Updated as of January 2020
Summary: This blog shares 10 of the best temples in Angkor, from Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm to Banteay Srei. All needed details for each top temple are laid out in the post including operating hours, entrance fee, location, how to get there and photographic spots. The Angkor Temples blog is intended for first-time travelers, either solo, family or traveling in group.
ANGKOR AT A GLANCE
Before it finally became the pilgrim destination for Buddhists and a tourism spectacle for the seculars, the ANGKOR ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK took a long journey of restoration since its rediscovery in 1860s. Historical accounts mention that most of its areas were overgrown with thick vines and trees, a few deeply buried in the ground, and on the later years, some of its artistic treasures were endangered by pillage and illegal excavations.
Nowadays, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Archeological Park is freely showing its temples with all their elegant spires occupying a skyline that spans to almost a thousand square kilometer. For most of the temples, they were massive, entrancingly aged and full of life. They were a sight to behold, an outright extravaganza of beauty and splendor.
TOP THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANGKOR
Here are pieces of information you need to know before visiting Angkor to help you appreciate its cultural, religious and symbolic value:
- Angkor was the seat of power of the ancient Khmer Empire around 802 CE to 1431 CE covering a territory to what today is Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam. It was the largest preindustrial city in the world with a population of about one million people.
- Located between north of Tonle Sap lake and south of the Kulen Mountains, Angkor contains around 72 major temples which include the most famed Angkor Wat. The temples are considerably a great source of national pride as evidently shown in Cambodia’s national flag.
- Theories were varied as how the Khmer Empire was ended; these include defeat in battle, shifting of religious beliefs from Khmer to Theravada Buddhism and the damage of the water system which was core to the day-to-day affairs of the empire.
- King Jayavarman VII who was considered as the most powerful monarch to ever led the Khmer Empire, built the massive city of Angkor Thom as the new capital after the old capital Yasodharapura was destroyed by the Chams. To keep the new city from invaders, Angkor Thom was surrounded by a 100-meter wide moat and was enclosed in walls that stand 8 meters high. Inside it is a cluster of the most elaborate temples that you can find in Angkor Archeological Park today, like the Bayon and Baphuon temples.
- King Jayavarman VII also ordered the construction of Angkor Wat as a state temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
FAQs ABOUT ANGKOR
How to get to Siem Reap (Angkor Temples)? Access to Siem Reap can be done by plane and bus.
Find tickets for bus and plane from your location to Siem Reap using the search box below:
When is the best time to visit the Angkor temples?
The best time to visit Angkor is from November to February when the weather is dry and bearably hot, and when the temples are perfectly tinged in deep brown and some moss. Avoid the summer months of April and May when the heat is extreme which would likely leave you exhausted and sick after a temple tour. On a rainy day, the path going around the temples are wet and slippery so as much as possible do not travel during the rainy season from July to September.
Drawback: November to February is considered the peak season where you can expect the highest volume of visitors in Angkor. This can become a problem for photo sessions, and for having a more private time in the temples.
Is there an admission pass to visit the Angkor temples?
Foreigners that are 13 years old and up are required to purchase an admission pass to visit the Angkor temples. Passes are only sold at the ticket office located at Road 60, 4 kilometers away from Siem Reap town center. Be wary of hotels and other tour companies that sell tickets as they are most likely fake since it is a requirement that your photo will be taken upon purchase and will be printed on the ticket. Passport is required upon ticket purchase.
There are three types of Angkor passes:
- 1-day pass for USD37 (valid for the next day if purchased past 4PM)
- 3-day pass for USD62 (valid for 7 days from date of issuance)
- 7-day pass for USD72 (valid for 1 month from date of issuance)
Note: For the last two passes, it’s not necessary that your days of visit are consecutive.
You may pay in cash or through credit card. There is an ATM available at the ticket office to withdraw cash. Angkor Park Pass Ticketing booth is open from 5:00AM to 5:30PM.
Angkor Pass is also admissible for other temples not located inside Angkor Park:
- Banteay Srei
- Phnom Krom
- Wat Athvea
- Roluos Group (these are temples of Hariharalaya, the second capital of Khmer Empire, located outside Angkor. These temples are: Bakong,
Lolei, Preah Ko, and Prei Monti.)
Other temples that cannot be visited using an Angkor Pass:
- Phnom Kulen National Park
- Beng Mealea (admission costs USD5)
- Koh Ker (admission costs USD10)
What time can you visit the temples?
Visiting hours for most of the temples is from 7:30AM to 5:30PM, except for the following:
- Angkor Wat opens from 5:00AM for sunrise viewing until 6:00PM
- Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup open from 5.00AM to 7:00PM
- Banteay Srei closes at 5:00PM
- Kbal Spean closes at 3:00PM.
