Your Guide to Which Cambodia Siem Reap Temples to Visit (and How to Tour Them)
The list of epic Siem Reap, Cambodia temples is long, but your time is limited! So which Siem Reap temples should you visit? We’ll lay out the best Siem Reap temples in this post and everything you need to know to tour them, including the best way to see Angkor Wat.
Angkor Archaeological Park is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that everyone should see at least once in their lives. It houses stunningly beautiful and awe-inspiring temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, and the “Tomb Raider” temple, Ta Prohm. These Siem Reap, Cambodia temples are masterpieces of engineering from the 12th century that are unlike anything else in the world. But let’s face it – it’s a massive complex. Spanning over 400 sq km (154 sq miles), Angkor Park houses over 70 significant temples, along with hundreds more minor ones. Planning a visit here can be pretty overwhelming! In this post, we’ll share with you which Cambodia Siem Reap temples to visit, your options for touring the temples (including the best way to see Angkor Wat), and other key details to make sure your day at Angkor Park is a resounding success.
Side note – were you hoping to ride an elephant at Angkor Wat? Fortunately for the elephants, riding elephants in the Park was banned in 2020. But, you can now enjoy a more ethical experience with those same elephants at Kulen Elephant Forest. It’s a must-visit, and you can learn all about it in our post Your Guide to Visiting Siem Reap’s Elephant Sanctuary! You should also check out our premade itinerary and travel guide for Siem Reap that will make planning your vacation here a breeze.
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Which Cambodia Siem Reap Temples to Visit - At a Glance:
Which Siem Reap Temples To Visit?
For most people, the primary reason to visit Siem Reap – and Cambodia, for that matter – is to see the epic temple of Angkor Wat. This ancient Khmer temple is so important to Cambodia that they’ve made it the centerpiece of their country’s flag. But you may be surprised to learn that Siem Reap has hundreds of temples. In fact, there are 72 significant temples in Angkor Archaeological Park alone. Once you know this, it can be a little overwhelming trying to determine which Siem Reap temples to visit. To help, we’ll start with an overview of the best Siem Reap temples. We’ll cover the “Big Three” temples that you can’t miss – including the best way to see Angkor Wat – other popular temples nearby, and another of our favorites that’s a little off the beaten path.
The Big Three
The top three best Siem Reap temples that you absolutely cannot miss on your visit to Cambodia are Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
Angkor Wat
Let’s start with the obvious pick – Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century by King Suyavarman II and is the largest religious monument in the world. It’s arguably the most significant archaeological site in Southeast Asia, backed up by the fact that it was recently crowned the new 8th Wonder of the World. Angkor Wat is characterized by its three lotus-shaped towers, intricate bas-relief murals, and stunning views. One of the best ways to see Angkor Wat is during sunrise, when the temple is reflected in its lotus-filled moat.
Bayon Temple
Our favorite temple, Bayon, is famous for its 216 smiling stone faces. No one knows for sure what the faces represent – though there are many favored theories – which lends an enticing air of mystery to the entire site. Constructed in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Bayon was the state temple of Angkor Thom, the Khmer Empire’s last great capital. Bayon temple also features many bas-reliefs depicting scenes of daily life, military feats, and religious rituals. These offer a unique blend of secular and religious storytelling that paints a picture of the Khmer civilization.
Ta Prohm "Tomb Raider" Temple
Ta Prohm temple is actually most famous for its role in modern society – as the backdrop to scenes in the famous “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” movie. Also built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, Ta Prohm is fascinating for its semi-restored state. Silk-cotton trees and strangler figs dominate the ruins, growing over walls and between stones to create a hauntingly beautiful sight. Touring Ta Prohm gives you an idea of what the ruins may have looked like when they were first rediscovered by archaeologists – and what it might feel like to be Indiana Jones.
Other Siem Reap Temples in Angkor Park
Of the other 69 significant Cambodia Siem Reap temples in Angkor Archaeological Park, some of the most popular are Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, Phnom Bakheng, Ta Som, and Pre Rup. Each of these have selling points and are worth a visit, if you’ve got the time and energy. But as long as you’ve hit the Big Three already, consider all of these a “bonus.” Here’s the highlights for those with temple stamina:
- Preah Khan – similar vibe to Ta Prohm, but less crowded, so you may be able to get better photos.
