Nestled in the delta between the Mekong River and Tonlé Sap Lake, Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. A historic capital, Phnom Penh has served as the country's seat of power twice in Cambodian history, making it the most historically significant ancient capital in the nation. It is also a highly popular tourist destination, boasting numerous cultural landmarks such as Wat Phnom...
The Tuol Sleng Museum is a museum in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, originally functioning as the S-21 prison camp. Between 1975 and 1979, it was used as a detention and extermination center by the Khmer Rouge regime, hence also known as "Tuol Sleng" (meaning "Hill of Poisonous Trees")...
Tonlé Sap Lake means "great freshwater lake," also known as the "Lake of Kampong" or the "Great Lake" by the French. It is located in the southeastern part of the Indochinese Peninsula, in western Cambodia, and is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Tonlé Sap Lake is connected to the Mekong River (Mekong River), serving as its natural reservoir. Along with Cambodia’s...
Guide Location: Southeast of Ta Prohm Temple. Construction Period: 12th–13th century. Religion: Buddhism. Introduction: A Buddhist monastery where the central sanctuary tower and corridors have collapsed. The four gates are adorned with reliefs of the mythical bird Garuda, and statues of the Four-Faced Buddha are located above the gates.
Guide Location: Approximately 70 meters south of the Victory Gate on the outer side of Angkor Thom. Construction period: First half of the 12th century. Religion: Hinduism. Deities worshipped: Shiva and Vishnu. Introduction: Although not large in scale, Chau Say Tevoda Temple is particularly noteworthy for Chinese visitors: it was restored by a Chinese restoration team. …
Guide Location: About 1.5 km north of Angkor Wat. Construction period: 9th–13th centuries. Function: City (capital). Highlights: The moat bridge: Stone carvings on both sides of the bridge depict the story of the Devas and Asuras joining forces to churn the Ocean of Milk to obtain the elixir of immortality. There are 27 statues on each side, each 2.2 meters tall, kneeling...
Tour Guide Location: Southeast of the Victory Gate in Angkor Thom, between Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei. Construction Period: 12th–13th century. Religion: Buddhism. Introduction: Built by King Jayavarman VII of the Khmer Empire in honor of his mother, it is also known as the “Temple of the Mother.” Ta Prohm Temple is like the castle of Sleeping Beauty…
Guide Location: About 10 km northeast of Banteay Srei. Construction period: 11th–12th century. Religion: Hinduism. Introduction At Beng Mealea, you can see what Angkor Wat looked like before its discovery, sleeping in the jungle. It is the most worthwhile yet also the most difficult temple to visit among the Angkor ruins. The scale of Beng Mealea is almost as large as that of Angkor Wat, but it remains tightly embraced by the jungle, making it impossible to view the whole structure. Due to its remote location, the mysterious atmosphere of the jungle permeates through broken pillars and collapsed walls, giving it a strong sense of adventure. Unfortunately, due to inadequate protection, many of Beng Mealea’s sculptures have been stolen. Transportation Located about 50 km from Siem Reap, the road is rough, so it’s best to plan a trip that includes Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, and Phnom Kulen. A one-day car rental will therefore cost an additional $20–$30. Tickets/Opening Hours Ticket: $5.
Tourist guide location: West side of the southern gate of Angkor Thom. Construction period: 9th–10th century. Religion: Hinduism. Deity: Shiva. Highlights: Bakheng Temple: Built atop Bakheng Hill, it reflects the Khmer people's reverence for mountains at the time. This architectural symbol of the universe is filled with symbolic elements…
Guide Location: 3 km north of the ticket office, outside the south gate of Angkor Thom. Construction Period: 12th century. Religion: Hinduism. Deity: Vishnu. Highlights - Architecture: Angkor Wat is a representative structure from the artistic peak of the Angkor period. The main hall covers an area of 40,000 square meters, and the central tower rises 65 meters…
Guide Location: About 15 km north of Banteay Srei. Construction period: 11th–13th century. Religion: Hinduism. Highlights Preah Ang Thom Temple: Located at the mountain’s summit, built from massive rocks, giving it a rugged, natural look. The temple houses a 9-meter-long reclining stone Buddha. Preah Ang Thom Waterfall: Located near the village of Preah Ang Thom…
Guide Location: About 70 meters north of the Victory Gate outside Angkor Thom. Built in the 12th century. Religion: Hinduism. Deities worshipped: Shiva and Vishnu. Introduction: Its architectural style is identical to that of Chau Say Tevoda, and its location is symmetrical to it as well. Though small in size, its basic structure resembles that of Angkor Wat, making it...
Guide Location: About 2 km north of Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate. Construction period: 12th century. Religion: Buddhism. Dedicated to: The king's father. Introduction The temple’s name comes from the legend of King Jayavarman II passing on the sacred sword to his successor. King Jayavarman VII resided here during the reconstruction of Angkor, and it was once…
Guide Location: 12 km east of Siem Reap. Construction period: Late 9th century. Religion: Hinduism. Highlights: Bakong Temple: The largest and most important temple in the Rolous Group, it was once a major city-center shrine used to worship the lingam. Its architectural style is similar to…
Guide Location: About 10 km north of Banteay Srei. Construction period: 11th–13th century. Religion: Hinduism. Introduction Also known as the "Linga" sculptures, these are typical remnants of fertility worship. A thousand lingas are carved at the source of the river, symbolizing the “blessing” or consecration of the water. According to Brahmanic beliefs, water that flows over the lingas becomes “holy water,” which is said to wash away bad luck, sins, and purify the soul, while also bringing divine blessings. Along the river walk, you’ll see carvings depicting figures such as Rama, Lakshmi, and Hanuman. There is also a small waterfall beneath the carvings. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, from July to December, when water levels are high. Transportation: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap city, followed by about a 1-hour walk.
Guide Location: East of Angkor Wat and south of Banteay Kdei. Construction Period: 10th century. Religion: Hinduism. Highlights: Bas-reliefs: Large-scale carvings depicting the god Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi, as well as the religious story of Vishnu transforming into a dwarf to battle the demon king and save the world. Introduction: Five brick towers arranged in a row...
Guide Location: Outside the west gate of Angkor Thom, approximately 11 km northwest of Siem Reap. Construction Period: Mid-11th century. Function: Reservoir. Introduction: Stretching 8 km in length and 2.3 km in width, it is the largest artificial reservoir in world history. Nowadays, it is mostly visited by locals who play on the sandy shores, making it feel much like a seaside beach...
Guide Location: East of Neak Pean, north of the Siem Reap River. Construction period: second half of the 12th century. Religion: Buddhism. Dedicated to: the king’s father. Introduction: It is a very small temple, and neither its architecture nor its sculptural art is outstanding, but its west gate is entirely enveloped by a huge tree, making it something of a…
Guide Location: 300 meters east of Preah Khan. Construction period: second half of the 12th century. Religion: Buddhism. Deity: Avalokiteshvara. Introduction Located within the Neak Pean temple in the center of the northern pool (now dried up). It consists of one large and four small pools, with the central large pool measuring 70 meters on each side and featuring a small mountain-shaped...
Guide Location: East of Banteay Kdei, west of Pre Rup. Construction period: 12th century. Function: Former royal bathing pool. Introduction The Royal Bathing Pool was a site for bathing ceremonies. Like other large pools, it originally had a temple in the center, but only the stone base remains now. Cambodia Angkor Wat…