Explore the less famous temples of the Angkor complex, the wonder of Cambodia, and get out of the beaten paths!
♪ temples of Angkor are part of the world-famous architectural wonders; It is indeed the largest religious monument in the world. This huge complex welcomes more than 3 million visitors a year, visitors who often favor the main temples, due to lack of time, i.e. Angkor Wat, the key temple of this ensemble, Angkor Thom and the temple of the Bayon, the temple of the 200 heads, and finally the temples of the Ta Prohm, the one where the roots of the cheese trees mix with the old stones, and which served in particular Tomb Raider .
These temples are therefore over-frequented, especially during the high season, from November to March. Thousands of tourists rush every day to admire the sunrise on Angkor Wat, which did not disembowel during the day.
Also read: Visit Angkor temples in mountain biking
Yet many temples are also interesting and are much less known. If one wants to go out of the beaten paths and visit the temples as Henri Mouhot was when he discovered the famous temples, here is a list of the still unknown temples of the sublime Angkor complex:
Beng Mealea one of the only temples that is voluntarily left to the wild, the one in which he was discovered by explorers. It allows to experience a unique experience, in complete immersion in nature that blends beautifully with the stones of this temple. It is about 1 hour 30 from Siem Reap .
Beng Mealea Temple – Photo: Flickr – Drew Hess
Koh Ker This temple is a pyramid-shaped mountain temple, and it is the ancient capital of the country, before power is transferred to Angkor. It is about 1 hour 30 from Siem Reap as well.
Koh Ker Temple – Photo credit: Wikimedia – Peaceofangkor
Banteay Samre is a Hindu temple that has undergone many changes over the years. However, it is one of the best carved temples, decorated with many bas-reliefs. It is located in the Angkor complex, 15 minutes from Siem Reap.
Banteay Srei : (main photo) if this temple is increasingly part of the travel guides and organized stays, it is a unique temple, carved in the pink sandstone and extremely well preserved. The finesse of the bas-reliefs makes it one of the best witnesses of Khmer art.
Finally, beyond the Angkor site, a pleasant visit is that of Phnom Penh . It is a sacred mountain located at 1h30 from Siem Reap, which houses a sacred river whose background is beautifully carved. A beautiful waterfall also allows a refreshing break. It is a place very frequented by the locals on weekends, ideal for a total immersion!
Main image credit: Flickr – Allie_Caulfield
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