What is the best way to get around the temples?
Concerning the mode of transport: Angkor stretches to a thousand square kilometer so walking, although an option, is definitely not advised. You need a vehicle to get around efficiently. Of late, foreigners are not allowed to drive (but not strictly imposed) so the only safe way around Angkor is to hire a tuk tuk or van driver. Going on a bicycle which can be rented for USD2 a day is also doable if you plan to only go around the central temples which are at a nearby distance from each other. Choosing this option however entails long hours of cycling and exposure to heat.
If you opt to go on a bicycle, KLOOK has a rental service. Check this link for details: Siem Reap Bicycle Rental.
Concerning itinerary: There are two established circuits that tour operators and DIY travelers follow, the small and grand circuit which both run through Angkor Wat and to some temples in Angkor Thom. The bigger Grand Circuit extends eastwards to cover other smaller temples.
- The Small Circuit is recommended for visitors with one-day pass and covers the central temples of Angkor beginning at Angkor Wat for sunrise, then to Ta Prohm (or the Tomb Raider temple), some major attractions inside Angkor Thom like Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of the Leper King, and of the Elephants and ending back to Angkor Wat.
- The Grand Circuit is ideal for tourists with 3 to 7-day pass. This tour takes in some temples in the small circuit including Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom and goes out of the central area to Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup and Srah Srang strip.
Like what I did, you can freely choose temples from both circuits to create a one-day itinerary. This may depend on your tuk tuk driver and would mean giving them extra pay. Go to the sample itinerary section for the list of Angkor temples I chose and found below is the contact information of my tuk tuk driver for your reference.
Mr. Lem was my tuk tuk driver. Feel free to contact him through these information:
- Facebook account: Lem Tuk Tuk Driver
- Mobile: +855 88 547 3246
Offered Angkor tours for group travelers:
- Small circuit day tour – 25$ for 3 persons
- Big circuit day tour – 30$ for 3 persons
KLOOK also offers affordable Angkor Temple tour; if you are a solo traveler avail of the discounted service using any of the links below:
- Angkor Temples Sunrise Tour around USD11
- Angkor Temples Tour around USD13
- 3 Day Angkor Exploration Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD55
- Sunrise Angkor Temples Small Circuit Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD19
- Angkor Temples Grand Circuit Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD15
Are there restaurants inside Angkor?
Most of the bigger temples have basic food stalls and restaurants near entrance and exit, especially within the strip from Angkor Wat to Sra Srang. To name a few: Ktom Sre and Khmer Village Restaurant near Sra Srang, Khmer Angkor Restaurant and Angkor Café outside Angkor Wat. Food items are mostly priced from USD4 to USD6.
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Here are tips for tourists and travelers who wish to wander around Angkor Wat and other temples in Angkor:
- The Angkor Pass must be presented to the security personnel for each temple before you will be granted entry so make sure you bring them at all times.
- Proper dress code is required for some parts of the temple; wear clothes that would cover your knees and shoulders.
- Some temples have a different entrance and exit so make sure to get the contact number of the driver, agree of a meeting place before going inside the temple, or familiarize the vehicle to avoid getting lost.
- It is easy to get “templed out” after visiting a few temples so take your time appreciating the uniqueness of each temple, its carvings, layout, and structure.
- Going around the Angkor temples would hurt your feet and strain your legs. At least, wear your most comfortable shoes to ease the pain.
- Stay hydrated. Bring at least two liters of water. Some tuk tuk drivers offer bottled water for free.
- Wear sunblock and a cap or something that can cover your head from the heat of the sun.
- For photographers: The best lighting condition for most of the temples is early morning as they face towards east. On the other hand, Angkor Wat faces west and is best visited in the afternoon. At noon time, temples overgrown with vines like Ta Prohm, Ta Som and Preah Khan are the likely options to photoshoot as surrounding foliage prevents direct exposure to the sun.
- Tour guides are not required to visit the temples. Go DIY if you are more of the independent type.
MUST-SEE TEMPLES IN ANGKOR
I was able to customize and freely chose the temples that made up my full day itinerary in Angkor with the help of Mr. Lem, my tuk tuk driver, for a charge of USD25.
Below are top 10 temples in Angkor in the order we visited them as it turned out efficient for me, and most likely, for other travelers. I made sure that the temples carry a unique feature so I won’t easily get “templed out.”
My Angkor Temple itinerary map, from Angkor Wat to Angkor Thom.
