Best Temples of Angkor in Angkor Archaeological Park
The 400 km² UNESCO World Heritage park north of town — Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and dozens more temples. An Angkor Pass is required for entry.
The 400 km² UNESCO World Heritage park north of town — Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and dozens more temples. An Angkor Pass is required for entry.
Below are our picks for temples of angkor in and around Angkor Archaeological Park — each one chosen editorially, with the practical detail (hours, prices, what to order or how to time your visit) that makes the difference on the ground.
Angkor Wat
Sunrise over the reflection pools is the postcard, but the quiet hours after 4pm — golden light on the western causeway, tour groups gone — are when Angkor Wat actually feels sacred.
Bayon
No photograph prepares you for standing on the upper terrace surrounded by faces. Go at 7–8am or after 3pm when the light rakes across the stone.
Ta Prohm
The tree-and-stone embrace is the most photogenic thing in the park. Arrive right at opening or after 4pm — midday queues for the famous root photo can run 20 minutes deep.
Angkor Thom
The South Gate at 7am — elephants of stone, faces above the arch, mist on the moat — is the single best free-with-your-pass moment in Angkor.
Phnom Bakheng
Arrive by 4:30pm to make the cap, and remember the dress code is enforced on the summit terrace. The view of Angkor Wat glowing amber in the last light is worth the climb.
Preah Khan
Walk the full west-to-east axis as the corridors telescope down around you. On a quiet morning you may have whole courtyards to yourself.
Pre Rup
The brick turns ember-red in late light, and there is no 300-person cap here. Bring water; the stairs are real.