Travel Interests
ប្រាសាទ
Getting ‘beyond the temples’ means leaving behind the central temples of Angkor, such as Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. However, there are some spectacular less-visited temples in the more remote districts of Siem Reap and these are well worth combining with community-based tourism experiences such as homestays and handicrafts. Highlights includes beautiful Banteay Srei, the pyramid temple of Bakong, the jungle temple of Beng Mealea and the holy mountain of Phnom Kulen.
BANTEAY SREI DISTRICT
The ‘Jewel of Angkor’, this petite temples is home to the most beautiful carvings found anywhere in the Khmer empire.
Dating from the same period as Angkor Wat, this is a thoughtfully restored 12th century temple.
Home to the River of a Thousand Lingas, this is the chance for a beautiful jungle trek to this sacred site that includes Hindu deities carved into the river bed.
This hilltop temple offers some of the best views over the lowland paddy fields of rural Cambodia on a clear day.
PRASAT BAKONG DISTRICT
This impressive hilltop temple offers striking views over the surrounding countryside and includes a contemporary wat on the summit.
Home to the first major pyramid temple of Prasat Bakong, the stucco-clad brick temple of Preah Ko and the inscriptions of Lolei.
SVAY LEU DISTRICT
The ultimate Indiana Jones experience, this huge temple is built to the same floor plan as Angkor Wat, but is subsumed by jungle.
The holy mountain is home to the lost city of Mahendraparvata and host of ancient early Angkorian temples. Famous for the River of a Thousand Lingas and a stunning waterfall.
CHI KRAENG DISTRICT
Route 66 was an ancient Angkor highway and this is the most spectacular bridge along its route, forgotten in the forest.
SOUTR NIKUM DISTRICT
A small Angkorian temple that sees almost no visitors, it is possible to access via village ox cart in Soutr Nikum.