangler fig roots wrapped around its walls. It appeared in the film Tomb Raider. Wooden walkways protect the ruins. Go right at opening time to see it without the crowds.
Banteay Srei is a small 10th century temple of pink sandstone with some of the finest carvings in Khmer art. Further north, Kbal Spean is a riverbed carved with lingas and Hindu gods, reached by a forest hike of about 40 minutes. Combine them in a half day trip by tuk-tuk or car.
The outer galleries of Angkor Wat hold nearly a kilometer of carved stone bas-reliefs, including the Churning of the Ocean of Milk and scenes of heaven and hell. The Bakan is the steep central tower, reached by a wooden staircase. Shoulders and knees must be covered to climb it.
The main entrance to the walled city of Angkor Thom, a tall gateway crowned with four huge stone faces. It is approached by a causeway lined with rows of gods and demons holding a giant naga serpent. It is crowded at midday, but you can walk the quiet wall top nearby for a different view.
Baphuon is an 11th century temple mountain that was taken apart for restoration and painstakingly rebuilt. Next to it, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King are long platforms with fine carvings. They are a short walk north of the Bayon, so see them together.
Preah Khan is a large 12th century temple complex with long corridors, collapsed halls and trees growing over the stones, quieter than Ta Prohm. Nearby Neak Pean is a small shrine on an island in the middle of a square pool. Both are on the Grand Circuit route and best by tuk-tuk.
Phnom Bakheng is a hilltop temple near Angkor Wat, popular for sunset, with daily visitor limits. The Roluos Group, about 13 km east of Siem Reap, includes Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei, built in the 9th century and among the oldest Angkor temples. They are calm and rarely crowded.
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, swelling hugely in the rainy season. Kompong Phluk is a village of houses on tall stilts, with a flooded forest explored by small boat. Choose a responsible tour, and know that water levels change the experience a lot.
The heart of Siem Reap town. Psar Chas, the Old Market, sells silk, crafts, spices and food, while Pub Street nearby fills each night with bars, restaurants and music. The riverside path and night markets are pleasant in the evening. Bargain at the market stalls and try Khmer amok curry.
A modern museum on the road to the temples, explaining the history, religion and art of the Khmer empire with statues, carvings and short films. The Gallery of 1,000 Buddhas is a highlight. Visit before going to the temples for good background, and allow about two hours.
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