Step into the world of Tomb Raider, ascend the Sky Palace – A tribute to Angkor Wat’s 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Cambodia

You’ve seen the ruins of Angkor Wat in geography textbooks; heard about the Chenla Kingdom and the Khmer Rouge in history class. But it’s only when you set foot on Cambodian soil that you can truly grasp the splendor and rise and fall of ancient civilizations. The Angkor Archaeological Complex in Cambodia is listed as one of the world’s cultural heritage sites. Having weathered over two thousand years—from the Chenla Kingdom and the Khmer Empire to French colonial rule—the precious remnants of dynastic change have become a popular tourist destination. Around every corner, you’ll encounter travelers from around the globe, eager to uncover the secrets of a thousand-year-old kingdom.

▲ The Angkor complex boasts over 600 temples of various sizes.

Bayon Temple (Bayon) – The Smile of the Khmer

▲ Bayon Temple is the home of the iconic “Smile of the Khmer.”

Souvenirs of the “Smile of the Khmer” are ubiquitous in the area. The original can be found at the heart of Angkor Archaeological Park—Bayon Temple. Comprising 54 stone towers stacked from blocks of varying sizes, the grand and majestic site offers a breathtaking sight. Walking through the rubble of nearly a thousand years, the intricate stone carvings on the walls and the precise symmetry of the architecture make it easy to imagine the glory of the Khmer Empire. The most distinctive feature of Bayon Temple is the approximately 3-meter-high four-faced statues atop the towers, symbolizing the range of human emotions. It is said that the statue, resembling the serene smile of a bodhisattva, was modeled after King Jayavarman VII’s face, and has now become a must-visit photo spot for travelers.

▲ Countless weathered marks define the unique charm of this millennia-old city.

▲ Towers covered with carved human figures on all four sides.

▲ Every turn reveals a different scene.

▲ The Smile of the Khmer is a favorite photo spot for visitors.

Baphuon Temple (Baphuon) – The Beauty of Ascending the Sky Palace

▲ Climb to the top of the temple for a view over the entire Baphuon.

Located just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Bayon Temple, Baphuon was built as a state temple by King Udayadityavarman II. With a tower about 50 meters high, it’s known as the “Sky Palace.” The structure is filled with layers of stone frames that frame visitors’ shadows within a timeless, thousand-year landscape. To reach the top of the palace, visitors must first pass a physical test of climbing two steep staircases. After enduring the scorching sun and temperatures of 30–40°C, drenched in sweat, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the ancient city.

▲ The stairs are extremely steep—you must climb two sets of steps to reach the summit.

▲ The topmost tower is not open to visitors.

Ta Prohm Temple (Ta Prohm) – The Mysterious Scene from Tomb Raider

▲ Ta Prohm Temple gained fame after the release of the movie “Tomb Raider.”

Ta Prohm is one of the most renowned sites within the Angkor complex. Following the release of the 2002 film “Tomb Raider,” starring Angelina Jolie, the actress was filmed exploring the ruins here, which contributed to its global popularity. After visiting the mysterious site in person, you’ll understand why it captivated audiences so much. The serene yet imposing ruins are adorned with massive tree roots entwined with the ancient structures. The atmosphere is otherworldly and truly a sight to behold.

▲ A solemn and tranquil space of ruins.

▲ The “Heart-Tapping Tower” is a famous attraction inside—knocking on your chest produces an echo.

▲ The renowned filming location of Tomb Raider.

▲ Ta Prohm is also known as the “Mother Temple,” with tree roots wrapped around the architectural ruins.

In addition to well-known sites like Angkor Wat (the Big Angkor), Angkor Thom (the Small Angkor), and Banteay Srei (the Women’s Temple), the Angkor complex includes up to 600 smaller temples and structures. Traveling all the way to Cambodia to pay homage to these World Heritage Sites, it’s only natural to want to see all kinds of temples in one go—and this little bit of greed is actually quite achievable. In addition to daily tickets, visitors can also opt for 2-day, 3-day, or even 7-day passes to stroll through the over 400-square-kilometer ancient city and explore the beauty of these millennia-old ruins at leisure.

Fees: $37 for a one-day pass; $62 for two-day and three-day passes
＊Cambodia Angkor Air operates a direct flight to Angkor Wat every Saturday, taking 3.5 hours. For details, please contact Kooji Travel.