- Banteay Srei – the “Citadel of Women,” it’s famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Heads up – this one’s 25 km (16 miles) from the main Angkor complex.
- Phnom Bakheng – one of the oldest temples in the Park and located on a hilltop. It’s popular for sunset.
- Ta Som – famous for the massive strangler fig tree growing over one of its gates, creating an epic photo op.
- Pre Rup – unique for being made out of bricks, it was originally a royal crematorium. Another popular sunset spot.
Pro tip: If in doubt, ask your driver to take you on the Small Circuit. This is a pre-defined route of 17 km (11 miles) that can be completed in one day and will cover the most important temples, including the Big Three and Phnom Bakheng. If you’ve got a second day, add on the Grand Circuit, a 26 km (16 miles) route that will hit some of the unique, but further out, temples, including Preah Khan, Ta Som, and Pre Rup.
Off the Beaten Path - Beng Mealea
While a bit further out at 40 km (25 miles) east of the main Angkor complex, Beng Mealea is one of the best temples of Siem Reap to visit if you’ve got more time. Built around the same time as Angkor Wat, what makes Beng Mealea fascinating to visit is that it has been left largely as it was when it was found, giving you the feeling that you are discovering it for the first time. A visit to Beng Mealea offers a sense of adventure and exploration – as well as excellent photo ops – without the crowds.
Your Options for Touring the Best Siem Reap Temples
Once you’ve decided which Siem Reap temples to visit, you have several options available for how to tour them. These include small-group tours, private guided tours, self-guided tuk tuk tours, and some more unique options. We’ll go over each of these in detail below. When deciding which option is right for you, keep in mind from a budget perspective that these tours only include the guide and transportation. The cost of your ticket to Angkor Archaeological Park will be paid separately (more on that in How to Buy Tickets for Siem Reap’s Temples).
Note that all of these options will allow you to visit the most important temples in the Angkor Park complex. However, if you’re looking to include further away temples like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea, you’ll need to either book these separately or, in the case of a private tour, discuss in advance to make sure they are included.
Pro tip: Sunrise and sunset are very popular times to visit Angkor Park. If catching these are important to you, be prepared for crowds. Also, you’ll need to make sure to schedule a tour that specifically includes the desired time frame, as sunrise in particular may come at a higher cost due to the very early start time (typically 4:30 am – oof).
Group Tours
Small-group tours tend to be the most affordable ways to see Angkor Wat and the other temples of Siem Reap. With prices averaging $15-$20 (per person), these tours will provide you with transportation and a knowledgeable guide. They tend to focus on either sunrise or sunset and last 8-10 hours. On the pro side, you get a guide at a low cost, but on the con side, this is a very long day, and you’ll have no control over which Siem Reap temples you visit or when you can go home. We recommend this option for those that are budget-conscious, have a high stamina level, and really want a guide. But in our opinion, it’s not the best way to see Angkor Wat.
Private Tours
Private guided tours can be considered the luxe experience, as you’ll enjoy the knowledge of a guide, but with a fully customizable schedule. This significant pro obviously comes with one main con – a higher cost ($100+ per group). If budget isn’t an issue for you, this is the most comfortable way to tour Angkor Park. We also recommend this option for those who want to hit temples that are further away or that are requesting a more unique combination of sites.
Self-Guided Tour
The middle ground choice is a self-guided tuk tuk tour. In our opinion, this is the best way to see Angkor Wat and the other temples of Siem Reap in the Park. For $20 (per group, as of December 2024), you can hire a tuk tuk driver to pick you up and drive you around the Park, which you can then explore at your leisure. You choose the pick-up time, duration, and which temples to visit, but they’re only a driver, not a guide. They can still give you some tips on which Siem Reap temples to visit, but not a tour of the sites themselves.
