The 7 Largest Cultural Site in Siem Reap

Cambodia is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and boasts numerous cultural sites that awe and inspire visitors from around the world. Here are five of the largest and most iconic cultural sites in Cambodia:

• Angkor Wat:

Located in the heart of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is an awe-inspiring temple complex that serves as a symbol of Cambodia’s cultural and historical significance. Built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and is considered one of the largest religious monuments in the world. With its intricate carvings, elaborate bas-reliefs, and towering spires, Angkor Wat represents the pinnacle of the Khmer Empire’s architectural and artistic prowess.

• Bayon Temple:

Within the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Bayon Temple stands out for its unique and captivating design. Built in the late 12th century, the temple is known for its distinctive smiling faces carved into the stone towers. These serene faces, believed to represent various deities, gaze out in all directions, creating an atmosphere of mystery and reverence. The Bayon Temple is also renowned for its intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from everyday life, mythology, and historical events.

• Ta Prohm Temple:

Also located within the Angkor Archaeological Park, Ta Prohm Temple has gained immense popularity due to its picturesque ruins enveloped by massive tree roots. Constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries, Ta Prohm was once a bustling center of religious and academic life. However, over time, the jungle reclaimed the temple, resulting in the unique sight of trees growing out of the temple’s structures. The fusion of nature and architecture creates a breathtaking scene that has captured the imagination of visitors and photographers alike.

• Banteay Srei Temple:

Often referred to as the “Jewel of Khmer Art,” Banteay Srei Temple is located about 25 kilometers from Angkor Wat. Built in the 10th century, the temple is known for its intricate carvings and delicate ornamentation. Carved from pink sandstone, Banteay Srei exhibits exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the Ramayana epic. The temple’s smaller size compared to other Angkorian temples allows visitors to admire the intricate details up close.

• Preah Vihear Temple:

Located on the Cambodian-Thai border, Preah Vihear Temple is a stunning example of Khmer architecture perched atop a sheer cliff. Built in the 11th century, the temple complex features a series of pavilions, courtyards, and galleries leading to the main sanctuary. The temple’s elevated position offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for both cultural and nature enthusiasts.

The 7 Biggest Cultural Site near Siem Reap

Angkor National Museum

• Address: 968 Vithei Preah Sihanouk Ave, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (4139)
• Phone: +855 63 966 601
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

  Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Tiffany Tan✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  This Museum offers a comprehensive immersion into the rich history and culture of the Khmer Empire. As a prelude to exploring the Angkor temples, this museum serves as an invaluable introduction and educational experience. Stepping inside, there’s an extensive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and historical remnants meticulously curated to showcase the grandeur and legacy of the ancient Khmer civilization. The detailed presentations and informative displays provide a profound understanding of Angkor’s significance. It is definitely worth the visit and even more valuable if you can visit here before exploring the Angkor temples.

  Chas S✭✭✭✭✭

  6 months ago

  This is a very nice museum to go and take some time out from the heat and city life. It is so big and spacious and comfortable. There are benches all along the way and a number of places to sit comfortably watching videos. The content is so impressive. You get a lesson of the 20 centuries of Khmer history and the many achievements. This was very much worth the time.

  Dakuraii Villaluna✭✭✭✭

  3 months ago

  It’s a nice museum, I suppose you can visit this place before visiting Angkor Wat if you wish to learn about Cambodia’s history and the architectural style. It kinda gets repetitive though since a lot of the exhibitions are statues. I guess the point of interest that caught my attention during my visit was the model of Angkor Wat, it was fascinating!

  Joanna Pickering✭✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Beautiful displays of statues and parts of temples. Great information on the different periods within Cambodian history and helpful ways of spotting the different trends. Wish I’d gone here before going to see the temples themselves!

