Angkor Wat draws the crowds, and for good reason. But the Archaeological Park surrounding it spans over 400 square kilometres and holds hundreds of temples, many of which most visitors never reach. These are worth seeking out.
Bayon
At the heart of Angkor Thom, Bayon’s 54 towers are carved with enormous stone faces gazing outward in every direction. Built under King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, it rewards an early start before the heat sets in. Travellers comparing hotels in Siem Reap, Cambodia, close to the park gate will find the morning commute to Bayon considerably easier.
Ta Prohm
Left largely unrestored, Ta Prohm is where the jungle pressed back. Massive tree roots split stone doorways and swallow entire walls, creating something that feels less like a ruin and more like a slow-motion collision between nature and architecture.
Banteay Srei
Around 37 kilometres north of Siem Reap, this pink sandstone temple is covered in some of the finest decorative carving in the entire Khmer tradition. The detail is extraordinary up close. FCC Angkor by Avani, located along the river in Siem Reap’s Old French Quarter, is well placed for organising day trips out to outer sites like this one.
Neak Pean
Built on an artificial island within a reservoir, Neak Pean was designed as a healing sanctuary. Its four surrounding pools were said to represent the four elements. The approach across the water gives it an atmosphere that feels genuinely separate from the rest of the park.