siem riep

This temple was a monastery built by Jayavarman VII as a residence for his mother. Ta Prohm has been controversially left to the destructive power of the jungle by French archeologists to show how nature can destroy man’s work. It has been largely overgrown by the jungle and as you climb through the dilapidated stone structures you see many giant treesgrowing out of the top of the temple itself. It’s the sort of place where you’d expect to see Indiana Jones step out from behind a fallen pillar. As such, it is one of the most regularly visited temples, with visitors often arriving during the warmer hours of the middle of the day to take advantage of the protective canopy the forest spreads above the temple. Ta Prohm looks as many of the monuments did when European explorers first laid eyes on them.

 Ta Keo

King Suryavarman I commissioned this temple in the 10th Century but it was never completed. It is a pyramid on 5 levels whose total height is 22 metres. It is dedicated to Shiva.

 Banteay Kdei

This temple was constructed by Jayavarman VII during the 12th and 13th Centuries. It system of galleries and vestibules that were added after the construction of the main towers makes it look like a cloister. It was built in sandstone, which has deteriorated quite badly. However, there remain some very beautiful lintels and pediments.

 Sras Srang

The royal pool is situated opposite the East gate of Banteay Kdei. It is known as the King‘s bath.

 Pre Rup

This temple was built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman. Its proportions are perfect, a truly beautiful piece of work. In its construction we can see the first appearance of the long halls which are very common in the construction of temples with continuous galleries. Pre Rup means turning the body and the Khmer people believe this temple was a funeral monument.

 East Mebon

Also built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman, this temple was situated on a small island in the middle of the Oriental, or Eastern, Baray. It has all the characteristics of the mountain temple but was accessible by boat only. From the inscriptions found close to it, we know that Rajendravarman dedicated it to his parents.

 Neak Pean

Built by Jayavarman VII, this temple is the perfect representation on earth of the cosmic world. It has been said that this monument was consecrated to Buddha who reached perfection in Nirvana, and the ornamental lakes surrounding it were meant as places where pilgrims could wash and purify themselves before reaching the supreme perfection. In the centre of these ornamental lakes there is a small temple surrounded by two nagas, whose heads allow a passage on the West side. This temple is one of the beauties of Khmer art.

 Bantrey Srey

Built by a Brahman in the 10th Century, this temple was dedicated to Shiva. The famous pink sandstone structure bears a series of beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. While not a particularly large temple complex, the beauty of Banteay Srey is found not in the scale but the detail. Some say the bas relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining.

 Phnom Krom

Built by Yacovarman I in the 10th Century, this temple sits atop a hill and is interesting mostly for the view it offers of the valley and the Tonle Sap. The temple is in a very poor state, but its ruins are worth visiting. We recommend a late afternoon visit to enjoy the landscape and refreshing winds.

 Barays

The East and West Barays are two enormous lakes, both entirely man made. They were central to the health and vigour of Khmer civilisation. Their irrigation purpose is nowadays a matter of debate among Angkor specialists. The East Baray is now empty, whereas the Western one is still half full.

 Roluos

About 10 km from Siem Reap lies the complex of Roluos, one of the first Khmer capitals built by Jayavarman II, then called Hariharalaya. Today we can visit three remaining Hindu sanctuaries: Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei. All three temples were built of brick and though they are not as spectacular as the other temples of Angkor, they are well preserved and very interesting.

 Kobal Spien

More commonly known to foreigners as the River of a Thousand Lingas, this is an area of riverbed carvings similar to Phnom Kulen, but more peaceful. Kobal Spien is about a half-hour walk up a pleasant path shaded by jungle to where the carvings begin. It is sensible although not entirely necessary to get someone to guide you who can also tell you about what you are actually seeing. Either way, do not wander off well-trodden paths as there is a serious landmine problem here. The river eventually appears on your left and the first carvings include a large image of Vishnu. As you continue on, you come to an area with several good images of Rama, Lachsme and Hanuman, and further up some lingas. On the way back down there is a path which follows the river and along this stretch are hundreds of lingas, hence the name the River of a Thousand Lingas. These eventually lead to a waterfall with a pool below. Kobal Spien is about 30 km north-east of the Bayon and about 9 km beyond the temple of Banteay Srei along a good dirt road.

 Phnom Kulen

Phnom Kulen is considered by Khmer people to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia and is a popular place of pilgrimage. It played a significant role in the history of the Khmer empire as it was from here in 802 that Jayarvarman II proclaimed independence from Java, giving birth to modern Cambodia. There is a small wat at the summit of the mountain which houses a large reclining Buddha carved into a sandstone boulder. As at Kobal Spien, at no point should you wander off well-used paths as there is a serious landmine problem here.

From the base of the mountain it is a long climb to the top, at least one-and-a-half hours even at a good pace. At the top a mostly shaded and flat path takes no more than 30 to 45 minutes before you reach a small river, into the bed of which are carved numerous lingas. There is a waterfall nearby in which you can swim, and an overgrown temple dating from the Angkor period, but think twice before climbing around it as there may be landmines inside. From the top of Phnom Kulen, 461 metres at its highest point, the spectacular view spans right across the forested plateau.