Prasat Bakong, Cambodia

You can start this hike from any of the five gates.  However, the easiest starting point is the south gate because it is typically the first gate you encounter when entering Angkor Thom.  Have your tuk tuk driver drop you off and wait for you at the gate.  While the trail is very easy, it is long...

Phnom Bakheng Temple is refer to as a "temple mountain." The complex was constructed atop one of the highest points in Angkor in the 9th century, almost two centuries before Angkor Wat. It was built to resemble Mount Meru, a mythical mountain where Hindu gods live. This temple has a very long app...

Neak Pean is not a temple. It was constructed as a place of healing. It was believed that soaking in the waters at Neak Pean would balance the individual and therefore cure their illnesses. The center tower is round but the water is divided into 4 quadrants representing Earth, Wind, Fire and Wate...

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 di...

The Elephant Terrace is part of the Royal Palace complex serving as part of the east wall.  The wall is located just north of Bayon and serves as an elevated path that connects the Leper King Terrace and the entrances to Baphuon Temple and Phimeanakas Temple.  It is said that the Elephant Terrace...

Baphuon is situated just northwest of Bayon Temple. It was built in the 11th century and was initially a Hindu temple but by the 15th century it was converted into a Buddhist temple. Baphuon was built upon a sand base. Because of this, it suffered many collapses over the hundreds of years. A majo...

Phimeanakas is found within the walls of the Royal Palace. Directly north through the palace walls from Baphuon Temple. Phimeanakas is a three tiered temple constructed in the 10th century. The original structure had a tower on top. Legend states that a serpent spirit with 9 heads lived in the to...

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 ca...

Of course the main attraction at Preah Khan is the temples and sanctuary's.  There is amazing detail and numerous rooms to explore. They are beautiful and so much to see. But looking at the complex from the "outside" so to speak, gives a different perspective and great experience of this amazing ...

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 delicat...

Halfway between the temple city of Angkor Thom and Koh Ker on the old imperial road lies Beng Melea. This is a perfect temple to visit after picking up passes from the park ticket office in Siem Reap. The best time to go is at the end of the day a few hours before closing when the crowds are fewe...

Kbal Spean is located about 50 Kilometers from Siem Reap and takes about one hour to get there by Tuk Tuk. This location is a series of carved Lingams in a river bed deep in the the jungle. Kbal Spean is known as "River of Thousand Lingams." Lingams are a phallic representation sacred to Brahmani...

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...