Are you looking for the best temples to visit in Siem Reap? No need to look further, causethis blogpost covers them all! Including some insider tips on how to get there and when to go!
Siem Reap is the capital of the Siem Reap province and is home to some of the most amazing temples in Cambodia. It is a small cluster of villages along the Siem Reap river and serves as a small gateway town to the world heritage site of Angkor Wat.
At the end of this post I will answer all of the frequently asked questions regarding visiting the famous temples in Siem Reap.

The 10 Best Temples to Visit in Siem Reap
1. See the sunrise at Angkor Wat
Have you even been to Cambodia if you haven’t seen this world famous temple? Angkor Wat is the central temple of the AngkorUNESCO World Heritage Sitecontaining the magnificent remains of theKhmercivilisation. This temple is by far one of the best known examples of Khmer architecture and it’s one of those places that actually looks even more beautiful in real life than on photos.
When to go – Angkor Wat is famous for it’s beautiful sunrises. Make sure to check what time the sun rises when you’re there and then leave your hotel 1 hour earlier. If you still have to get your ticket for the site count in an extra 30 minutes.
Google Maps Location – Click here
If you want to know all of the best viewpoints at Angkor Wat inclucing those inside the temple make sure to check out this post!



2. Phnom Bakheng
How to get there – To get to the viewpoint you’ll have the walk up a dirt road in the dark. Make sure to bring a flash light or charge your phone so you can use the built in one!
When to go – It’s one of the popular spots to watch the sunrise. But to be honest I didn’t really understand the hype. I am sure that once before the trees were lower and you could see Angkor Wat in the back but that is not the case anymore. It does however offer a stunning view over the jungle.
Google Maps Location – Click here

3. Feel like Lara Croft at Ta Prohm Temple
Ta Prohm is one of the most visited temples, besides Angkor Wat. It’s where they filmed parts of the movie Tomb Raider and honestly I felt like I was walking through scenes of the actual video game! Ta Prohm was built over 700 years ago and can be best recognised because of the massive tree roots that crawl over the temple.
When to go – Ta Prohm opens at 7.30am. I would advise you to get there at 7am so you’re at the front of the line. It’s a bit of a walk to the temple but totally worth it if you’re the first one there!
Google Maps Location – Click here



4. Count Buddhist Heads at Bayon Temple
The Bayon temple is one of the most richly decorated temples and can be found at Angkor Thom. What really sets this one apart from all the rest are the ton of smiling buddha faces across the entire temple.
When to go – Angkor Thom also opens at 7.30 am and I really advise you to not go any later!
Google Maps Location – Click here



5. Explore the trees behind Phimeanakas temple
Phimeanakas is also located inside the walled enclosure of theRoyal PalaceofAngkor Thom.
How to get there – The temple itself wasn’t that impressive compared to all the other ones ;). But if you walk around the back and through the trees you’ll find this amazing one!
When to go – Go after visiting Angkor Thom cause it’s only 15 minutes walking.
Google Maps Location – Click here

6. Drive through the Tonle Om Gate (South Gate)
How to get there – This beautiful gate surrounds the site of Angkor Thom
When to go – Make a quick stop before visiting the temples in Angkor Thom. You’ll drive through it if you’re coming from Angkor Wat.
Google Maps location – Click here

7. Leave the Angkor Thom site through the Victory Gate
How to get there – Ask your driver to go through this gate when leaving the site!
Google Maps Location – Click here

8. Watch the sunset from Pre Rup
When to go – This temple stays open until after sunset and is one of the most amazing viewpoints to watch the sunset over the jungle! Do know it will be very, very crowded!
Google Maps Location – Click here

9. See the Sacred Fig Tree at Ta Som
When to go – Ta Som is one of the lesser known and visited temples. Plus, it’s all the way at the end of all the itineraries. So if you go between morning and midday you’ll be fine!
Google Maps Location – Click here

10. Ta Keo
How to get there – It’s a steep climb up to the top of this temple but it’s definitely worth it!
When to go – Go after visiting some of the more crowded temples!
Google Maps location – Click here

Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to visit all of the best temples in Siem Reap?
I would go for 3 nights! That way you will have at least 3 sunrises to enjoy. You don’t want to spend too much time here cause during the day it can get so hot you simply can’t stay outside. Once 11am I was usually inside my room in the AC or floating around in a pool :p.
Where do you get the temple ticket?
Tickets for the Ankor Pass can be bought outside of the site. This is the exact location.

Opening hours – 5am – 5.30pm.
Tip : If you buy your ticket after 5pm it is also valid on the day after plus you can still go inside the park and watch the sunset.
Price
- 1 day – 37USD
- 3 days – 62USD
- 7 days – 72USD
Ticket counters accept cash and credit card! Make sure to have your Passport with you when purchasing your ticket! Also make sure to cover your shoulders and legs when going to the ticket booth!
What are the opening hours of the temples?
- Angkor Ticket Center (Angkor Enterprise):Daily from 5.00am until 5.30pm
- Angkor Wat and Srah Srang:Daily from 5.00am until 5.30pm.
- Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup:Daily from 5.00am until 7pm.
- All other Temples:Daily from 7.30am until 5.30pm.
Do you need to book a tour to visit the temples?
It depends on what you want! If you want an already prepared tour you can go with either the half day or full day option that most tuk tuk drivers offer. However this means that you will visit 5 to 11 temples in just 1 day!
I did this on the first day and honestly after temple 3 it got so hot that I didn’t enjoy the last ones anymore.
What I did on the other days is simply ask the tuk tuk driver from our hotel to take us around. I could decide which temples we visited and in which order we would do so! This way I got to visit the best temples in Siem Reap at my own pace.
Do I need to exchange money?
No you do not! Everywhere in Siem Reap people actually prefer it if you pay in USD!
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
I stayed at Templation hotel and absolutely loved it! It’s on the more expensive side compared to the other hotels in Siem Reap but I didn’t regret it for one second!
I went for one of the private villa’s that comes with it’s own pool. And I can’t emphasise enough how nice and relaxing it was to be able to go from my bed in the AC straight into the pool. This villa comes with two separate rooms so it’s perfect for two couples or if you’re traveling with your family!
Their food is absolutely amazing and the service is impeccable!
Do I need to get a visa for Cambodia?
Yes, but you can get a Visa on arrival at the airport. Do know that this process can take a while and they take their sweet time to handle it. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait over an hour.
What gear do I use for taking my photos?
It’s a question I get asked a lot and below you can find the exact camera and lenses that I use to create my dreamy photos.
Camera – Canon 6D Mark II
Lens 1 – Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
Lens 2 – Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6
Tripod – Manfrotto Tripod – Good for heavy camera and lens!
PIN IT FOR LATER


Charlotte
Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings.
She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.