Adelaide NevilleThe Cambodia temples are amazing, ancient temples full of spiritual and political history. Located in Angkor Archaeological Park, the temples are all clustered together. However, it can be incredibly challenging to see them all in one day if you’re strapped for time on your Cambodia trip.
Ideally, travel lovers should visit the temples over the course of a few days, but this is not always possible. For those travel lovers who only have time for the highlights, here are some of the best temples to explore on your Cambodia trip.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, meaning “Temple City” or “City of Temples,” is the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple but later evolved into a Buddhist temple. Surround by water, the temple’s beautiful architecture symbolizes a chain of mountains reaching to the ocean. Angkor Wat is open from 5:30 AM to 6 PM daily in order for visitors to enjoy watching both the sunrise and sunset at the temple.
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Banteay Srei
The temple of women and beauty, Banteay Srei is sure to take your breath away. As you walk through the temple, you will find ancient carvings on the wall depicting mythological Hindu events. Banteay Srei is much smaller than the other temples. It is also built out of red sandstone, which sets it apart from its fellow temples.
Adventurers beware: the climb to the temple is rather long and steep. Once you make it to the summit, however, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Banteay Srei District. The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 5 PM.
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Preah Khan
Meaning “Holy Sword,” this ancient temple was once used as a house of worship. Later, it served as a university for Buddhist, Vaishnava, and Shaiva worship. Today, however, it stands as a spiritual monument.
Travel lovers will find the temple protected by a moat, but four gates allow for safe entry. Once inside, travel lovers will find moss, trees, and plants growing along the intricately carved temple walls. Visit Preah Khan any time from 5:30 AM to 6 PM to enjoy watching the sun rise and set on this historic temple.
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Bayon
Bayon was once a walled capital city, but today it is just another one of Angkor Archaeological Park’s temples. Carved into the building, travel junkies will find stone, smiling face towers depicting the face of a god-king. Bayon was the very last state temple to be built and the only state temple to be built in dedication to Buddha.
All through the temple, travel lovers can view old stone carvings on the walls that depict historical events. As with Preah Khan and Angkor Wat, this temple is open from 5:30 AM to 6 PM daily.
Photo: stokpic via Pixabay
Ta Prohm
What makes Ta Prohm the most enchanting temple is its abundance of nature. The temple is overrun with trees and plants; vines coil themselves around pillars and tree roots cover entire walls.
Ta Prohm is also one of the few temples containing a description explaining its inhabitants and property. From this description, travel junkies will discover that where there is now only broken stone, there was once diamonds and silk beds. Travel lovers are welcome to walk along towers, courtyards, and corridors anytime from 5:30 AM to 6 PM daily.
Photo: kolibri5 via Pixabay
The Cambodia temples are hauntingly beautiful and historically important. On your Cambodia trip, make sure to stop into Angkor Archaeological Park to visit them. One-day admission passes go for 37$, three-day passes cost 62$, and seven-day passes sell at $72. No matter how long you choose to stay, we hope you enjoy the visit to the temples on your Cambodia trip!
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