Angkor Wat is a Theravada Buddhist temple complex and the largest religious complex in the world. Located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares within the ancient capital of Angkor, it was constructed between 1113 and 1150 CE during the reign of the Khmer king Suryavarman II. In the early 12th century, the Khmer Empire was at the height of its power, extending across much of mainland Southeast Asia, including parts of modern-day Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. This was a period marked by unparalleled wealth, military might, and cultural achievement. Angkor, the empire’s capital, was the largest pre-industrial city in the world, showcasing an advanced system of urban planning, reservoirs, and temples. It was in this thriving context that Angkor Wat was conceived, as both a religious sanctuary and a political statement of imperial grandeur.

The Southern Gate of Angkor Thom, or Tonle Om Gate, is one of the five ancient gates dated to the 12th century providing access through the 8m high laterite walls of Angkor Thom. The South Gate features the best-restored causeway, revealing the awe-inspiring effect that surely must have been one of the original intentions of its ancient master architects. In its day, there would have been no doubt that you were entering the realm of the gods and looking upon one of the world’s truly great wonders, an effect it has still till this day.

The Bayon is a richly decorated Theravada Buddhist temple of the Khmer Empire located at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as the state temple of King Jayavarman VII, it stands at the centre of Jayavarman’s capital city, Angkor Thom.

Ta Keo is one of the biggest temples built during the Khmer Empire and it was built a couple of hundred years before Angkor Wat temple.

Ta Keo was built as the state temple for Jayavarman V and he started construction in 975 AD. Unusually, the temple was never finished. There are many stories as to why Ta Keo was never completed, but nobody knows the real reason. Nowadays, Ta Keo is quite a popular temple with visitors because of its sheer size – five sanctuary towers sit on top of a 22m stepped pyramid.

Ta Prohm is up there with Angkor Wat and Bayon temple as one of the most visited temples in the Angkor Park. There are many reasons for it’s popularity, but the biggest reason is probably that is was used as the backdrop for the filming of the Lara Croft Movie – Tomb Raider.

The jungle is literally growing through the middle of the temple which also adds intrigue and wonder to this amazing site. Ta Prohm is on most people’s “bucket list” of temples in Siem Reap, so make sure that you don’t miss it. It gets very crowded here, so keep reading our helpful Ta Prohm Temple Guide to know exactly when to come to avoid the large crowds.