Banteay Srei

Banteay Srei, often referred to as the “Citadel of Women” or the “Citadel of Beauty,” is a 10th-century Cambodian temple dedicated to Shiva. Located approximately 40 km from town, Banteay Srei stands out for its intricate carvings and unique pink sandstone construction. The temple was consecrated on April 22, 967 CE, and is unique among Angkorian temples as it was not commissioned by a king. Instead, it was built by two courtiers, Yajnavaraha and Vishnukumara, who were counselors to King Rajendravarman II. This fact alone sets Banteay Srei apart, highlighting the influence and capabilities of non-royal patrons in ancient Khmer society. The temple’s modern name, “Banteay Srei,” translates to “Citadel of Women,” a name believed to be inspired by the delicate beauty of its carvings, which some legends attribute to the work of women. The temple’s original name, “Tribhuvanamaheshvara,” means “Great Lord of the Threefold World,” referring to the god Shiva1.

Banteay Samre

Banteay Samré, also known as the “Citadel of the Samré”, is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, located 400 meters to the east of the East Baray. Built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early 12th century, Banteay Samré is a Hindu temple in the Angkor Wat style. It is named after the Samré, an ancient people of Indochina. Banteay Samré’s single ogival tower immediately reflects the Angkor Wat style. Its design resembles other temples in the region, such as Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda. The temple was excellently restored by Maurice Glaize from 1936 until 1944. The temple consists of a single tower, connected by an antarala to a mandapa. Two libraries flank this ensemble, surrounded by two concentric gallery enclosures. A 200-meter-long raised causeway leads to Banteay Samré from the east, suggesting it once enclosed a reasonable-sized town. Visiting Banteay Samré offers a glimpse into the architectural legacy of the Khmer civilization.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup Temple is a Hindu temple at Angkor, kingdom of Cambodia. It was built as the state temple of Khmer king Rajendravarman and dedicated in 961 or early 962. Pre Rup is a temple mountain constructed using a combination of brick, laterite, and sandstone. Its extensive laterite and brick give it a pleasing reddish tone, especially during early morning and late afternoon sunlight. The temple’s name, “Pre Rup”, means “turn the body.” Cambodians believe that funerals were conducted at the temple, with the ashes of the body ritually rotated in different directions during the service. Pre Rup features long galleries along each side, a characteristic of 10th-century architecture. The final squared pyramid rises in three steep tiers to a 35-meter-square platform at the summit. Five towers are arranged in a quincunx at the top. Visitors can explore the unique design, climb to the summit for panoramic views, and appreciate the historical significance of Pre Rup Temple.

Preah Khan

Preah Khan, translated as the “Royal Sword” or the “Holy Sword”, is a temple at Angkor, Cambodia, built in the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII to honor his father. Preah Khan was constructed on the site of King Jayavarman VII’s victory over the invading Chams in 1191. The modern name, meaning “holy sword”, is derived from the original—Nagara Jayasri (holy city of victory). The temple may have previously been occupied by the royal palaces of Yasovarman II and Tribhuvanadityavarman. Preah Khan features a flat design with successive rectangular galleries around a Buddhist sanctuary. Preah Khan served as a substantial organization, with almost 100,000 officials and servants. Despite its decline after the 15th century, certain sections continued to be used for religious or cultural activities. Visiting Preah Khan offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and its enduring spiritual significance.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, which has an original name as Parama Visnuloka, is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It occupies a vast site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 square meters or 402 acres) within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor. Built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to dedicate to Vishnu. Over time, it evolved into a Buddhist temple. It served as both a state temple and a mausoleum for the King. Angkor Wat combines two fundamental styles of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. The temple is meticulously designed to symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the devas in Hindu cosmology. The Guinness World Records recognizes Angkor Wat as the largest religious structure in the world. Its outer wall stretches over 3.6 kilometers, enclosing three rectangular galleries raised successively above each other. At the center stands a quincunx of towers, forming an awe-inspiring sight.

Ta Prohm Temple

Ta Prohm, also known as the “Ancestor Brahma”, is a remarkable ancient temple located approximately one kilometer east of Angkor Thom in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built during the 12th century under the reign of King Jayavarman VII, Ta Prohm was originally called Rajavihara means “Royal Monastery”. It served as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and center of learning dedicated to the king’s mother. Ta Prohm features the Angkor Wat style and consists of a series of gradually smaller enclosures. Unlike many other temples, Ta Prohm remains largely unrestored, with thick jungle vegetation intertwining with its ancient stone structures. After its abandonment, trees took root in the loosened stones, creating a mesmerizing scene. The temple’s crumbling walls and the jungle surroundings have made it one of the most popular temples for visitors to the Angkor area. Ta Prohm gained fame as the “Tomb Raider Temple” due to its depiction in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).

Bayon Temple

The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple related to Buddhism, located at the heart of Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, originally called Jayagiri means “ Victory Mountain”, the Bayon served as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII. It stands at the center of Jayavarman’s capital, Angkor Thom. The Bayon’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces of The Buddha—possibly modeled after King Jayavarman VII himself. The temple represents a striking expression of the baroque style of Khmer architecture, contrasting with the classical style of Angkor Wat. The temple’s intricate bas-reliefs depict historical events, mythological scenes, and everyday life. Visitors are captivated by the majestic smiling stone faces that peer from every angle. Exploring the Bayon offers a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Khmer Empire.

Phnom Bakheng

Built at the end of the 9th century by king Yasovarman, Phnom Bakheng is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, home of the Hindu gods, a status emphasized by the temple's location atop a steep hill 65 m above the surrounding plain. This position allows us to experience the best sunset ever seen.