Angkor Archaeological Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Located in the Siemréab region of Cambodia, the Angkor Archaeological Park is a mesmerizing destination that transports visitors back in time. This sprawling park, often referred to as the "City of Temples," is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.

Stepping into the Angkor Archaeological Park feels like entering a different world altogether. The park is home to the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire, which thrived from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The most iconic structure within the park is Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Its intricate carvings and towering spires make it a sight to behold, especially during sunrise or sunset when the temple is bathed in golden light.

Beyond Angkor Wat, the park boasts numerous other temples and structures that showcase the grandeur and architectural prowess of the Khmer civilization. The Bayon Temple, with its enigmatic smiling faces, is a favorite among visitors. Ta Prohm, known for its intertwining tree roots, offers a unique and mystical atmosphere. Exploring these temples allows travelers to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Cambodia.

Aside from its archaeological wonders, the Angkor Archaeological Park also offers opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park encompasses a vast expanse of lush greenery and is dotted with ancient reservoirs and canals. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the paths that wind through the park, immersing themselves in the serene natural surroundings. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse array of avian species that call the park home.

To make the most of a visit to the Angkor Archaeological Park, it is advisable to hire a local guide who can provide insight into the historical and cultural significance of each site. Exploring the park at a leisurely pace allows visitors to truly appreciate the intricate details and architectural marvels that abound.

Local name: ក្រុងអង្គរ Built: 802 (1222 years ago)Abandoned: 1431Unesco: from 1992Area: 135.52 mi²Elevation: 157 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 13°26'36"N, 103°51'40"E

Location

SiemréabCambodia

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Angkor Archaeological Park Top Attractions

Angkor Archaeological Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Angkor Archaeological Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Banteay Kdei, Phimeanakas, Ta Keo, Prasat Kravan. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historic Buddhist temple with a moat
Banteay Kdei
In the heart of the majestic Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands the serene and enigmatic temple of Banteay Kdei. This lesser-known gem of Khmer architecture offers a unique glimpse into the ancient world, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil...
Remains of a 10th-century Hindu temple
Phimeanakas
Phimeanakas or Vimeanakas at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Hindu temple in the Khleang style, built at the end of the 10th century, during the reign of Rajendravarman, then completed by Suryavarman I in the shape of a three tier pyramid as a Hindu temple.
Historic Hindu temple with pyramid shape
Ta Keo
Ta Keo is a temple-mountain in Angkor, possibly the first to be built entirely of sandstone by Khmers.

Temple • Historical place • Hindu temple
Prasat Kravan
Prasat Kravan is a small 10th-century temple consisting of five reddish brick towers on a common terrace, at Angkor, Cambodia, south of the artificial lake called Srah Srang. Its original Sanskrit name is unknown.
Ruins • Historical place • Temple
Angkor Thom
The Royal Palace was first built by king Suryavarman I and used continuously from the 11th to the late 16th century AD. During that period, the area was transformed and restored several times.
Ruins of an 11th-century pyramid temple
Baphuon
The Baphuon is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, northwest of the Bayon.
Ancient royal viewing platform
Terrace of the Elephants
The Terrace of the Elephants is part of the walled city of Angkor Thom, a ruined temple complex in Cambodia. The terrace was used by Angkor's king Jayavarman VII as a platform from which to view his victorious returning army.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Krol Ko
Krol Ko at Angkor, Cambodia, is a Buddhist temple built at the end of the 12th century under the rule of Jayavarman VII. It is north of Neak Pean.
Bridge
Spean Thma
Spean Thma in Angkor, Cambodia is known as the bridge of stone and it is located west of Ta Keo. It is one of the few Khmer Empire era bridges to have survived to the modern day.
Remains of an ancient Khmer structure
Khleangs
The Khleangs are two buildings of unknown purpose on the east side of the Royal Square in Angkor Thom, Cambodia, located just behind the twelve towers of Prasat Suor Prat and separated by the royal route that leads from the Angkor Thom Royal Palace to the Victory Gate.
Ruins
Preah Pithu
Preah Pithu is a group of five temples at Angkor, Cambodia. In fact they were in all probability not designed as a group. Despite their ruined state, the remains have good decorative carving and their semi-wooded setting is attractive and peaceful.
Temple
Bat Chum
Bat Chum is a small temple built by Kavindrarimathana, a learned Buddhist minister of Khmer king Rajendravarman, at the middle of the 10th century. It is about 400 meters south of Srah Srang, at Angkor, Cambodia.
Ruins • Temple
Tep Pranam
Tep Pranam is a temple with a giant seated Buddha, built from sandstone blocks is still worshiped here. The interior of the figure re-uses many stone blocks while the head appears somewhat later.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Preah Palilay
Preah Palilay is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia. It is located in Angkor Thom, 400 m north-west of Phimeanakas. This small Buddhist sanctuary in the wooded area north of the Royal palace in Angkor Thom has a number of attractive features and is well worth the short detour.
Ruins • Sacred and religious sites • Historical place
Ta Nei
Ta Nei is a late 12th century stone temple in Angkor, Cambodia. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it is near the northwest corner of the East Baray, a large holy reservoir. It was dedicated to the Buddha.
Remains of an ancient city and its temples
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom, alternatively Nokor Thom located in present-day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. It was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII.
Ruins
Prasat Bei
Prasat Bei is a temple with three brick towers in a north-south row, facing to the east, and standing on a laterite platform. The central tower contained a linga; the flanking towers reach no higher than the doorways.
Ruins
Prasat Chrung
Prasat Chrung are temples that located at each corner of the Angkor Thom, on the earth embankment that reaches almost to the top of the walls, is a small temple known as Prasat Chrung in modern Khmer.
13°25'51"N • 103°54'25"E
Srah Srang
Srah Srang is a baray or reservoir at Angkor, Cambodia, located south of the East Baray and east of Banteay Kdei.

Day trips

Angkor Archaeological Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Angkor Archaeological Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Angkor Wat (Siem Reap), Ta Prohm (Siem Reap), Bayon (Siem Reap).

2.2 miS
, Buddhist architecture, Temple
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
Angkor Wat, a sprawling temple complex in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands as a magnificent testament to the Khmer Empire's architectural mastery and religious devotion. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the early 12th century, was originally...
2 miE
Temple ruins overgrown with trees
Ta Prohm, Siem Reap
Nestled amidst the dense jungles of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Ta Prohm stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Khmer Empire. Constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm...
~1040 ftSW
Angkor Thom temple with smiling faces
Bayon, Siem Reap
In the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, the ancient temple of Bayon stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. This iconic 12th-century temple is renowned for its distinctive architectural feature: the serene and smiling stone faces that adorn its towers...
1.5 miNE
Temple ruins in tranquil surrounds
Preah Khan, Siem Reap
Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex nestled in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Khmer Empire. Constructed in the 12th century, this majestic structure was built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII...
13 milesNE
Temple, Sacred and religious sites,
Banteay Srei
Nestled in the heart of Cambodia, Banteay Srei stands as a gem of Khmer architecture, distinguished by its intricate beauty and the richness of its carvings. This 10th-century temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is often lauded as the 'Jewel of Khmer Art,'...