Are you a person with an interest in exploring places of cultural and religious importance? Then, you are not alone. I am here to share the best 25 temples in Angkor, which is the home to a whopping 1000 temples. Feeling excited? Read on to learn more:
What Is Angkor Wat?
The term Angkor Wat is actually wrongly used. Yes, you should say the region that is the home for many temples as Angkor temples and not Angkor Wat Temples. Do you know the reason? Here is the kicker: Angkor Wat is just the name of one of the temples in this archaeological region of Cambodia. It will not be an overstatement to say that travel enthusiasts from different world destinations visit Cambodia mainly to explore the huge Angkor Archeological Complex. As this complex is the home to plenty of temples, you will be interested in knowing about the best of them. So, I am here to discuss the top 25 temples in this part of Cambodia.
1. Angkor Wat:
This huge Angkor temple is the best-preserved temple in Angkor. Apart from 5 concentric rectangular walls, this temple also has moats alongside. The temple symbolises the cosmic chain of ocean and mountain. The central tower is stated to be equivalent to the mountain Meru. It is said to be the center of the Buddhist and Hindu universe.
In the outer gallery of this temple, you will get to see a series of stone sculptures. They stand as the structural proofs for the two Indian Epics. Yes, you will get to see different episodes of these epics. You are sure to feel awe with the sheer precision of artistry and carving in this temple.
2. Bayon Temple:
Source: dailyartmagazine
This temple is located in the centre of the Angkor Archeological Park. Bayon is one of the Cambodian temples that depict uniform faces that are known to be the face of King Jayavarman VII, who built this great city. It has several exquisite and complicated bas-reliefs with scenes that depict the construction of the temple itself. The uniform shape of the faces all through the temple is believed to be the face of the king himself. When you visit this temple, you should have a lot of stamina to handle the narrow corridors, steep flights of towers and stairs.
3. Elephant Terrace:
When you visit Bayon Temple, you can cover this temple in Angkor Wat Complex. This place houses a 1000-foot terrace of elephants, thereby called by this name. It is believed to have been used as a viewing stand during royal ceremonies and public ceremonies during the Kings’ rule in this region. Many lions beautify this huge path as well. In the whole complex, I feel this is one of the busiest sites. If you wish to avoid crowds, make sure to plan your visit early in the morning.
4. Ta Keo:
This is one of the best temples of Angkor. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. King Jayavarman V began the construction of this temple when he was just 17. He intended to make this temple his state temple. Nevertheless, he never completed the construction of this Angkor Temple. Legend of the temple states that during the construction process, a lighting demolished the temple, unfortunately. So, all works were stopped and the main temple alone was constructed without any external carvings. You will have to climb steep steps to reach the top of the temple. But, once reached, you are sure to get an excellent view, making it a worthy climb.
5. Banteay Srei Temple:
Source: in.hotels
This temple is located at around 25 km distance from the main Angkor temples. Even though it is located in a remote location, you can get to see something special in this temple, making your visit-worthy. The intricate carvings and wonderful pinkish stone make this temple unique from the other temples in Cambodia. The site has attracted huge investment and to meet the present-day needs, it hosts toilets, cafes and shops for visitors to spend some relaxing time.
6. Pre Rup:
Pre Rup was the centre of Angkor Thom City once. The good thing about this temple is that it stands as a model for the main Angkor Vat Temple. For the most exhilarating view of the entire city, you will have to climb the steep steps up to the three tiers in this temple.
If you would like to take sunrise photography, this is the right Angkor temple that you should not miss out on visiting. Above all, you can stay crowd-free as compared to the temple of Angkor Wat as well. But, when you visit this spot for sunset photography, you should expect more fellow visitors.
7. Preah Khan:
King Jayavarman VII constructed this temple in the 12th century. Both Buddhists and Hindus visit this temple. You will be surprised to know that this temple hosts nearly 18 grand festivals and serves as the home for hundreds of gods. The name of the temple translates to Holy Sword. From the depicts of this temple, you will understand that it was also functioning as the place of education during the king’s rule. You will get a different experience when you visit the centre of the temple as it houses the Prasat Preah Stung.
8. Banteay Samre:
You can plan your visit to this temple when you visit the Banteay Srei temple. With Buddha and Hindu Depictions in the form of fine cravings and elaborate architecture, this temple looks attractive. This temple is built in the same period as the temple Angkor Wat. Many things including the style of balustrades and towers look very much similar in both these temples.
9. Ta Prohm Temple:
Source: theculturetrip
In the movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie, this temple has gained immense popularity as one of the must-visit temples in Angkor. With trees growing right throw the temple structures and even over them, the temple is presently partially restored. It is quite away from the main Angkor temples.