  Olesya Valger✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  It is a rather interesting place to visit for 2-3 hours when your legs need some rest from the Angkor temples. The museum is modern and German-style, it gives a general idea of what we know about the Khmer empire and the three periods of Khmer history. It features the artifacts from the Angkor temples, and many of them have a back story of the same type – looted by some European black digger, popped up in the market, were proven to belong to Angkor, were returned. However, there are hundreds of artifacts in the place where there should be thousands, and that is incredibly sad, even though the exhibition does not say it. I would recommend spending two days in the temples, then taking a break day for this museum in the morning and Tonse Sap sunset tour, and then spending one more day in Angkor temples to reflect on that.

Ta Prohm Temple

• Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (9713)
• Phone: +855 63 765 577
• Website:
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Francesca B✭✭✭✭

  in the last week

  A really unique temple to visit! It was really fascinating to see how the trees had managed to grow despite the temples presence. It was the first temple we visited on our temple run and by far one of my favourites. The grounds the temple is sat on are truly beautiful and surrounded by nature, and there are musicians playing Cambodian music as you walk around which really adds to the surreal atmosphere. Fantastic temple!

  Markus Gaudian✭✭✭✭✭

  in the last week

  Absolutely mind-blowing temple. Worldwide famous from Tomb Raider. Lots of people. But absolutely MUST see. Words and pictures cannot describe the vibe of this place.

  Prakich Treetasayuth✭✭✭✭✭

  2 weeks ago

  Among all the temples at Angkor, Ta Prohm is perhaps the most atmospheric and mysterious one, with the massive roots of banyan trees covering its structures. It was also a film location for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. If you don’t have much time to explore Angkor Archaeological Park, make sure you put this temple on the top of your list.

  Piseth Mao✭✭✭✭✭

  2 weeks ago

  Visiting the Ta Prohm temple is truly awe-inspiring as enormous trees intertwine with ancient ruins. Anytime I stepped into the temple complex , the immersive experience transports me back in time as I feel connected to the remarkable history of my ancestors who constructed these grand temples. Witnessing the juxtaposition of majestic ruins evokes a mix of emotions—both a poignant sadness and a swelling pride. Describing the profound feelings that engulf me within this mighty temple complex is a challenge in itself.

  Mike Lok✭✭✭✭✭

  a month ago

  This temple is where scenes from Lara Croft Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie, was filmed. Regardless of your opinion on the film, it brought some attention and investment into Cambodia. It’s an excellent temple with a rich history. A lot of major trees have damaged the temple with roots over a 100 years old but it doesn’t seem as though those who upkeep the temple will cut/destroy the trees.

Prasat Preah Khan

• Address: FV6C+QJ4, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (2513)

Bayon Temple

• Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (10471)

Cambodian Cultural Village

• Address: National Road #6, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.1 (2227)

Angkor Wat

• Address: Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.8 (33324)

Northwest Pavilion

• Address: CV78+79R, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (3)

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Top Cultural Site Alternatives in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, located in northwest Cambodia, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. In addition to the world-famous Angkor Wat, there are several other cultural sites in Siem Reap that are equally fascinating and worth exploring. Here are the top three cultural site alternatives:

• Angkor Thom: Built in the late 12th century, Angkor Thom served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. This vast archaeological site is home to many impressive structures, including the famous Bayon Temple with its striking stone faces. Exploring the ancient city of Angkor Thom allows you to immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of the Khmer civilization.

• Preah Khan: Preah Khan is a temple complex that was built in the 12th century and served as a Buddhist monastery and educational institution. This sprawling site features beautiful stone carvings, intricate doorways, and a maze-like layout that adds to its allure. Exploring the ruins of Preah Khan allows you to imagine what life was like during the height of the Khmer Empire.

• Banteay Srei: Known as the “Citadel of Women,” Banteay Srei is a temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. What sets this site apart is its exquisite and elaborate stone carvings, which are considered some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The intricate details on the pink sandstone make Banteay Srei a must-visit for art enthusiasts and those interested in the fine craftsmanship of the Khmer Empire.

These alternative cultural sites in Siem Reap offer unique insights into the ancient Khmer civilization and provide a chance to delve deeper into Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you choose to visit Angkor Thom, Preah Khan, or Banteay Srei, you are sure to be captivated by the architectural wonders and historical significance of these sites.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Cultural Site spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.