Explore the lesser-known temples of the Angkor complex, the wonder of Cambodia, and get off the beaten track!
The Angkor temples are one of the world’s most famous architectural wonders, and the largest religious monument in the world. This immense complex welcomes more than 3 million visitors a year, who often prefer the main temples for lack of time, i.e. Angkor Wat, the key temple of this complex, Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, the temple with 200 heads, and finally the Ta Prohm temple, where the roots of the cheese trees blend with the old stones, and which was notably used in the filming of Tomb Raider.
These temples are therefore over-frequented, especially during the high season from November to March. Thousands of tourists flock to the temples every day to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, which is never empty during the day.
Yet there are many temples of equal interest that are far less well known. If you want to get off the beaten track and visit the temples as Henri Mouhot did when he discovered the famous temples, here’s a list of as yet unknown temples in the sublime Angkor complex:
Beng Mealea: one of the few temples voluntarily left in its wild state, the same state in which it was discovered by explorers. It offers a unique experience, completely immersed in nature, which blends magnificently with the stones of this temple. It’s about 1.5 hours from Siem Reap.
Beng Mealea Temple – Photo credit: Flickr – Drew Hess
Koh Ker: a pyramid-shaped mountain temple, this was the country’s former capital before power was transferred to Angkor. It’s also about 1.5 hours from Siem Reap.
Koh Ker Temple – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Peaceofangkor
Banteay Samre is a Hindu temple that has undergone numerous modifications over the years. Nevertheless, it is one of the best sculpted temples in the world, adorned with numerous bas-reliefs. It is located in the Angkor complex, 15 minutes from Siem Reap.
Banteay Srei: (main photo) Although this temple is increasingly featured in travel guides and package tours, it is a unique temple, carved from pink sandstone and extremely well preserved. The finesse of its bas-reliefs makes it one of the finest examples of Khmer art.
Finally, beyond the Angkor site, a pleasant visit is to Phnom Kulen. This sacred mountain, located 1h30 from Siem Reap, is home to a sacred river with a magnificently sculpted bottom. A beautiful waterfall also offers a refreshing break. It’s a popular spot for locals at weekends, ideal for total immersion!
Main image credit: Flickr – Allie_Caulfield