If a guide is critical to your experience, there are a bunch available in front of Angkor Wat that will give you an hour-long tour for ~$15, but you’ll be on your own for the other temples. We chose to go guideless and focused on soaking in the temples visually, with some light Googling to supplement. You can also get your bearings ahead of time with a visit to the Angkor National Museum, which we discuss in our Siem Reap itinerary and travel guide here.
Pro tip: Finding a tuk tuk driver for a self-guided tour is extremely easy and doesn’t need to be purchased in advance. Nearly every tuk tuk you take in town will offer their continued services during your trip, along with their Whatsapp number for easy communication. The $20 price for Angkor is pretty standard (as of December 2024), so if you get quoted something different, try to negotiate or hire another driver.
Unique Tours
Looking for something a little different? You can also tour Angkor Park on the back of a bike, e-bike, or Vespa! These tours vary in price but all include a professional guide. Just keep the weather in mind – Cambodia can be very hot, and riding a bike may not be ideal for all times of year or physical fitness levels.
What to Bring on Your Tour of the Temples of Siem Reap
Regardless of how you decide to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia’s temples, you’ll want to bring certain items with you. First and foremost is appropriate clothing. While we did see some people at the temples in shorts or tank tops, we recommend you dress appropriately with knees and shoulders covered. It’s more respectful, and you won’t run into any issues with Park authorities that way. In addition, we recommend you bring sunscreen, bug spray (especially for sunset tours), sunglasses, a hat, a fan, and cash. All tour types – even a self-guided tuk tuk – will provide you with bottles of cold water. You can bring snacks if you’d like, but there are also plenty of restaurants onsite when you need to refuel.
How to Buy Tickets for Siem Reap's Temples
Before entering the Park, you’ll need to purchase a one, three, or seven-day pass to the Park. Typically, the price of the ticket is not included in any of the tour types discussed above, as the tour operator won’t know how many days you plan to visit. A one-day pass will cost you $37, while a three-day pass costs $62 and a seven-day pass costs $72 (learn more about Angkor Park tickets here). Tickets can be purchased using cash or card at the Angkor Park ticket booth, and all tours will bring you to the ticket office at the start of your day. Make sure to keep this pass on you at all times, as you’ll be required to show it at each temple you enter.
When deciding which ticket type you need, make sure to keep the plans for the rest of your trip in mind. Other tours you may take can include stops at other Siem Reap temples, so it may make sense for you to buy a three-day pass even if you’re only planning to spend one day at the main area of the Angkor Park complex. For example, we took this full-day Kulen Mountain, Tonle Sap, and Beng Mealea tour, and we were able to use our three-day pass to gain entrance to the temple.
Our Recommended Tour Experience - The Best Way to See Angkor Wat
Colby and I loved our tour experience at Angkor Archaeological Park, so I’ll walk you through what we did and you can follow in our footsteps if this fits your style.
Tour Type
For our tour type, Colby and I decided on a private tuk tuk driver. I am NOT a morning person, so we weren’t interested in a 4:30 am start, and we knew we’d get temple-d out before the end of some 10-hour group tour, so this was the best option for us. We hired a friendly driver who had taken us to dinner the night before and opted for a later start, finishing at sunset. Our driver picked us up at 11:00 am and drove us to the ticket office, where we bought our three-day passes that would allow us to enter Beng Mealea later in our trip.
Our Route
After we got our tickets, we drove to Angkor Wat and spent about two hours there. We toured Angkor in the middle of the day, which I wouldn’t recommend outside of the cooler months (even in December, it was still pretty hot). However, if the weather is tolerable, it’s the best way to see Angkor Wat. That’s because most people aim for sunrise or sunset, so at midday you’ll beat the crowds a bit. Make sure to climb to the top of the temple for the best views. Be advised the stairs are very steep and will be difficult for anyone with mobility impairments.
