My Top 4 Angkor Temples
My trip to Cambodia 2 months ago reminded me how the world was marvelously created and how the Khmer history was drawn creatively into the ruins of the Angkor temples. I was in awe of everything that could be seen on every temple and I felt honored to touch and smell those century old walls which are still and proudly standing and surviving the challenges of years.
During my stay in Siem Reap, I traveled back in time. I felt that I was reconnected with the past. I can feel the sacredness of Siem Reap and feel history everywhere. I could also feel loneliness, courage, and triumph as my soul wandered around. There is something about that small province that amazed me. Something that I can’t explain. I may say Siem Reap does captivate my heart in a way. And if I will be given a chance, I will still go back to explore and love Siem Reap more.
Exploring the Angkor could be conveniently done by hiring a Tuk Tuk for a day which will cost US$ 15-20. Before you can enter the Angkor, you need to pay for US$ 37 for a One-day Angkor Pass. They will take your photo and be shown in your pass with all other rules and regulations written at the back.
My Angkor Pass. The price increased from US$ 20 to US$ 37 starting Feb. 1, 2017.
The following temples are on the top of my list. I can say each temple is unique and different but historically speaking, they are all gems of the Southeast Asia.
My Top 4 Temples in Siem Reap
1. Angkor Wat
The UNESCO Heritage Site of Angkor Wat is the most visited temple in Siem Reap. The temples were constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer people. Some of the temples were restored and some still overgrown with jungle vines but the sunrise view in Angkor Wat is simply amazing. Every sunrise is the most awaited part of the day for every traveler.
2. Bayon Temple
Located in the western part of Angkor and 15 minutes Tuk Tuk ride from Angkor Wat gateway. Bayon Temple is smaller compared to Angkor Wat. What I liked about Bayon is the many faces carved in stones. There is also a wall where ancient stories depicting their life like hunting for food and battles were carved. The details are intricate and magnificent.
3. Ta Keo
This temple is less crowded compared to the other two. Many areas were restored but still look ancient to me. Do not underestimate the stairs you see in the picture because it will knock you down. This is the steepest stairs that I ever walked into my entire life. But you know in every sacrifice there is joy when you reached the top you will be able to enjoy the scenic view. That is the price. How glorious is it?
4. Ta Prohm
Well, who can forget the movie Tomb Raider? One of the famous temples in Siem Reap is Ta Prohm. If you have watched the movie, this temple will be familiar to you.
What to Expect in the Angkor?
1. There are a lot of tourists so you should arrive early to catch the sunrise and have the most picturesque view of the Angkor Wat.
2. You need to walk within the vast temples. Wear comfortable shoes.
3. The weather is usually hot and humid. Wear light clothing, bring water and an extra shirt.
4. Bring your own food for there are few restaurants and food stalls situated outside the temples.
5. Touring the temples could be exhausting, be physically ready.
Enjoy touring the Temple of Angkor!
April 9, 2017 @ 7:33 am
WOW, what a stunning set of photos. I have never traveled to Asia, but I can’t imagine how awe-inspiring these temples must have been.
April 9, 2017 @ 9:58 am
Wow talking about stepping back in time is correct. I love history and will have the chance to travel and see these temples so this was wonderful to read and see your photos.
April 9, 2017 @ 10:43 pm
I have never traveled any place to see temples. Yet! These are wonderful pictures and absolutely love them. Love seeing the amazing things that were created centuries ago and stood the test of time and are still here :). Thank you for sharing!
April 10, 2017 @ 12:32 am
It’s great that you get to travel to these places. How amazing. Beautiful pictures. I just wanted to mention to you because I assume you have a VA, it’s really hard to comment on your blog with the pop up subscribe box underneath the hello bar. The only way I can get rid of it, is to zoom the page out to 50 percent so I can comment. I thought I’d mention it here, since I have already mentioned it in a thread.
April 10, 2017 @ 6:07 am
These are such great pictures. I have been to a few temples overseas and they have been beautiful. I would love to go and see this one.
April 10, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
I always love to visit the temples when I travel, there is something about them that fills me with such peace. I’d love to get over here one day, hopefully when my little one is a bit bigger!
April 10, 2017 @ 4:11 pm
Angkor is high up on my list when I get to Thailand soon. Claire my partner has been and said its totally amazing-balls! 🙂
April 10, 2017 @ 10:38 pm
We visited a few while in Thailand. I really enjoyed them. They are all so beautiful!
April 11, 2017 @ 12:31 am
So many gorgeous photos. So much to see and explore. Would love to visit the temples at some point! So amazing.
