Amazing Ruins of Cambodia You Should Know About
Here is the list of 7 Amazing Ruins of Cambodia You Should Know About
1. Koh Ker - An Ancient Capital City With a Pyramid Tower
Koh Ker is an ancient capital city of the Khmer empire, located about 3 hours away from Siem Reap in northern Cambodia. This old city is home to many temples, buildings and other monuments, and was a thriving town home to over 20,000 people. Surrounded by thick jungles, many of these monuments have been invaded by forests.
Best Time: October to February
2. Banteay Chhmar - An Angkorian Temple with Excellent Architecture
Banteay Chhmar is a commune located in Thma Puok District in Banteay Meanchey province in northwest Cambodia and contains 14 villages. It is about 4 hours away from Siem Reap. The region is popular among the tourists for Banteay Chhmar, the fourth largest Angkorian complex, nine other satellite temples and reservoirs. These are one of the most significant ruins of the Angkorian period and classic examples of Khmer history and architecture.
Best Time: October to January
3. Terrace of the Leper King, Siem-reap
The Terrace of the Leper King is situated in Siem Reap, on the northwest corner of Angkor Thom. The terrace is home to a 360 m long sandstone wall that beholds intricate historic carvings of demons and dragons. The terrace is named after a statue of the ‘Leper King’ that was originally found in the middle of the terrace during excavation, and currently stands in the National Museum. A replica of the same is perched on the terrace.
Timings : 7:30 AM to 5:30 AM
Time Required : 1 hour
Entry Fee : Angkor Temple Pass-
1-day pass: Riel 150000 (USD 37)
3-day pass: Riel 251000 (USD 62)
4. Ta Som, Siem-reap
The temple of Ta Som is a small structure located in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap. It was built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It has undergone minimum restoration and beholds a single shrine which is believed to be in the honor of Jayavarman’s father. The highlight of this location is the gigantic strangler fig tree, taking over the east gate.
Timings : 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Time Required : 30-60 minutes
Entry Fee : Angkor Temple Pass-
1-day pass: Riel 150000 (USD 37)
3-day pass: Riel 251000 (USD 62)
5. Neak Pean, Siem-reap
Neak Pean was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It is a small Buddhist temple on a circular island on the banks of the Jayatataka lake, originally built as a reservoir. The location is believed to represent Anavapata, a mythical lake in the Himalayas whose waters are assumed to cure all illness. The temple itself rests in the center of the lake and is reached via a footbridge.
Timings : 7.30 AM to 5:30 AM
Time Required : 30-60 minutes
Entry Fee : Angkor Temple Pass-
1-day pass: Riel 150000 (USD 37)
3-day pass: Riel 251000 (USD 62)
6. Ta Nei Temple, Siem-reap
Ta Nei Temple is off the beaten track. It was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman, dedicated to Buddha. It is a serene location near the northwest corner of the East Baray. It is believed by archaeologists that the area was once densely populated under the Khmer empire. Currently, the temple is in a deep undisturbed forest, accessible by a car or tuk-tuk. It gives a rare chance to explore temple ruins undisturbed since it is rarely visited by tourists.
Timings : 7 AM to 5.30 PM
Time required : 1-2 hours
7. Phnom Bok Temple, Siem-reap
Phnom Bok Temple is located about 30 kilometers from Siem Reap. The temple is on the top of the Bok mountain and gives a chance to behold the panoramic view of lakes, cities, and fields beneath you. It’s a trekking spot in the city and is rarely trodden by tourists. Carry plenty of water and wear light clothes to walk up the stairs. You can also grab a picnic and spend an evening here.
Timings : 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Time Required : 2-3 hours