Note: The information I share below would mean a general guide, but not necessarily be taken down to the smallest details.
ANGKOR WAT
Details: Built during early 12th century, the massive temple of Angkor Wat took some 50,000 artisans, workers and slaves to complete. It is recognized as the world’s largest religious building dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu. To get to the temple, visitors need to go through a huge moat leading to its gateway. The best spots in Angkor Wat are around the lower level of its exterior walls where you can find the most detailed bas reliefs which tell of stories about wars and every day life of Hindu and depict a thousand images of Apsara dancers. Angkor Wat is located 17 minutes away from Siem Reap city center.
Visiting hours: 5:00AM to 6:00PM
Photographic spots: The best time to visit for good lighting condition is past 2PM as Angkor Wat faces towards west. Sunrise is also a good time for a photography session especially when you want to capture the magical sun as it breaks the horizon. The best spot to take a sunrise photo is at the left pond area where you can get a good reflection of the Angkor Wat’s front gate. Other instagrammable spots include the top level under the towers which provide a great view towards the main gate (may require extra hour of waiting to climb up the spot during peak times), the columns that cast beautiful shadows in the afternoon, and the moat area during sunset where you can find Buddhist monks at rest. If you want to capture a good overview of the Angkor Wat complex, head out to Bakheng Hill during sunset. Make sure to bring a zoom lens and expect the place to have little room for movement as most tourists flock at the area during sundown.
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours
Caveat: Angkor Wat takes most of the crowds so getting a good photo without people is not assured. The complex however has a sheer size so you can always find a more quiet spot.
Rating: 5/5
PRASAT KRAVAN
Details: Prasat Kravan was constructed in 921 AD, and was one of the early temples that were not built by a king. The small temple which features 5 sanctuary towers was said to be built by a high priest in tribute to Vishnu whose images were carved at the full interior of the central tower. The temple may look uninspiring on the outside but its true beauty lies in the interiors of the towers. Prasat Kravan is 11 minutes away from Angkor Wat.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: Visit the temple early morning or late afternoon to find the best light. Some of its photographic spots include the brickwork of the sanctuary towers, the bas-reliefs of Vishnu at the central tower, and Lakshmi, his consort at the northernmost tower.
Time needed: 10 to 30 minutes
Caveat: Prasat Kravan is small but rich in details. This temple will pass for a quick visit after a long tour of the massive Angkor Wat.
Rating: 3.5/5
EAST MEBON
Details: The mountain temple East Mebon is built at the 10th century by King Rajendravarman II on a huge water reservoir that has now become a dry land. Its outer sanctuaries were dedicated to Shiva, his wife and the gods Vishnu and Brahma. The island temple is located 11 minutes away from Prasat Kravan.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: The entire complex is a beauty, but the elephants guarding its corners are highlights you really want to capture.
Time needed: 10 to 30 minutes
Caveat: There is not enough shade to hide from the sun so better visit East Mebon early morning or late afternoon.
Rating: 4/5
TA SOM
Details: The 12th-century built Ta Som is yet another work at the command of great King Javayarman VII which also features his signature design, the serene stone faces. The temple makes for a good preview of what the mostly crowded Ta Prohm looks like but feels a little intimate. Ta Som is designed in Bayon style and boasts of its well-preserved bas-reliefs which depict some Hindu and Buddhist icons. It is located 5 minutes from Eastern Mebon.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: Like most of the temples, the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for the light conditions. While here, take a pose at the huge strangler fig tree at the eastern gate.
Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Caveat: Ta Som is a small temple complex, which is in good condition but needs more attention to better preserve its natural state.
Rating: 3.5/5
NEAK PEAN
Details: The 12th-century Neak Pean is a place of worship which was often visited by pilgrims to wash out their sins through its “healing” waters on the eight pools that surround it. The small temple is said to be an “entwined snake” where its name was derived from. It is one of the small temples that were constructed at the order of King Jayavarman VII. Neak Pean makes for a quick stop after the nearby Ta Som.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: The water inlets make a reflection that work best for your composition. Other good photo subjects are the different heads and the coiled tails of the serpent, the statue of flying horse Balaha.
Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Caveat: The 700-meter walkway through a lake to get to Neak Pean, though makes for a dramatic setting, can be daunting at noon time under so much heat exposure. On your visit, make sure to wear a cap or something that would cover your head.
