Cambodia

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The Khmer Empire built temples of Angkor Wat are Cambodia's international identity and a premier travel destination as a world wonder. Scattered throughout the interior these ruins invite the more adventurous to discover each of them. Because archeology restoration is ongoing, there is a freshly rebuilt temple inviting you always to return and discover something new.

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Watch Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

4.5

You'll want to leave your hotel or hostel in Siem Reap by 5am at the latest. Don't bother pre-arranging transportation, there will be tuk tuk drivers roaming the streets looking for people headed to the temple. If you haven't bought your Angkor Wat pass yet, I'd recommend leaving even earlier. The line can be crazy.After arriving at the temples, walk across the Angkor Wat gateway into the main...

Photograph Preah Khan Temple

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

5.0

Chances are the droves of tourist in Angkor will be trying to photograph sunrise at Angkor Wat. Use this to your advantage and shoot this temple first. It's best to be there no later than 7am. The light is gorgeous then and you'll be able to get every shot you want with nobody in your way. You can take a tuk tuk to the temple, they're cheap and do the job just fine. You can also hire a driver, ...

Explore Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon Temple was built in the 12 century and about 100 years after Angkor Wat. Bayon is in the exact center of Angkor Thom. It is famous for over 200 stone Buddha faces that highlight the magnificence of Bayon. In Bayon's current state, it has 37 towers. Each tower has four faces point in four directions. It is very impressive. Entering from the direction of the South Gate, the road circles Bay...

Explore Koh Ker

Kuleaen, Cambodia

0.5 mi

Koh Ker was the Cambodian capital for a brief period from 928 - 944 AD. Similar to Angkor Thom, Koh Ker features many distinct temples and sites within its boundaries.Koh Ker is located about 120 kms from Siem Reap, but thanks to new road construction, the journey only takes about two hours. It's great to combine as a day trip with Beng Mealea. One thing to note, there is no public transporta...

Explore Ta Prohm Temple

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

This is probably my favorite of all the Angkor temples. Ta Prohm is also referred to as Temple of the Jungle. Much has been untouched by Archeologist other than to clear paths through the ruins. Ta Prohm was built in the late 12 century. It is a fairly large complex of towers and corridors linking courtyards and temples. This temple can become overrun with tourist all day. Its' unique sights ma...

Hike the Outer Wall Trail of Angkor Wat

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

2 mi

I haven't seen this trail really called anything. The explorer in me likes to check out paths less taken. This is truly one of them. It could be that few people know it even exists. Most, probably have a limited time to visit all that Angkor Archeological Park has to offer, so don't seek out a trail such as this.I call it the Outer Wall Trail because it is just that. A trail that goes around th...

Explore the "City of Women"

Banteay Srei, Cambodia

Bantaey Srei was built in 967 A.D. primarily of sandstone. Bantaey Srei is the name the locals call the site now. Translated this means "City of Women" or Citadel of Women. It is called this because of the intricate carvings throughout the complex that are said could only be carved by the delicate hands of women. The temple was originally called Isvarapura and was dedicated to Shiva.From the pa...

Explore Bakong Temple

Prasat Bakong, Cambodia

4.0

Bakong Temple, also known as Prasat Bakong, is part of the Roluos Group located southeast of Siem Reap. It is the largest complex of the Roluos Group. Bakong constructed in the 9th century as can be seen by the construction material and the outer tower styles similar to Preah Ko and Lolei, also of the Roluos Group. However, the single central tower and the inner buildings is in the design and ...

Climb the Bakan of Angkor Wat

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

0.2 mi / 164 ft gain

Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century during the golden years of the Khmer Empire. King Suryavarman II built the Hindu temple to the God Vishnu. The central tower and courtyard represent Mount Meru, home of the gods, which for centuries could only be seen by the elite priests. Centuries later the kingdom would convert to Buddhism, opening the temple up to thereveda monks and lay people...

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