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The 10 Best Ancient Ruins in Cambodia, Cambodia
in ASEAN (dark grey) – [Legend]
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1. Angkor Wat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48,121 reviews
Reviewed By carolsD3992WS - Halfmoon Bay, Canada
Watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat was special and we were amazed learning the history of this UNESCO World-Hertiage Site that has elaborate architecture and intricate carvings of daily life that defy the construction and engineering skills of the times.
2. Angkor Thom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,614 reviews
This magnificent inner royal city was built by the end of the 12th century and is renowned for its temple grounds and towering southern gate.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
Angkor Thom was the last great Khmer capital and the zenith of this ancient civilisation. The walled complex measures 10 square km and includes impressive entrances such as the famous South Gate which demonstrates the unique architecture of this time period in the form of a smiling stone face in the tower overlooking a causeway lined with collection of demons and gods both holding a 50 metre long Naga - seven headed snake figure. There are other impressive entrances, most notably the Gate of Death and Gate of Victory on the east side of Angkor Thom. Within the complex, you will also find the second most famous of the Angkor temples in Bayon Temple. North of Bayon, visitors can explore the grounds of Baphuon and Phimeanakas temples as well as the very interesting Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Note: Most who are taking in the Short Circuit route through the Angkor Archeological Park will enter Angkor Thom from the South Gate after visiting Angkor Wat to the south. You then visit Bayon and the other attractions mentioned above. In the end, we very much enjoyed the South Gate entrance, Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. These we would consider Must-Sees in Angkor Thom. The rest can be visited depending on the amount of time you have available.
3. Ta Prohm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19,276 reviews
Having undergone minimal restoration, stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle in this stunning temple complex.
Reviewed By lynnem232
An amazing Temple and not too far from the city of Siem Reap. The location for the Lara Croft Tomb Raider movie, this temple is being reclaimed by nature and the sight of these magnificent trees enveloping the temple is awesome in the true meaning of the word. If you can only see one temple during your visit to Siem Reap this would definitely be my choice.
4. Bayon Temple
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20,652 reviews
Reviewed By M9625HWjamesm - Windsor, United States
Take your time, make sure you have either a guide or an in depth guide book, and consider making a second visit....it's amazing and worth every minute you spend there. Go in the morning when all the large groups are still at Angkor Wat.
5. Angkor Archaeological Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,125 reviews
Angkor Wat, the one of the largest religious complexes in the world, and a stunning array of 9th to 13th century temples built by the kings of the Khmer Empire. The Angkor Archaeological Park is breathtaking, and still the principal draw for every visitor to Siem Reap.
Reviewed By eib2017
What an incredible place to see! Any one of the temple ruins would have been a wonder on its own and it seems almost unfair towards the smaller temples that the bigger ones get all the limelight. I hired a bicycle for a day and cycled both routes and I would recommend doing that to anyone who has a reasonable level of fitness and likes having some freedom of movement. (It's also by far the cheapest option.) But most people seem to hire a tuk tuk for a day. It's not expensive and you also have the option to go wherever you like - the tuk tuk driver is at your disposal for as long as you've hired him. Every tuk tuk driver in the city seems to offer tours, so don't bother wasting money to book a tour online. I don't recommend a van tour. It's generally the most expensive and it robs you of the pleasure to slow down as you pass some magnificent ruins and appreciate them briefly (or even stop and see them properly) on your way to the larger and more touristic ruins. Finally, I only bought a day pass because my time in the city was (unfortunately) limited. But the three day pass is DEFINITELY worth it. You will want to go back.
6. Viti's Tuk Tuk & Car Driver
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 275 reviews
I have grown-up in Cambodia surrounded by its historic ancient sights, beautiful scenery, and the timelessness of its world history. I have been working in the tourism industry my whole life to support my family. I do this by guiding travelers, helping them experience Cambodia, and making sure my travelers have a great time! Contact me with the links below so we can get started!
Reviewed By rudyl760 - Melbourne, Australia
Mr Viti and his assistant Mr Tom were both very friendly, approachable and fun! All arrangements for the itinerary was professionally handled by Mr. Viti via WhatsApp. There was always a cold bottle of water and a cool towel, very necessary on these hot Cambodian days!! They were also very informative and went to a couple of extra sites for me without complaint!! Highly recommended, and I hope to use them again next time I am in SIem Reap!!
7. Preah Khan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,105 reviews
Reviewed By ECWorld - Hong Kong, China
I did twenty odd temples in 4 days so they were beginning to look and feel the same - but this was one of the very best in my opinion. Even larger than Ta Prohm, this large temple maintained the same raw unrestored feel as its more famous counterpart (both built by Jayavarman VII). Beautiful carvings lurked, and there were a lot of interesting features including a much photographed stupa as well as a two-storey structure off to one side of the temple. Making the temple even more interesting was that also built as a Buddhist temple, it had a iconography which had both Buddhist and Hindu elements. I spent lots of time just roaming around the ruins - it was just a fascinating experience.
8. Bakong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 532 reviews
Built in the late 9th century by Indravarman I, this is the state temple dedicated to Shiva as Indreshvara.
Reviewed By jalaliqbal - Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
its a nice and big temple. i heard from the guide that maybe it is the oldest in the park. the temple is a Hindu temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva, may be.nice big one with a big court yard infront.
9. Koh Ker Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
Koh Ker, three hours from Siem Reap, served as the capital of the Khmer empire from 928 to 944, and was built under King Jayavarman IV under whose reign colossal sculptures and lingas were constructed, leading to charges of megalomania. Some of the lingas remain, though the sculptures have been removed to the museum in Phnom Penh. The site, which has only recently been demined, is dominated by Prasat Thom, a 30 meter high pyramid temple. In view of the distance, there are far fewer crowds here, making a visit an easier and more pastoral experience.
Reviewed By kaareinge - Elnesvagen, Norway
Tired of visiting crowded temples? Koh Ker temple is located about 100 kilometers from Siem Reap, and if you go early in the morning with a private driver you can actually visit this temple (pyramid) alone, Something you seldom can experience these days! Absolutely worth the drive about 2-2,5 hours one way! If possible I would choose a english speaking driver!
10. Baphuon Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,063 reviews
Reviewed By itsandrool - Penang Island, Malaysia
I am not sure if our tuk-tuk driver meant for us to end up in this temple, but I am glad we did. It is a quiet place with not many visitors. Angkor Wat was the last place we visited hence we managed to appreciate the beauty and splendor of this temple. It has a long catwalk as I like to call it into the temple. It is a steep climb to the top part of the temple. I love this place and did take a lot of pictures here (hence me like calling the long walkway with moats at the bottom 'catwalk'). Climbing up does take effort as the steps are steep and in the afternoon sun, you're sure to get a few shades darker.
