Angkor Wat
One of the largest of the megalithic religious monuments, Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II, serving as both a temple to Vishnu and a mausoleum for his body. The scale of the building is staggering, with its tower, libraries, and famous bas-reliefs of mythological and historic scenes. This temple, considered one of the most majestic in the world, is best viewed at sunrise or in the early afternoon.
Bayon
Famous for the 216 faces that adorn its towers, Bayon was built in the latter half of the twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII. The first two levels hold an amazing selection of bas-reliefs, and the uppermost is the central sanctuary of the temple. Best visited in the middle of the day, you can even enter Bayon on the back of an elephant for a $10 fee.
Baphuon
Representing the sacred Mount Meru, Baphuon is one of the largest structures in Angkor, and famous for the giant reclining Buddha which was added in the 15th century when the area went from being Hindu to Buddhist. Renovation of the temple, which began before the civil war, is still ongoing.
Angkor Thom
The ancient city that contains the Baphuon and Bayon temples, Angkor Thom had a population of one million people. It also contains the beautiful Elephant Terrace, the first temple-mountain of Angkor especially famous for its sunset views, and the Terrace of the Leper King, a five-gated complex with 13km of connecting walls.
Small Circuit
Ta Keo
This temple began to be built by Jayarvarman V but was never completed.
Ta Prohm
Possibly the third most popular temple after Angkor Wat and the Bayon, Ta Prohm has been left as it was found, its crumbling stone work locked in an embrace with the strangler fig trees of the jungle. An amazing site for photographers, the periphery of the temple is much less busy than the central route, although care should be taken as parts are in danger of collapsing.
Banteay Kdei
A large temple complex in the process of restoration.
Sras Srang
Opposite Banteay Kdei, this terrace leads to a small lake.
Prasat Kravan
A small 10th century temple made of red stone.
Grand Circuit
Preah Khan
The first capital of King Jayarvarman VII, this temple is partly overrun by the strangler fig; its excellent carvings are lesser frequented than nearby Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm making it well worth a visit.
Neak Pean/Ta Som/East Mebon
Built by Rajendravarman II in the 10th century on what was once an island, the highlights of this three-storey temple topped by five towers are the large elephant statues.
Pre Rup
This temple mountain has stunning sunset views over the rice paddies and jungles of Cambodia.
Roluos Group
These ruins were the capital of Hariharalaya in the 9th century.
Bakong
A temple-mountain pyramid with five storeys.
Lolei
Built in a baray, which is a man-made body of water, this island temple is now surrounded by dry land.
Preah Ko
Built in the 9th century, this temple is the first ever constructed in this region.
Outlying Temples
Banteay Srei
At a distance of 37 kilometres from Angor Wat, the intricate carvings in this red-stone temple make it worth a half-day trip from Siem Reap.
Kbal Spean
A fascinating series of carvings on the banks and surrounds of a stretch of river, Kbal Spean is reached by a 1.5 kilometre walk through the jungle past a picturesque waterfall. The track leads on to Banteay Srey.
Beng Mealea
In the style of the famous Ta Phrom, this temple has been given over to the jungle, and can be traversed by a wooden walkway or an exciting clamber over its ruined walls. It is situated 80km east of Siem Reap and combines well with visits to Banteay Srey and Kbal Spean.
Phnom Krom
This temple 12 kilometres southwest of Siem Reap was built in the 9th century on a hilltop overlooking the Tonle Sap Lake; take a boat trip to the lake and combine the two.
Koh Ker
Built as a rival capital to Angkor in the 10th century, this area with over 180 sanctuaries lies a remote 120 kilometres from Siem Reap. Its highlight is the massive temple pyramid of Prasat Thom.
Preah Vihear
A temple whose importance is attested by the marks of many great kings, Preah Vihear enjoys fantastic views as it sits atop the Dangrek Mountains. Thailand had claimed this site a number of times, until 1962 when it was ruled to be part of Cambodia.
Banteay Chmar
The centre of an important city in the 13th century, this massive temple was built by the prolific Jayavarman VII, and has only recently been cleared to reveal beautiful carvings and the faces of Avalokiteshvara.
Siem Reap Town itself is also worth exploring:
Angkor National Museum
This museum presents the history of the Angkor complex and the Khmer civilisation in a modern format; its highlights include the gallery of 1,000 Buddhas, which looks at the significance of the Buddhist religion to the region.
Landmine Museum
Set up by local de-miner Aki Ra to educate tourists on the dangers of landmines, the guides at this tiny museum are mostly teenagers orphaned by landmine fatalities. It is situated 6km south of Banteay Srey and welcomes donations towards this worthwhile cause.
Tonle Sap Lake
Visit this rich ecosystem complete with amazing floating villages for a break from the temples.
Kampong Phluk
To get an authentic sense of life in a floating village, take a motorbike and then a boat to this more remote part of the lake.
Phouk Silk Worm Farm
See the process of silk creation from beginning to finished product.
Apsara Theatre
This air-conditioned theatre serves local food with traditional and classical dances.
Spend a Day in a Cambodian Village
Get a taste of Cambodian rural life as you join the locals in their daily activities.
Cultural Village
A large complex displaying Cambodian cultural practices, historical figures, and architecture; you may also see Khmer wedding ceremonies or local dancing as you tour the park.
The Sangkheum Centre for Children
A centre to give aid to children in the area in need of it, this village-like complex is home to 50 children of ages 2-18, and schools a further 50. Visit with donations of clothes, food, or school supplies to help them out.
