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.