Temples in Cambodia - 12 Must-Visit Religious Places

Cambodia is famous for its history and culture and has some of the most famous buildings in the world. These temples in Cambodia are not only striking constructions; they offer a window into the nation’s past, highlighting how Hinduism and Buddhism have shaped it over the years.

This article will look at the most famous temples in Cambodia. Take a look at their background, characteristics, and explanations for being the best temples in Cambodia. So, read on!

Table of Content

12 Must Visit Temples in Cambodia
Angkor Wat
Banteay Srei
Bayon Temple
Preah Khan
Ta Prohm
Pre Rup
Phnom Kraom
Banteay Samré
Koh Ker
Preah Vihear Temple
West Mebon
Baksei Chamkrong
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12 Must Visit Temples in Cambodia

Temples in Cambodia stand out for their rich history, intricate architecture, and religious relevance. Every architecture offers a different experience, making them popular temples in Cambodia.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument after its founders dedicated it to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Over time, being one of Cambodia’s best temples, it became a Buddhist temple and became a major religious destination.

Angkor Wat

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Sunrise walks, culture exhibits, and yearly Khmer New Year celebrations
How to Reach: 6kms north of Siem Reap sits Angkor Wat. Tuk-tuk, bike, or vehicle will all get you there quickly.

Features:

Rising five lotus-shaped towers above a three-level pyramid form, it is visually striking. It represents Mount Meru, the gods’ home in Hindu stories.
Detailed paintings of scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Hindu tales cover the walls.
Two large rectangular ponds fronting the temple produce exquisite, mirror-like pictures of the towers.
A large pond surrounds the temple, and a limestone path leads to it.

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Banteay Srei

Historians call this Hindu temple the “Citadel of Women,” and it stands from the 10th century with its dedication to the god Shiva. Among many famous temples in Cambodia, its unique architectural beauty emerges through its decorative pink sandstone construction combined with intricate carvings.

Banteay Srei

Address: Banteay Srei District, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Local religious events and organized historical walks.
How to Reach: It is 25 km north of Angkor Wat and is accessible by cab or guided trip.

Features:

Famous for its detailed carvings made from pink rock, which include flowers and mythical designs.
Hindu god descriptions include Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Ramayana stories on the walls.
Though smaller than other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei’s magnificent architecture makes all the difference.
There are statues of guardian figures and heavenly dancers (apsaras) at the door.
A moat and beautiful grounds make the spot more attractive.

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Bayon Temple

Within Angkor Thom’s heart stands Bayon temple, which showcases 54 towers with around 200 stone faces, making it one of the unique Hindu temples in Cambodia. Buddhists believe it represents Avalokiteshvara, who is the bodhisattva of compassion.

Bayon Temple

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Tours of cultural and historical sites and photography lessons.
How to Reach: From Siem Reap, tuk-tuk or bicycle makes quick access. It lies midway through Angkor Thom.

Features:

There are 216 large stone faces carved on 54 towers, thought to represent Avalokiteshvara or King Jayavarman VII.
A round main shrine with hallways and rooms around it, decorated with carvings
Detailed paintings showing daily life in Khmer culture, like fishing, cooking, and shops
The temple has three floors, and the top level features famous faces.
Large courtyards for religious events and meetings

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Preah Khan

Preah Khan was a Buddhist temple and educational center during King Jayavarman VII’s reign. This is among the religious places in Cambodia that were built to honor the king’s father while maintaining dozens of statues depicting Buddhist divinities.

Preah Khan

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Archaeological tours and historical exhibitions.
How to Reach: Situated 2 km northeast of Angkor Thom, accessible by tuk-tuk or bicycle.

Features:

A huge temple, including classrooms, corridors, and prayer spaces, surrounded by forest
Worships several gods, including Vishnu, Shiva, and Buddhist characters
Stone Garudas, bird-like animals from mythology, are carved on the walls to represent security.
A holy place for keeping the linga (a symbol of Shiva) used in Hindu ceremonies
Some parts of the temple are covered with trees, giving it a strange and beautiful look.

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Ta Prohm

King Jayavarman VII dedicated Ta Prohm to his mother when he founded this Buddhist monastery and university through the stunning ecosystem of immense trees and temple ruins. Buddhist deities appear throughout the temple carvings.

Ta Prohm

Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Guided tours focusing on the temple’s cinematic history.
How to Reach: Close to Angkor Wat, accessible via tuk-tuk or tour bus.

Features:

Big silk-cotton and fig trees rooted themselves around the stone walls and structures of the temple.
Popular for its appearance in the Tomb Raider film, it’s a prime location for photographers.
Ta Prohm has images of female figures and flower designs.
Many small rooms and halls create a sense of adventure.
A wild temple that feels timeless and provides a peaceful experience.