Once we finished at Angkor Wat, we had lunch at the nearby restaurant, but it ended up being a lesson learned we can pass on to you –
Pro tip: Come lunch time, avoid the restaurants directly outside of Angkor Wat. We worried this would be the only place to eat, but there are actually several restaurants spread throughout the Park. Those near Angkor have the highest markup and are full of persistent vendors that will pester you while you eat. You’ll have a much cheaper and more enjoyable meal if you stop along the road to the next temple. If in doubt, ask your tuk tuk driver for advice.
After lunch, we visited Bayon and Ta Prohm (about an hour and a half each). Bayon was our favorite, but both of these Siem Reap temples are so different that it’s a fascinating day from start to finish. Make sure you’ve got plenty of space on your camera, because there is no end to the incredible shots you’ll want to capture.
We finished our day back at Angkor for sunset. Though it was crowded, it was still incredibly beautiful, and worth sticking around for.
Beng Mealea
As mentioned previously, we hit Beng Mealea as part of a separate full-day tour to Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, and Tonle Sap. While this may not be in the cards for everyone, we really enjoyed the temple, though the tour itself was a bit long for our taste. In our opinion, we found Beng Mealea more interesting than Ta Prohm, as the temple takes the intrigue and mystery of the “jungle taking over the ruins” aspect to the next level. If you have a chance to see Beng Mealea, we highly recommend you include it in your Siem Reap itinerary.
FAQs for Visiting Cambodia Siem Reap Temples
When is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap's Temples?
The best time to visit Siem Reap is between November and April, when you’ll have the highest chance of sunny, dry days – though there’s no getting around the heat. Peak season is between December and January, and though we typically prefer visiting during shoulder season, it’s not a huge issue yet in Siem Reap’s still-developing tourism economy. We visited in December and had no issue making dinner reservations or booking tours. Outside of the November to April window, rainy season may negatively impact which Siem Reap temples you can visit.
Can I See Angkor Wat Park in One Day?
Absolutely! While we found the three-day pass handy for our tour to Beng Mealea, you can definitely hit the highlights of Angkor Archaeological Park in one day. Aim for the Big Three and one or two of the other best Siem Reap temples in the Park, like Phnom Bakheng. Ask your driver for the Small Circuit.
What Else Should I See in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is an excellent vacation destination, full of unique cultural experiences, friendly people, and delicious food. We highly recommend you visit Siem Reap’s elephant sanctuary and the floating villages of Tonle Sap, as well as attend the Phare Cambodian Circus, and dine at Embassy Khmer Gastronomy. Check out these posts to help you plan your trip:
How Do I Get to Siem Reap?
To get to Siem Reap, you’ll fly into Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). However, getting from the airport to the city center involves a few logistical hurdles. Check out our Siem Reap itinerary and travel guide for all the details
Book Your Flight to Siem Reap:
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Where Should I Stay in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap offers a variety of lodging options, from budget to luxury. We stayed at both Lub D hostel and Golden Temple Villa, both of which were excellent. Learn more about these and other recommended hotels in our Siem Reap itinerary and travel guide.
- Lub D – 9.7 average rating
- Golden Temple Villa – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.5 average rating
- Viroth’s Hotel – ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.9 average rating
- Angkor Village Hotel – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.6 average rating
Do I Need to Speak Cambodian to Visit Siem Reap?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our 5 days in Siem Reap, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – jom reap suor – jom REE-up soo-ah
- Goodbye – lia haeuy – lee-ah HOY
- Please – som – sohm
- Thank you – ar kun – aw KUN
Adding a respectful bow with your palms together (called a sampeah) when saying hello or thank you is also appreciated, especially outside touristy areas.
Want to learn more? Check out our post 120+ Cambodian (Khmer) Words for Travel & Tourists.
Final Thoughts on Which Siem Reap Temples to Visit
Deciding which Siem Reap temples to visit – enjoying them is easy. Stunningly beautiful and rich in history, the best way to see Angkor Wat is with your own two eyes. We hope this guide helps make planning your visit to the temples of Siem Reap easier. Share your favorite Siem Reap temple in the comments below!
Flying through Bangkok on your way to Siem Reap? Check out our guide Your Complete Bangkok Itinerary for 3 Epic Days. And don’t forget to check out our other Cambodian travel guides before your trip!
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