Rating: 3/5
PREAH KHAN
Details: Built in the 12th century, Preah Khan was constructed as a tribute to the father of King Jayavarman VII. It flows in a Bayon style and is designed in the same architecture of Ta Prohm which was dedicated to the king’s mother. Preah Khan means “Royal Sword” and served as a temporary residence of the king while Angkor Thom was being constructed. The temple complex was originally built as a monastery and school. Preah Khan is 9 minutes away from Ta Prohm.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: While here, enjoy a photo session anytime of the day at its wealth of carvings, the 72 garudas at its outer parameter, maze-like passages, stone corridors covered in moss and the overbearing trees. If you are lucky, there is also an old woman at its central portion that gives blessing to visitors which makes for a very interesting photo subject.
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Caveat: The temple although massive is easily explored. However, take extra caution at the piled ruins and fallen stones as they look fragile and stepping on them is highly discouraged.
Rating: 4/5
TA PROHM
Details: Served as location of the 2001 Angelina Jolie movie Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm is a must-see temple in Angkor for its beautifully overgrown trees hugging through its stone structures. The monastic temple was built around 12th to 13th century and performed as home to high priests and monks. It covers an area of about 145 meters. Its construction was dedicated to King Jayavarman VII’s mother and is built on a Bayon style. The best time to visit Ta Prohm is early morning when there is less crowd. It can also be a perfect spot during noon time as most of its areas are covered in shades. Ta Prohm is located 16 minutes away from Preah Khan.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: Take photos of the giant tree on the temple, the stone blocks and ruins smothered with moss.
Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Caveat: Ta Phrom is attractive for its overgrown trees but may disappoint for only having few bas reliefs. It is one of the most visited after Angkor Wat so expect as well that tourists crowd around the temple.
Rating: 4.5/5
BAYON TEMPLE
Details: The 12th-century built Bayon is one of the most elaborate and well-built temple inside Angkor Thom and is known for the 200 faces installed on its 50 temple structures. Bayon temple is ornamented with the most beautiful bas-reliefs both on its lower and upper level depicting scenes about warfare and the construction of the temple itself. From Ta Prohm, Bayon temple is only 13 minutes away.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: The best time to visit Bayon for photography is after sunrise and near sunset when the light can clearly bring out the details on its bas-reliefs. Most photos on the net from this temple involves the 200 faces, either as a background or the subject. The windows and passageways also make a good boost on your photo composition.
Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Caveat: Going around Bayon Temple can be quite exhausting as it involves going through narrow corridors and steep stair steps. While here, take time walking around and learn to slow down. Bayon is also one of the most crowded because of its popularity so expect a number of tourists on your visit.
Rating: 4/5
BAPHUON TEMPLE
Details: The late 12th-century built Baphuon temple was the state complex of King Udayadityavarman II which represented the Mount Meru with its three-tiered walkway raised to several steps to create the massive mountain temple. Baphuon temple is only a 6-minute walk north of Bayon temple.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Photographic spots: Visit the temple early morning for the best light condition and never miss to capture the 9-meter long reclining Buddha statue found at its back area, and the monkeys you will meet on your way to the entrance.
Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour
Caveat: Baphuon temple is open. Paying a visit at noon time can be sickening due to the scorching heat of the sun.
Rating: 3.5/5
BANTEAY SREI
Note: Banteay Srei was not covered in my full-day itinerary but I have included it in the list since it easily is one of the best temples in Angkor.
Details: The “lady temple”, “pink temple”, “citadel of the women”, “precious gem” and “jewel in Khmer art,” whichever nickname you want to call it, Banteay Srei has now been a tourist favorite for its stunning pink stones and intricate carvings that demonstrate the wealth, power and devotion to diety of the ancient Khmer people. The 10th-century temple is situated 25 kilometers north of Siem Reap city center which takes about 30 minutes travel time. Banteay Srei temple is provided with modern toilets, shop, visitor centre and a cafe. It uses the Angkor Pass for admission.
Visiting hours: 7:30AM to 5:00PM
Photographic spots: Visit the temple early morning or late afternoon to get its most photogenic display. The most notable item you can find in the temple are the images of Apsara dancers and the temple itself which clothed in pink-tinged stones.
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Caveat: You need to pay extra to get to this temple for a travel time of almost an hour which may not be good if you visit at noon time since it only leaves little shade from the heat of the sun.
Rating: 4/5
KLOOK offers affordable Angkor Temple tour; if you are a solo traveler avail of the discounted service using any of the links below:
- Angkor Temples Sunrise Tour around USD11
- Angkor Temples Tour around USD13
- 3 Day Angkor Exploration Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD55
- Sunrise Angkor Temples Small Circuit Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD19
- Angkor Temples Grand Circuit Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk around USD15
Look for more discounted deals from Klook for Siem Reap using the Search Box below. Key in “Siem Reap” and click “search”.
