The main draw to Cambodia is Angkor, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. With so many temples scattered throughout the Angkor area, it’s impossible to see them all – which is why we’ve compiled our list of the 10 most beautiful Angkor temples.
Our top tip for exploring Angkor? Slow down. Resist the urge to cram too many temples into a single day. By midday, you’ll likely hit “temple fatigue” – that point when the stunning architecture blurs together and intricately carved stones lose their magic.
Instead, visit just a couple of temples each day and balance your itinerary with other activities. We loved mixing temple visits with trips to the Tonlé Sap floating villages, Siem Reap market, Wat Bo Monastery, or an evening Apsara dance performance. Don’t miss the refreshing Phnom Kulen waterfall, and remember to escape the midday heat with a break at your hotel pool.
1. Angkor Wat
No trip to Angkor Archaeological Park is complete without experiencing Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. While thousands gather at sunrise for that iconic shot of the sun behind the towers, consider visiting in the afternoon instead – that’s what we did. Since Angkor Wat faces west, it’s bathed in stunning evening light as the sun sets. You won’t have the place to yourself – plenty of tourists still visit in the later hours – but instead of competing with massive crowds for a pond reflection photo, we shared the magical view with just a handful of other visitors. It felt like discovering a secret that most guidebooks don’t mention.
- Open hours – Daily from 5:00 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Go in the afternoon, and stay until it closes.
- Time needed – 2 hours. You can easily spend even more time there if you want.
2. Bayon
Bayon captivates visitors with its iconic stone faces gazing in all directions from 54 towers – a remarkable 216 faces in total. Standing among them, it’s difficult to find a spot where stone eyes aren’t watching you. There is still a debate about who these faces represent, though our guide suggested they combine the features of King Jayavarman VII and Buddha.
For the best photos, head to Bayon about an hour before sunset as the light creates stunning shadows and highlights on the faces. During the final 30 minutes before closing, you’ll find the temple pleasantly empty and peaceful.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – The best light for photography is an hour before sunset, and the temple becomes pleasantly empty in the final 30 minutes before closing.
- Time needed – 1 hour
3. Ta Prohm
Famous as a filming location for Angelina Jolie’s “Tomb Raider,” Ta Prohm is renowned for its massive trees growing through ancient stone walls. While it offers incredible photo opportunities, this temple attracts too many tour buses throughout the entire day, creating frustrating queues at the most photogenic spots. For your best chance at experiencing Ta Prohm without the masses, arrive right when it opens – or even slightly before. If you’re lucky, guards sometimes allow early entry, giving you precious minutes alone with these mystical tree-wrapped ruins.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Early morning, as soon as it opens; you might get lucky and be allowed to enter even a bit earlier. After 9 AM Ta Prohm gets very crowded.
- Time needed – 2 hours
4. Preah Khan
We loved Preah Khan – it quickly became our favorite temple. Unlike the more famous Angkor Wat or Ta Prohm, this hidden gem feels much quieter and less crowded, which makes exploring it an entirely different experience. The temple perfectly balances wild, overgrown ruins with exquisitely preserved carvings, rewarding curious visitors with countless hidden corners to discover. The monstrous tree roots creeping over the ruins at the east-side gate are not to be missed.
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- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Early morning
- Time needed – 2 hours
5. Ta Som
Ta Som should be visited even just for the coolest temple doorway in the entire Angkor Archaeological Park. Make sure you walk through the grounds to the very back.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Anytime
- Time needed – 1 hour
6. Ta Nei
Ta Nei has had little restoration and is very authentic. With the jungle that has overtaken this temple and the boulders that fill most of the area, we felt like we were part of an archaeological expedition making our way through the grounds.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Anytime
- Time needed – 30 minutes
7. Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei is a lesser-known gem within the Angkor complex, nestled in the forest where the sounds of nature enhance your visit. While not as overtaken by jungle as nearby Ta Prohm, this atmospheric temple offers its charms. At the rear of the complex, you’ll find an impressive banyan tree breaking through the temple surface and growing atop the ancient stonework. The quieter atmosphere and beautiful setting make Banteay Kdei a refreshing stop on your temple journey.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Anytime
- Time needed – 1 hour
8. Banteay Srei
Despite its small size and remote location, Banteay Srei is worth the detour. Built in the 10th century, this temple stands out for its remarkable preservation – the intricate carvings in pink sandstone are extraordinarily detailed and truly spectacular. It offers something distinctly different from other Angkor temples, making it a refreshing addition to your itinerary. If you want a more peaceful experience, plan to arrive around 4:30 PM when the tour buses leave and you can appreciate Banteay Srei without the crowds.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – The last hour before closing or the first hour after opening.
- Time needed – 1 hour
9. Preah Palilay
Preah Palilay offers a secluded retreat within the Angkor complex, with some pretty cool trees standing in front of its chimney-like tower. This hidden gem provides the perfect spot to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier temples. Adding to its spiritual ambiance, a small Buddhist monastery sits nearby, and you’ll occasionally spot monks moving quietly through the grounds.
- Open hours – Daily from 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM
- When to visit – Anytime
- Time needed – 30 minutes for the temple and 30 minutes for the nearby monastery.
10. Terrace Of The Leper King
The Terrace of the Leper King may not be a temple, but this hidden treasure in the northwest corner of Angkor Thom’s Royal Square shouldn’t be missed. Located right next to the Elephant Terrace, its real surprise lies within – a concealed maze-like corridor with walls covered in remarkably well-preserved bas-reliefs from top to bottom. This hidden passage creates a unique backdrop for memorable photos – completely different from anything you’ll see at Angkor.
- Open hours – Daily from 6 AM until 6:30 PM
- When to visit – Mid-afternoon for beautiful light
- Time needed – 30 minutes
Tickets & Transportation
- A ticket is required to enter Angkor Archaeological Park. The price of a single-day ticket is $37, a 3-day pass is $62 (valid for any three days during a 10-day period), and a 7-day pass is $72 (valid for any seven days during a one-month period). You can buy entrance tickets online or in person from the Angkor Ticket Center.
- Organize transportation before your Angkor visit – the complex is too vast to walk between temples.
Where To Stay In Siem Reap
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most popular destinations, with many well-priced luxury hotels to choose from. If you’re looking for something unique with a hint of rustic charm, we recommend Sala Lodges ($$). Conveniently located, this small resort offers accommodation in authentic Khmer-style wooden houses on stilts. These aren’t reproductions – they’re genuine handmade dwellings, some fifty years old or more, transported from across the Cambodian countryside and reassembled on site, each with its own history and architectural character. The interiors, however atmospheric, meet the latest luxury standards.
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If you’re looking for other options, here are a few more exceptional places to stay in Siem Reap:
- Anjali By Syphon ($$) – A small, stylish boutique eco-resort offering both convenience and a more tranquil setting than Siem Reap’s urban hotels.
- Heritage Suites Hotel ($$) – The Heritage Pool Suites are seriously spoiling and romantic, featuring an 8-meter private outdoor swimming pool and steam room.
- Zannier Phum Baitang ($$$) – Gorgeous design in a peaceful, serene setting with rice paddy views stretching as far as the eye can see.
Good To Know
- Plan to spend 3-5 days in Siem Reap. This gives you time to explore the temples at a relaxed pace while also enjoying the town’s other attractions.
- Dress appropriately when visiting the temples – cover your shoulders and knees.
- While we typically explore destinations independently, Angkor can be appreciated more deeply with a guide. Hiring a local expert will significantly enhance your experience by providing essential historical and cultural insights you might miss on your own.