April 11, 2017 @ 1:32 am
I love history and temples. As a history teacher I want to visit all of these places and experience it first hand!
April 11, 2017 @ 4:04 am
Perfect timing! I’m going to Cambodia in November. It will be my first time there. I pinned this so I can reference it later. Thank you!
April 11, 2017 @ 5:55 am
I’d love to visit Angkor Wat sometime in my life! It looks like a gorgeous place to visit and relax.
April 11, 2017 @ 9:59 am
I have never been to Cambodia and it would be nice to tour the temples when I finally get to visit. These are beautiful pictures and I really appreciate the tips as well.
April 11, 2017 @ 11:04 am
Wow. These pictures make me want to pack my bags. I haven’t been passed Europe and that makes me kind of sad.
April 11, 2017 @ 3:07 pm
Beautiful pictures! I have always wanted to visit Angkor Wat, we cancelled our trip 6 years ago! Maybe next time!
April 11, 2017 @ 9:12 pm
These temples are amazing, wow. What a neat chance to see history and learn so much. Thank you for sharing!
April 17, 2017 @ 10:43 pm
Cambodia has always seems like a really awesome place to go. Thank you so much for all the sites in a list so I can reference them later.
April 17, 2017 @ 11:18 pm
It is Javon! You should go.?
April 26, 2017 @ 7:39 pm
I think visiting any of those would be amazing! I love to visit sites like these that are so full of history and culture.
April 26, 2017 @ 7:48 pm
Those are beautiful. No matter where we travel, I always try to hit up the important and/or historical sites. Those temples would be first on my list.
April 27, 2017 @ 4:05 am
oh man! you have given me the travel bug : ) that looks like an amazing experience I’d love an adventure like visiting Temples!
Love your photos!
April 27, 2017 @ 4:15 am
Oh wow what an amazing sounding place to visit your photos are absolutely stunning as well.
April 27, 2017 @ 4:56 am
What stunning sites to explore! Although a bit physically demanding, seeing these temples in person would be totally worth the effort.
April 27, 2017 @ 7:11 am
I would love to visit those temples! I’ve seen television shows about Angkor Wat, and it is so amazing.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:31 am
Cambodia would be an amazing trip to go on. These Temples look so beautiful. I would love to explore them.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:35 am
I love old architecture that has a lot of character. I love the Ta Prohm temple. It is just gorgeous.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:41 am
I would truly LOVE the opportunity to travel to see such amazing places. Until then I watch a lot of Nat Geo and travel shows instead.
Thank you for this virtual tour!
April 27, 2017 @ 9:50 am
Oh wow those temples are gorgeous! I would love that chance to see them in person one day!!
April 27, 2017 @ 10:26 am
That’s really looks amazing! I would love to visit that kind of place. It really looks fun and enjoy!
April 27, 2017 @ 10:41 am
I’ve never been to a temple, so I need to resist the urge to overdo it. The temples are beautiful and filled with such rich history.
April 27, 2017 @ 10:56 am
Wow, these temples are absolutely stunning. I have never been to a temple before but hopefully I can visit one at some point.
April 27, 2017 @ 11:05 am
Indeed! They are beautiful. 🙂
April 27, 2017 @ 11:32 am
I love to travel and take the dog along, too. The joy in your images is so crystal clear. Looks like a fun and historic place to visit.
April 27, 2017 @ 4:54 pm
This is awesome information about 4 Angkor Temples. We would so love to go visit these temples some day. The history alone is amazing. Thanks for sharing the information.
April 27, 2017 @ 7:35 pm
Though this place is always packed with tourists, the area is still breathtaking to see.
April 27, 2017 @ 8:51 pm
Temples are very interesting places to explore. I’ve only been to a few, but I would love to travel more around Asia.
April 28, 2017 @ 2:39 am
Those are some beautiful photos. I’d love to see any of those. I’ve never seen a temple before. It would be nice to see one some day.
April 28, 2017 @ 9:19 pm
I’ve seen photos of Cambodia, but I think this is the first time that I’ve seen photos of those temples. Amazing!
April 29, 2017 @ 12:54 am
Wow I have never seen so many temples in one spot. I would love to be more cultural educated and visit!
May 1, 2017 @ 1:49 pm
I would love to visit the temple at Angkor Wat, Cambodia. There are places you visit, and places that visit YOU by stirring your soul in some way, glad you found yours!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
May 1, 2017 @ 5:37 pm
Hi, ascendingbutterfly. That is absolutely right. I love how you write it in a nice way. Stirring your soul is a great description.
May 17, 2017 @ 2:44 pm
The history behind ruins and places like this are absolutely incredible! The pictures make them seem as if they are right in front of you!