Top 10 Must-visit Temples in Siem Reap

Siem Reap Province, situated in the heart of Cambodia, is renowned for being a treasure trove of ancient temples. With over 200 temples to its name, Siem Reap is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, culture explorers, and travelers seeking unique experiences. Led by the Angkor Wat temple, which holds the title for being the largest religious building in the world, there are numerous stunning ancient temples that drive millions of visitors to the country every year. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 must-visit temples in Siem Reap that every visitor must see when visiting Cambodia.

Angkor Wat Temple

Location: Located in the province of Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is situated approximately 6.7 kilometers (4 miles) north of Siem Reap city center.
Historical Significance: Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century CE by King Suryavarman II, it is considered one of the largest religious buildings ever created. Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
Architecture and Design: Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world, covering approximately 400 acres (160 hectares). It is designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu mythology and is surrounded by a moat that spans over 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Explore The Angkor Wat Architecture. Many experts believe Angkor Wat’s construction reflects a remarkable integration of astronomy, engineering, mathematics, and architecture causing many incredible events such as The Angkor Wat Equinox when the Sun to accurately rise over the middle, topmost prang of the temple.

Bayon Temple

Location: The Bayon Temple is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is about 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles) north of the center of Siem Reap, Cambodia or 3.3 kilometers (1.8 miles) north of Angkor Wat temple.
Historical Significance: The Bayon Temple was constructed around the late 12th or early 13th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who was a prominent ruler of the Khmer Empire. It served as the centerpiece of the capital city of Angkor Thom, and was dedicated to Buddhism.
Architecture and Design:The temple is known for its numerous towers, each adorned with serene and enormous stone faces. In total, there are 54 towers at the Bayon site, representing all 54 provinces at that time. Bayon temple is built on three distinct levels, each likely constructed at different phases. The first two levels are square-shaped with geometric decorations and bas-reliefs and the most prominent feature is the top circular level with the towers and their enigmatic faces.

Ta Prohm Temple

Location: Located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Siem Reap city center or roughly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) northeast of Angkor Wat temple.
Historical Significance: Built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm functioned as a Buddhist monastery and a prestigious center of learning (University) managed by Queen Indradevi. The temple was specifically dedicated to King Jayavarman VII’s mother. Inscriptions found on the site suggest it also served as a funerary temple for her.
Architecture and Design:The architecture of Ta Prohm Temple is characterized by a traditional Khmer structure. It consists of a series of gradually smaller enclosures, with the largest enclosure measuring about 1000 by 650 meters. The temple’s layout and design are believed to have been influenced by earlier structures on the same site, with some historians speculating that Ta Prohm is an expansion of a more ancient Buddhist shrine.

Bakong Temple

Location: Located in Roluos, which is 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles) east-southeast of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Historical Significance:Bakong temple is historically significant as it is considered the first temple mountain of the Khmer Empire’s Angkor period. It was built in the late 9th century AD during the reign of King Indravarman I and served as the official state temple of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. Bakong Temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Architecture and Design: The architecture of Bakong Temple is characterized by its stepped pyramid structure, which is often referred to as a “temple mountain” in early Khmer temple architecture. Bakong Temple incorporates elaborative elevation, with a total of five steps contributing to its height and beauty. Smaller towers are built on the fourth elevation, while larger ones are located at ground level.

Banteay Srei Temple

Location: Located in the Angkor area, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) northeast of Siem Reap city center.
Historical Significance: Banteay Srei temple was built in the 10th century AD (967 AD) during the reign of King Jayavarman V, by a Brahmin of royal descent who was the spiritual teacher to the King. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and the linga of Shiva
Architecture and Design: Banteay Srei Temple is renowned for its intricate and well-preserved carvings, which cover the walls like tapestry. The temple is made of pinkish sandstone and features a miniature scale compared to other temples in the Angkor complex.

Baphuon Temple

Location: Baphuon Temple is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is about 9.6 kilometers (6 miles) north of the center of Siem Reap, near Bayon Temple.
Historical Significance: The temple was originally built in the mid-11th century as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II, a ruler of the Khmer Empire. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
Architecture and Design: Baphuon Temple is a three-tiered temple mountain, built in the architectural style known as the Baphuon style. It is made of sandstone and features a stepped pyramid structure, which measures approximately 120 meters east-west by 100 meters north-south. The temple is known for its impressive size, with more than ten chambers at its base.

Pre Rup Temple

Location: Located in the Angkor area, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Siem Reap city center.
Historical Significance: The temple was built during the reign of King Rajendravarman II in the 10th century. It served as the state temple of the Khmer Empire and was dedicated to the Hindu deities.
Architecture and Design:The temple’s layout and design are characterized by long galleries and libraries, which are typical features of 10th-century architecture and are not seen in temples built after Pre Rup’s completion. The temple’s height and clear view to the west make it a popular site for watching sunsets.

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Location:Phnom Bakheng Temple is located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is about 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles) north of Siem Reap city center, near Angkor Wat Temple.
Historical Significance: Phnom Bakheng temple was constructed between the late 9th and early 10th centuries by King Yasovarman I as the centerpiece of his new capital, known as Yasodharapura.
Architecture and Design: Phnom Bakheng Temple is a temple mountain situated atop a hill. It is constructed in the form of a pyramid and is the highest temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park (79-meter-tall), offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Angkor Wat.

Preah Khan Temple

Location: Located in the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of Siem Reap city center.
Historical Significance: Preah Khan Temple was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. It was dedicated to his father and served as a place of worship and devotion.
Architecture and Design: Preah Khan Temple is a sprawling temple complex with a flat design. It features a basic plan of successive rectangular galleries surrounding a Buddhist sanctuary, along with Hindu satellite temples and later additions. The temple has a rectangular shape and occupies an area of approximately 56 hectares.

Beng Mealea Temple

Location: Located in Beng Mealea village, Svay Leu District, approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) east of Siem Reap city center.
Historical Significance: The history of the temple is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, based on its architectural style, which is identical to Angkor Wat. Beng Mealea was built as a Hindu temple.
Architecture and Design:The architecture of Beng Mealea is comparable to that of Angkor Wat, with galleries, libraries, and cruciform terraces mirroring the layout of the famous temple.

These top 10 must-visit temples in Siem Reap are more than just tourist attractions; they are living testimonies to a bygone era, silent storytellers of Cambodia’s vibrant past and spiritual heritage. Each visit promises a journey of discovery, making Siem Reap a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, culture explorers, and travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

Source: Wikipedia

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