The Khmer Empire, known as the most powerful empire in Southeast Asia, was founded in 802 AD when Jayavarman II declared himself ruler and the “God-King” during the Angkor period. The Khmer Empire reigned from 802 to 1432 AD.

During this period, the greatest rulers were as follows:

Jayavarman II: The founder of the Khmer Empire. Indravarman I: The first builder of reservoirs, Preah Ko, and Bakong. Yasovarman I: Transferred the capital to Angkor and established Lolei and Phnom Bakheng. Jayavarman IV: Usurped the kingdom and moved the capital to Koh Ker. Rajendravarman II: The founder of East Mebon, Phimeanakas, and Pre Rup. Jayavarman V Suryavarman I: Expanded the empire to many parts of Laos and Thailand. Udayadityavarman II: The founder of the pyramid-shaped Baphuon and West Mebon. Suryavarman II: The founder of Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea. Jayavarman VII: The founder of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan.

Angkor Thom is undoubtedly the most significant and visually striking Khmer temple within the vast archaeological complex, which is also one of the most important and extensive in Southeast Asia. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Angkor Wat was restored by the Khmer Empire in the 14th century to be used as a Buddhist temple.

The myths, symbols, signs, and thousands of carvings in the Angkor temples are intricately carved. While deciphering many of these carvings is impossible, here are the meanings of some frequently prominent carvings:

The meanings of some symbols and signs found in the temple complexes are as follows:

1. Apsara: A celestial nymph or dancer in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
2. Asuras: Evil spirits
3. Devata: A female deity or goddess.
4. Garuda: A mythical bird-like creature and mount of Lord Vishnu.
5. Kala: “guardians” or “protectors” of the temple, entrusted by the god Shiva.
6. Naga: A mythical serpent or snake deity associated with water and fertility.
7. Dvarapala: Guardian figures often depicted as fierce warriors protecting temple entrances.
8. Lingam and Yoni: Symbolic representations of the Hindu god Shiva and the female creative energy.
9. Lotus: A sacred flower symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism and Hinduism.
10. Makara: A mythological sea creature often depicted as a crocodile-like creature with a trunk.
11. Rishi: “sage” or “wise man,” symbolizing a person of great wisdom and knowledge.
12. Gajalakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity, often depicted with elephants.
13. Churning of the Ocean: A mythological scene depicting the stirring of the cosmic ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality.
14. Yoni: “vulva” or “female reproductive organ.” It is the complement to the “linga” symbol, which represents the phallus or male reproductive organ. Together, they symbolize the union of male and female energies or the cosmic duality of creation.

These are just a few examples of the symbols and signs found in the temples, each with its own unique meaning and significance in Khmer mythology and religious beliefs.

We recommend visiting the following places within the Angkor Wat temple complex, which was the last capital of the Khmer Empire:

1. Angkor Thom: The ancient capital city featuring the Bayon temple with its famous smiling faces.
2. Preah Khan: Dedicated to Buddha and the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
3. Neak Poan: A temple with a tower rising above a lake.
4. Ta Prohm: Known as the “Tomb Raider” temple, featured in the movie, with intertwined trees and ruins.
5. Sra Srang: The royal bathing pool and a great spot for sunset viewing.
6. Bayon Temple: Famous for its multiple serene faces.
7. Terrace of the Elephants: Decorated with life-sized elephant sculptures.
8. Banteay Srei: Adorned with delicate carvings.
9. And more.

To fully explore the Angkor Wat temple complex, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, we recommend dedicating at least three days for your visit.

Angkor Wat entrance tickets are available for 1 day ($37), 3 days ($62), and 7 days ($72).

China Southern Airlines

Air China

Singapore Airlines

Thai Airways

Vietnam Airlines

Laos Airlines

These airlines offer flights to major Cambodian cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It’s recommended to check their respective websites or contact travel agencies for up-to-date flight schedules and ticket availability.

Alternatively, you can also consider traveling to Cambodia by land from neighboring countries. Cambodia shares land borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and there are land crossings available for travelers. However, the availability and convenience of land transportation may vary, so it’s advisable to research the specific border crossings and check the current regulations and requirements.

Please note that flight availability and routes may change, and it’s always recommended to check with the airlines or travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flights to Cambodia.

Air Asia, Cambodia Angkor Air, Bangkok Airways, China Airlines, Korean Air, Jet Star Asia Airways, Silk Air and Vietnam Airlines.

Transportation to Siem Reap:

From Phnom Penh, there are three daily flights operated by Cambodia Angkor Air, with a flight duration of 50 minutes.

There are daily bus services available from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, with a travel time of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

From Bangkok, Bangkok Airways offers five flights per day to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of one hour. Air Asia operates one daily flight with the same flight duration.

The bus journey from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes around 6 to 8 hours.

Silk Air operates four weekly flights from Singapore to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Jetstar offers three weekly flights.

Vietnam Airlines operates five flights per day from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Hanoi, there are four daily flights with a flight duration of two hours.

Lao Airlines offers a daily flight from Vientiane (Laos) to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of three hours.

From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines operates three weekly flights to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of one hour. Air Asia operates daily flights with the same flight duration.

Please note that flight schedules and availability may vary, and it’s recommended to check with the respective airlines or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information regarding flights and bus services to Siem Reap.

From Hong Kong, Dragon Air operates four weekly flights to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Asiana and Korean Airlines have daily flights from Incheon Seoul to Siem Reap.

Cebu Pacific offers three weekly flights from Manila to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Myanmar Airlines has three weekly flights from Yangon, Myanmar to Siem Reap, with a flight duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Regardless of the country you’re traveling from, you can obtain your visa upon entry at the international airport by paying a fee of 30 USD.

