Cambodia is one of the most emergent tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The reason behind this could be anything and everything. Take the tropical settings that have given rise to dense forests and diverse fauna. Or take the Southeast Asian culture that is too vibrant and beautiful. Then there is the cuisine which ranges from the sweetest and most exotic fruits to the spiciest and most flavored culinary dishes. Given this diverse experience, tourists might never want to return from Cambodian land.
Cambodian Land is also famous for another element, i.e., its ancient temples and architecture. Most are located in Siem Reap, the seat of many mighty Hindu kings. All these kings have constructed various temples, and many today hold the title of UNESCO world heritage site. Hence today, we will focus on the top five temples that you must visit when you are in Siem Reap.
Unraveling the Homes of Gods in Siem Reap
As you explore the temples, the most stunning point will be that they are beautifully preserved. Moreover, even if they have undergone some destruction, it has further elevated their beauty. Hence, these temples each year attract thousands of tourists, and indeed, it makes their visit worthwhile. It is also worth noting that besides temples, the Buddhist monasteries too offer beautiful visiting sites. You can go there as well to elevate your traveling experience in Cambodia. Let’s take a look at which ones are a must-visit without much ado:
1) Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat tops the list of must-visit temples in Siem Reap as it is one of humankind’s most beautiful architectural creations. For the same reason, it bagged the UNESCO world heritage site accolade in 1992 and enjoyed maintenance to preserve its beauty. The entire temple complex is so big that it can be called an Archaeological park. The Angkor Wat was constructed under the reign of King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu lord Vishnu, famous for his “Dashavatar” incarnations.
2) Angkor Tham
Angkor Tham is more of a Buddhist temple dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The magnificence of this temple lies in the 108 stone cut and hand-carved sculptures of gods and demons at the temple’s entrance. This temple comes within the temple complex of the Angkor Archaeological Park and is a must-visit site.
3) Ta Prohm Temple
This temple will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has played or seen the popular video game Tomb Raider. This temple heavily influenced the artistic elements of this game. The magnificence of this temple in person is even more satisfying. Although the temple is now in ruins, the banyan trees surrounding and encircling the courtyard give it a unique atmosphere. Furthermore, the temple’s original design displayed unparalleled beauty, even the most beautiful examples of modern construction.
4) Phnom Bakheng
Since these temples were constructed hundreds of years before Angkor Wat, their aesthetic attractiveness might differ from that of the latter. But the fact that it has withstood the test of time astounds the explorers. One can look significantly into ancient geography and culture in the temple wall art. Murals and carvings depict Mount Meru, Hindu gods, demons, and numerous other animalistic characters. King Yasovarman I was primarily responsible for this temple’s construction. Moreover, its sunrise and sunset views are very picturesque and provide a lot of visual delight. Therefore, you must not miss it and capture the splendor of the golden hour.
5 ) Prasat Banteay Srei
Another stunning temple in Siem Reap is Prasat Banteay, constructed in the tenth century. According to historians and archaeologists, the Hindu king Rajendravarman was responsible for creating the Prasat Banteay Srei temple. Beautiful rock-cut statues representing scenes from the Epic Ramayana can be found throughout the temple. There are numerous other sculptures of feminine figures holding lotuses. Each sculpture made of pink sandstone has beautiful elements that deserve praise.
Conclusion
The fact that human hands are responsible for all of this work on the rock temples is astounding. It demonstrates the extraordinary talent of the men who produced art that endured millennia in ancient times. Singapore Airlines routes are the most feasible if you want to fly down via any flight. Moreover, you will love your time here exploring Siem Reap.