ANGKOR TEMPLES SAMPLE ITINERARY
Below is a customized itinerary in going around the temples of Angkor that you can arrange with your tuk tuk or van driver for one day and three days. The listed temples on the one-day itinerary are a mix from small and big circuits. The third day on the 3-day itinerary targets the far-flung Bantay Srei with other tourist attractions that you will pass by in getting there.
ONE-DAY ANGKOR TEMPLE ITINERARY
This one-day Angkor itinerary assumes a person of three and will set back a budget amounting to USD54 including expenses for USD37 one-day Angkor Pass, USD25 tour via tuk tuk good for 3 persons and cost for food. This does not include expenses for accommodation, souvenir and other incidentals.
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Sunrise at Angkor Wat | 05:00AM | – |
| Prasat Kravan | 07:00AM | – |
| Eastern Mebon | 08:00AM | – |
| Ta Som | 09:00AM | – |
| Preah Khan | 10:00AM | – |
| Ta Prohm | 11:00AM | – |
| Lunch | 12:00PM | USD4 |
| Angkor Thom Tour | 2:00PM | – |
| Bayon | – | – |
| Baphuon | – | – |
| Terrace of the Leper King | – | – |
| Terrace of the Elephants | – | – |
| Back to Angkor Wat | 5:00PM | – |
| Sunset at Angkor Wat | 6:00PM | – |
| Back to Hostel | 7:00PM | – |
| Rest and Dinner | 9:00PM | USD4 |
| Socials | 10:00PM | – |
THREE-DAY ANGKOR TEMPLE DIY ITINERARY
This Siem Reap Angkor Temple Itinerary set for 3 days assumes a person of three and will set back a budget amounting to USD100 including expenses for USD62 3-day Angkor Pass, USD60 3-day tour via tuk tuk for 3 persons, USD5 separate fee each for Prasat Beng and Landmine Museum, and cost for food. This does not include expenses for accommodation, souvenir and other incidentals.
For this itinerary, the first day is spent on the temples around Small circuit, the second day on the Grand Circuit, and finally the third day for the following:
| Activity | Schedule | Budget |
| Kbal Spean | 08:00AM | – |
| Bantay Srei | 09:00AM | – |
| Landmine Museum | 11:00AM | USD5 |
| Lunch | 12:00PM | USD4 |
| Prasat Beng Mealea | 3:00PM | USD5 |
| Back to hostel | 5:00PM | – |
| Dinner | 7:00PM | USD4 |
| Socials | 9:00PM | – |
WHERE TO STAY IN SIEM REAP
To get around Siem Reap easily, you need to choose an accommodation near the night markets and Pub Street (which are next to each other) to get a good access to food, and tuk tuk drivers for Angkor Temple tour if you want to go DIY.
I stayed at Onederz Siem Reap, a budget hotel with a pool on its roof top. I highly recommend the place for its clean rooms, the good vibe (because it’s a top backpacker’s choice), its friendly staff and its close proximity to the night markets and Pub Street, which are about 300 meters away.
Other top-rated hotels that are close to Siem Reap night markets are as follows:
- Ladear Angkor Boutique (mid-range) Check rate and availability here
- Visoth Angkor Residence (mid-range) Check rate and availability here
- Everland Boutique Hotel (mid-range) Check rate and availability here
- Primefold Hotel (luxury) Check rate and availability here
- Golden Temple Boutique (luxury) Check rate and availability here
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Visit other top destinations in Southeast Asia:
PHILIPPINE DESTINATIONS
Luzon
- Baguio Budget Travel Guide
- Balabac Budget Travel Guide
- Baler Budget Travel Guide
- Batanes Budget Travel Guide
- Cordillera Budget Travel Guide
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- Laoag Budget Travel Guide
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Visayas
- Apo Island Budget Travel Guide
- Bacolod Budget Travel Guide
- Boracay Budget Travel Guide
- Cebu Budget Travel Guide
- Dumaguete Budget Travel Guide
- Gigantes Islands Budget Travel Guide
- Iloilo Budget Travel Guide
- Negros Budget Travel Guide
- Sipalay Budget Travel Guide
- Siquijor Budget Travel Guide
Mindanao
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
- Bangkok, Thailand Budget Travel Guide
- Chiang Mai, Thailand Budget Travel Guide
- Chiang Rai, Thailand Budget Travel Guide
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Budget Travel Guide
- Johor Bahru, Malaysia Budget Travel Guide
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Budget Travel Guide
- Penang, Malaysia Budget Travel Guide
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia Budget Travel Guide
- Singapore Budget Travel Guide
- Sukhothai, Thailand Budget Travel Guide
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