Cambodia has a long and complex history when it pertains to religion. Although Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist, it has a long and storied history of Indian conflict.
Subsequently, the country also has an observable Hinduism influence, evidenced in the artwork, architecture, and multitude of famous temples in Cambodia to visit.
- Angkor Wat - Cambodia's Biggest Temple
- Banteay Srei - The Hindu Temple
- Neak Pean - The Island Temple
- Banteay Kdei - The Angkor Temple
- Ta Prohm - The Famous Jungle Temple
- Bayon - The Iconic Buddhist Temple
- Banteay Samre - The UNESCO Heritage Site
- Wat Phnom - The Mountain Temple
- Prasart Phnom Ngok - The Hindu Cave Temple
- Preah Khan - The Beautiful Angkor Temple
In the 12th century, around the time the Angkor Wat temple was built, there was a sizable amount of turmoil between the Buddhist and Hindu believers.
During this time, Cambodia experienced plenty of religious battles. The Angkor emperor desperately tried to bring peace to the land by building a temple, called Angkor Thom.
This temple would house both the Hindus and the Buddhists and have both religious and cultural influences.
The King's idea was successful because today when visiting temples in Cambodia you can see the trend of Hindu and Buddhist designs and elements being displayed.
It's remarkably interesting to see the two cultures blend so seamlessly, making the experience of Buddhism in Cambodia a unique and special experience.
For instance, though Hinduism may not be widely practiced, Khmer Buddhists follow some Hindu practices in their wedding and funeral ceremonies.
Here are the top 10 ancient temples in Cambodia you can’t miss!
1. Angkor Wat - Cambodia's Biggest Temple
It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II and is one of the largest tourist attractions in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat’s beauty is not only found in its size but it is also found in its architectural beauty and intricate carvings which can be seen on the walls, each telling a story.
The carved walls of the temple are remarkable storytellers of the creation of time, and battle.
The structure of the temple is large, it is one of the world’s largest religious structures and is separated into three tiers.
There are 100s of stairs leading to each tier, but it is all worth the climb because the views are breathtaking.
2. Banteay Srei - The Hindu Temple
Thought to be the most impressive historic site, Banteay Srei, a Cambodian Hindu temple, lies only 20 kilometers from Angkor Thom.
Banteay Srei Temple is an ancient monument, also known as ‘the woman’s Citadel,’ and is one of Cambodia's most impressive sanctuaries.
In contrast to Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei is considered to be one of the smallest temples in Cambodia.
But is equally loved by travelers because of its charm, impressive carvings, and unique decorations.
3. Neak Pean - The Island Temple
Built during the reign of King Jayavarman the 7th, in the 12th century, Neak Pean Temple is a unique temple in Cambodia because it sits in the center of a reservoir located only 10 kilometers from the Angkor Wat temple.
Based on the Hindu belief of Balan, this distinctive temple of Neak Pean was built for healing purposes, people believed that the pool of water had healing powers to remove any bad spirits that were causing illness.
4. Banteay Kdei - The Angkor Temple
Banteay Kdei Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. Banteay Kdei is a must-see if you are looking to take beautiful pictures without having to worry about it being overpopulated with tourists.
It is a definite must-see, as it has been ruined with overgrown trees and plants and a peaceful charm.
It is a great temple to enjoy a sunset without the bustle of too many tourists.
Banteay Kdei Temple is a hidden gem, one which we believe should be on your list of top temples to visit in Cambodia.
5. Ta Prohm - The Famous Jungle Temple
Originally named Raja Vihara, Ta Prohm is unequaled to Angkor Wat temple, but it is unrivaled on a natural scale.
After the collapse of the Khmer society, people abandoned the temple, and as a result, it became amalgamated with nature, almost becoming one with the jungle.
Popularly known as the jungle temple today, Ta Prohm is truly an amazing wonder to see.
Travelers can come to appreciate how the temple was able to withstand generations of being abandoned and beautifully merge with nature.
It truly is a wonderful site and one we highly recommend you see.
6. Bayon - The Iconic Buddhist Temple
The design of the Bayon Temple Cambodia was constructed to represent the center of the universe in Buddhist and Hindu mythology, known as Mount Meru.
This is evidenced by the location of the temple, which is found in the heart of Angkor Thom.
7. Banteay Samre - The UNESCO Heritage Site
Built in the 12th century during the reign of Suryavarman II and Yashovarman II, Banteay Samre is unique because it is one of the few temples that were not built by a King.
8. Wat Phnom - The Mountain Temple
Set on the only hill in Phnom Penh - one of the best cities to visit in Cambodia, Wat Phnom Temple makes for one of the oldest temples in Cambodia.
Legend has it that a woman named Penh found a floating tree in the river.
When Penh opened the tree trunk, she found four statues of Buddha.
The four statues of Buddha were then placed on a hill which later would receive the name Phnom Duon Penh.
9. Prasart Phnom Ngok - The Hindu Cave Temple
If you are looking for an adventure, we would highly recommend that you check a temple that is off the beaten track, like Prasart Phnom Ngok.
Located 8 kilometers from Kampot, Prasart Phnom Ngok is another Cambodian Hindu temple to see.
Visiting the cave temple would be one of the best things to do in Cambodia for a lifetime experience.
10. Preah Khan - The Beautiful Angkor Temple
Much of the beauty of Cambodia comes from the beauty in temples and their beautiful architecture, one of which is the Preah Temple.
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