10. Prasat Kravan:
This is one of the smallest temples in the Angkor region. However, the symmetrical towers made using red bricks make this spot the most attractive for tourists. Above all, the muted colour of stones in this temple gives it the most attractive looks that are picture-worthy. This temple stands as proof of 10th -century architecture.
11. Banteay Kdei:
When talking about temple Cambodia, not much information is available about this temple. However, people visit in large numbers to this temple. It is presumed that it is a Buddhist Monastery. The reason is that many Buddha statues have been taken out from this spot and it is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Also, it would have been built during a similar period as the Ta Prohm Temple. The reason is that there are similarities in the architecture and structures.
12. Phnom Bakheng:
You will be surprised to know that this temple came into existence around two centuries before the Angkor Wat temple. The locals claim that this is the first temple among the mountain temples in the Angkor region. Khmer Empire had this place to be their second capital city. It stands as an example of the power of symmetry with its eye-catching architecture.
13. Baphuon Temple:
This temple is located very close to the Bayon Temple. The pyramid shape of the temple made it the centre of the city. Before Angkor Thom, this temple was the centre earlier. Next to Angkor Wat, this is the second-largest temple in Baphuon Temple. Most part of the temple has collapsed itself due to overambitious and hasty building and planning. Try to visit this temple by the evening and reach the upper layers to get an attractive view of the sunset.
14. Leper King Terrace:
To the northern end of the Elephant Terrace, this temple provides you with the opportunity to walk between the outer and inner wall. We will get to see some attractively detailed stone carvings. The five-headed dancers, warriors and horses are worthy to capture in this spot.
15. East Mebon Temple:
When you visit this temple after Pre Rup, you will find that both these temples look very much similar. This is also a mountain-style temple and it rises three levels above the ground. The elephant still proudly guards the corners of the left out ruins.
16. Ta Som Temple:
This is one of the small Angkor temples. Even though the temple has many similarities with the popular Ta Prohm, you will experience a much quieter atmosphere here. Many deities and carvings are still in good condition in this temple. Do not forget to capture the smiling faces that beam above the main entry point in this temple.
17. Neak Pean Temple:
This temple is very small that you cannot get in and explore. But, you can capture the external structures. Also, you can get a long walk over Baray lake when you visit this tourist attraction in Angkor.
18. Phimeanakas:
Source: encirclephotos
Phimeanakas, otherwise called Vimeanakas is one of the temples in Angkor built in Khleang Style. The construction of this temple happened in the 10th Century. The erection of this building was done during the Rajendravarman reign. The construction was then completed by Suryavarman I. The temple stands special because of the three-tier pyramid.
19. Prasat Suor Prat:
Prasat Suor Prat encompasses a series of 12 towers. These towers line the eastern side of the royal square. Sandstone and rugged laterite are used for constructing the towers. This temple is located right opposite the Elephant Towers and Leper King Towers. This temple is believed to be built during the rule of Indravarman II.
20. Thammanon Temple:
This Angkor Temple is known to have been built during the 12th Century. This temple stands as excellent proof of the exclusive cravings.
21. Preah Ko Temple:
Translated as the sacred bull, this temple was built under Kind Indravarman I rule. The temple is located around 15 km from the main Angkor temples. The temple got its name from the three statues located in front of the temple and facing the central towers. These statues are made using sandstone and they are believed to resemble Nandideva, who is believed to be the vehicle for Lord Shiva.
22. Beng Mealea:
This temple in Angkor belongs to the 12th century. You will find many Buddhist depictions in this temple located around 40 km East of Siem Reap. Numerous courtyards beautify the temple. You will get to see some vines and giant trees that cover both the roof and the ground.
23. Preah Ang Thom:
Source: pkaromdoul.blogspot
This Buddhist temple in Angkor is located on the top of the hill. The important attraction in this temple is the Kulen Pagoda, which is a 600-year old reclining statue carved out of a single rock. After worshipping the Buddha statue, when you come out, you will find a platform. You can get an attractive view of the entire landscape from this platform.
24. Baksei Chamkrong:
Baksei Chamkrong is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. When you visit the Angkor Thom, you can get to see this small temple on your left. It is believed to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva as the temple housed a large golden image of Lord Shiva.
25. Sambor Prei Kuk:
This temple complex is believed to have been built around mid 6th and 7th centuries. This is the right temple to plan your visit to if you wish to visit a temple in Angkor that is older than the Angor Wat temple. Above all, if you want to avoid crowds, you can choose this temple spot during your Angkor visit.
Conclusion:
Angkor Wat will truly bring you fun. You can capture a lot of pictures and videos to make sure that this visit will stay in your minds in the form of pictures and videos forever.