Angkor Wat’s lesser-known temples

The temples of Angkor are endlessly captivating: they bear witness to a vanished civilisation and to a profound devotion to the divine. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, some temples were later destroyed and rededicated to Buddhism. Statues of Shiva and Buddha lie scattered through the jungle, woven between vines, massive roots and ancient ruins. A visit to the temples of Angkor Wat is a highlight of any journey to Cambodia. It’s easy to fall in love with the archaeological treasures, the warm-hearted people, the playful children and the wild nature that slowly reclaims even the millennia-old temples. Step off the main path and go beyond Angkor Wat’s famous sites by discovering its quieter, more hidden temples. We’ll take you to these lesser-known places.

The Roluos Group, made up of three temples, lies 9 miles (15 km) south-east of Siem Reap. This late 9th-century ensemble once formed the royal capital of Hariharalaya. Here you’ll find Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. Set apart from the main Angkor sites, the area has a special calm and a character all its own. It’s also a wonderful introduction to the grander temples.

Begin with Bakong, built by King Indravarman I and symbolising the cosmic Mount Meru. Eight brick towers here represent the eight bodies of Shiva. Lolei, built by King Yaçovarman, once served as a vast water reservoir for Hariharalaya and its surrounding plains. Preah Ko features six towers with intricately decorated doorways. So many places, each well worth exploring in more detail!

Little visited, Ta Nei lies north-west of Angkor and was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Reaching it requires a walk through the forest, which adds to the charm of the experience. Because the temple is rarely frequented by tourists, it offers the chance to wander peacefully among the remnants of an ancient sanctuary tucked deep into the jungle. Archaeologists have left it untouched, surrounded by towering trees and narrow paths slowly reclaimed by nature. An adventure awaits!

The “Citadel of the Samré” is a mid-12th-century temple whose original builders remain unknown. It is tied to a legend of the Samré people, an indigenous local community. Known as the “Cucumber Legend”, it tells of a rare variety of cucumbers grown exclusively for the king. One night, the king entered the garden and was mistakenly killed by his guard, Pou, who thought he was a thief. With no heir to the throne, the successor was chosen by the “Elephant of Victory”, who selected Pou as the new king.

Beyond this captivating tale, the Hindu temple mountain offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The complex features two large fortified enclosures, a central sanctuary, four gopuras and two libraries. Hindu themes appear throughout its mythological carvings and in architecture that is quintessentially Khmer.

The beautifully crafted, exquisitely detailed and luxuriously designed temple of Banteay Srei is a true architectural gem. Located 12 miles (20 km) from Angkor and well off the usual tourist trail, it is distinguished by its pink sandstone and intricately carved walls, and is dedicated to the god Shiva. Its name means “Citadel of Women”. Here you can admire scenes from Shiva’s life, floral motifs and a rich array of animals – lions, wild boars, monkeys and bulls – along with celestial nymphs and lotus flowers. A lesser-known temple that is an absolute must-see.

Preah Khan is far more than a single temple – it is an entire 56-hectare city. Described as a vast monastic complex, it once housed a library dedicated to the father of Jayavarman. At once a temple, a city and a Buddhist university, it was eventually reclaimed by the jungle before being restored in the 1990s. Here you’ll find long rows of lotus carvings, Shaivite icons, shrines and stupas. An impressive site and well worth the visit – plan around an hour to explore.

The temple of Beng Mealea means “Lotus Pond” and is one of the most mysterious temples in the region. Remote and 42 miles (42 km) from Siem Reap, it is a true hidden gem set deep within an overgrown jungle landscape. Filled with ancient ruins, it is dedicated to the deity Vishnu. Beams, pediments, lintels, blue-sandstone facades, balustrades and Naga sculptures – this temple is a paradise for explorers and has even inspired treasure hunts.

Left in its original state, partly in ruins, this temple is dramatically entwined with giant tree roots. Made famous by the filming of Tomb Raider, it became known as “Angelina Jolie’s temple.” Hidden deep in the jungle, the structures are overgrown by towering banyan and kapok trees whose massive roots spill through every crack and crevice. The perfect place to feel like a true adventurer.

This temple dedicated to Shiva is an exceptionally well-preserved complex of shrines, a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Perched high on the Pey Tadi cliff on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, it offers sweeping views across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Walking through its chambers feels like wandering above the clouds, a place where you sense yourself drawing closer to the divine. A peaceful, magical temple – and absolutely worth the visit.

Would you like to explore the temples of Angkor – the famous icons as well as the lesser-known gems? As specialists in Southeast Asia, we’d be delighted to guide you on a small-group journey through the treasures of Cambodia.