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Pre Rup

In the 10th century, dedicated to Shiva, Pre Rup stands as one of the most popular ancient Hindu temples in Cambodia. Visitors can experience breathtaking views across the landscape because the temple’s steep pyramid design reveals panoramas at dawn and dusk.

Pre Rup

Address: Angkor Archaeological Park, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Sunset viewing sessions and guided tours.
How to Reach: Located south of the East Baray, accessible by tuk-tuk.

Features:

A three-level pyramid-shaped temple made of brick, laterite, and sandstone
This was thought to be used for royal cremations, giving it essential spiritual meaning.
Wide platforms at each level provide great views of the countryside.
Four towers at the corners and a center shrine for Shiva
Pre Rup is one of the best places to see the sunsets at Angkor.

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Phnom Kraom

Located atop a hill near Siem Reap, Phnom Krom is among the best temples in Cambodia, dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Visitors at this site can enjoy breathtaking Tonlé Sap Lake views from their elevated position.

Phnom Krom

Address: Phnom Krom Mountain, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Events: Local religious festivals and events
How to Reach: Situated 12 km southwest of Siem Reap; you can get there by road.

Features:

Tucked atop Phnom Krom Mountain, it provides wide views of Tonle Sap Lake and the nearby farmland.
Emphasizes the three main Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Beautifully cut stone beams that show stories and gods from mythology
A quiet place that’s not too busy, ideal for thinking and relaxing.
The worn stones make Phnom Kraom seem old and genuine.

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Banteay Samré

This Hindu temple from the mid-12th century serves Vishnu as its principal deity. Research findings show that the temple’s excellent state of preservation, along with intricate artwork, helps scientists understand artistic trends during the Angkorian era.

Banteay Samré

Address: 7000 Sok San Road, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Heritage walks and temple tours.
How to Reach: Located near the East Baray reservoir, accessible by tuk-tuk

Features:

A small but impressive temple with features similar to Angkor Wat
Detailed designs of Hindu stories on the tops of doors and frames
A pond and tall walls make a quiet and peaceful place.
This is one of the best-preserved temples, renovated to show how it initially looked.
Beautiful doors and patterned windows enhance its appeal.

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Koh Ker

Koh Ker functioned as the former capital of the Khmer Empire, at which visitors can discover the 30-meter-tall Prasat Thom temple that worships Treypuvanesvar, who represented Shiva. Several places of worship are found throughout the site.

Kho Ker

Address: Preah Vihear, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Exploration tours.
How to Reach: 120 km northeast of Siem Reap, best reached by car or guided tour.

Features:

Prasat Thom is a seven-level tower that stands 36 meters tall and looks like a Mayan building.
Kho Ker is located in a quiet area, providing a unique experience away from the crowds.
There are smaller temples at the spot for Hindu gods like Shiva and Vishnu.
Exceptional carvings show images of Garuda and snake designs.

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Preah Vihear Temple

Standing atop a cliff between Thailand and Cambodia, this Shiva-dedicated temple overlooks the border area. Its solitary positioning with panoramic sights makes it among the best temples in Cambodia, and it remains truly exceptional.

Preah Vihear Temple

Address: Krong Ban Lung, Preah Vihear, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Events: UNESCO World Heritage tours.
How to Reach: Situated on a hilltop near the Thai border, accessible by road.

Features:

It is located on a 525-meter-high cliff and provides stunning views of Cambodia and Thailand.
A unique straight design with five Gopuras (gateway towers) that lead to the main temple.
Shows a typical Khmer temple building with detailed designs and layered steps
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its significant religious and historical value

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West Mebon

West Mebon embraces its position as a Vishnu-centered temple on one island in the West Baray reservoir. A major bronze depiction of the resting Vishnu was found during excavations at this site.

West Mebon

Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Events: Cultural exhibitions.
How to Reach: Located on an artificial island in the West Baray, accessible by boat.

Features:

Located on an artificial island in the West Baray reservoir, reachable by boat.
West Mebon includes a prominent metal figure of Vishnu lying down, which is now partly shown in the National Museum.
Highlights the Khmer mastery of water management with its reservoir system.
Peaceful settings perfect for reflection and photography.

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Baksei Chamkrong

Located near Angkor Thom, it is one of the modest Hindu temple locations that honors Shiva. Visitors acknowledge this site because of its pyramid design and carefully maintained reliefs.

Baksei Chamkrong

Address: Angkor, Krong Siem Reap 17000, Cambodia
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm
Events: Guided archaeological tours.
How to Reach: Near the Angkor Thom gate, accessible via tuk-tuk.

Features:

A tall tower with a steep path that goes up to the main shrine
A respected figure located in the shrine, drawing in both worshippers and visitors
Baksei Chamkrong was built for Shiva, and its form is based on Mount Meru.
Surrounded by trees, it looks very appealing.

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