Between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

You have several options for transportation between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The most convenient way is by plane. The country’s local airline operates three daily flights between the two cities. Another popular option is to travel by bus. There are daily bus services available in both directions, and the journey takes approximately 6 hours. Bus fares vary between 6 and 15 USD.

Another transportation option apart from buses and planes is renting a taxi. By renting a taxi, you can have a more comfortable journey and make stops wherever you want. The taxi can be rented for $60, and the travel time between the two cities is five hours. If you prefer both comfort and lower expenses, you can find other tourists to share the cost with.

Ferry is the last option for transportation. It is actually the most enjoyable option among them. Ferries operate between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap during the months of September to March. This 251 km journey takes about 4 to 6 hours. The ticket price is $35.

Phnom Penh ferry terminal is located near Sisowath Quay, close to 104th Street.

Siem Reap ferry terminal is located in Chong Khneas, about 15 km outside the city.

Thai-Cambodian Border Crossing

For backpackers traveling between Thailand and Cambodia, the most preferred route is the border crossing. If you’re wondering what to do when you don’t have a visa for Cambodia, don’t worry. Just like you can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport, you can also get a Cambodia visa from the authorities at the border crossing in as little as 10 minutes.

You can make a direct bus journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok without any transfers. During the 6-8 hour trip, you will be provided with light refreshments and there will be 2-3 stops along the way. The transportation fee ranges from 25 to 30 USD, and it does not include the Cambodia visa.

You can purchase tickets from Bangkok’s Morchit station to Siem Reap on Sivutha Boulevard.

Border crossing without an agency:

Take a bus or train from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Buses depart every hour from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal, and the journey takes about 4 hours. Trains depart from Hualamphong Station and the journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Once you arrive in Aranyaprathet, hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from the immediate area and head to the border.

Obtain your visa.

After obtaining your visa, you have officially entered Cambodia. Congratulations! From this point, you can either take a bus or a taxi to reach the station.

At the station, taxis and buses will be readily available. The bus ride costs around 7-9 USD and takes 4 hours, while a taxi ride costs around 45-50 USD and takes 3 hours.

Due to its location within a forested area, the temple remained hidden in the shadows of trees for many years, preserving its secrecy. In 1916, the temple complex was uncovered after the trees were cleared. Excavation and restoration work had been carried out by the French until the outbreak of war in 1970. Initially, the French believed that Bayon was a Hindu temple dating back to the 9th century, dedicated to Brahma. In 1933, during the resumption of excavation at the central point of the temple, they reached a depth of 14 meters. The discovery of a large broken Buddha, Lokesvara, and a Sanskrit inscription unveiled the temple’s function, symbolism, and history. It was then confirmed that Bayon was a Buddhist temple built in the late 12th century.

The Bayon Temple features 49 towers, and each tower is adorned with four facial expressions. These facial expressions combine the features of the compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and the face of King Jayavarman VII. Adjacent to the central tower of King Buddha, there is the presence of Buda Mahathana.

In the recordings of Chinese Ambassador Chou Ta-Kuan, who lived in Angkor Thom in 1295-1296, the central tower of Bayon Temple was referred to as the “Golden Tower” due to its gold plating. He also mentioned that there were numerous Buddha statues around the temple that were also gold-plated. According to the Buddhist belief, the Bayon temple was symbolized as the “Wheel of Life” as per its concept. The outer walls of the Bayon temple feature 11,000 semi-carvings (figures) depicting the daily lives of the people, the royal family, and high-ranking individuals. Similarly, the carvings on the second level inside the temple are also quite fascinating, showcasing royal ceremonies, the journeys of travelers, and symbols related to Khmer, Hindu, and Buddhist mythology.

Among the temples in the Angkor region, Bayon Temple is considered one of the most mysterious and intriguing. That’s why it attracts the attention and interest of many visitors.

You will learn about the must-see places in Cambodia, general information about the country, Cambodian visa requirements, transportation options, weather conditions, historical structures, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and much more.

Where is Cambodia?

Cambodia is a country located in Asia, with an area of 181,035 square kilometers. It is the 90th largest country in the world and shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Bangkok to Siem Reap: 399 km

Bangkok to Phnom Penh : 658 km

Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh : 280 km

Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap : 461 km

To travel by road from Cambodia to Laos, you would need to allocate at least 24 hours for the journey. Similarly, you can reach Cambodia from the neighboring countries of Thailand and Vietnam by bus, or you can travel for the more comfortable option of flying.

Cambodia Visa

To obtain a visa for Cambodia, you will need a passport with a minimum validity of six months and a 4×6-sized photograph. These are the requirements for obtaining a one-month tourist visa. You can obtain your Cambodian visa either from the Cambodian Consulate in Turkey or upon arrival at the border. Another option is to apply for an e-visa. The visa fee is $30 USD. For more information, you can read our article on “How to Obtain a Cambodian Visa.

Transportation in Cambodia

The most commonly used airports in Cambodia are located in the capital city, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. If you are coming from Thailand, you can fly to both of these cities using Air Asia. If you are coming from Vietnam or Laos, you can use Vietnam Airlines.

Siem Reap International Airport is located 6 km away from the city center and takes approximately 15 minutes by car to reach.

Within the country, you can travel from Phnom Penh or Battambang to Siem Reap by river. The pier is located in the Krom area, south of Siem Reap, and it is approximately 15 km away from the city.

Another transportation option is by bus, which is the most commonly used method. You can take a bus from the city center of Siem Reap to Chong Kov Sou Bus Station, which is a few kilometers away.

Cambodia Weather

Cambodia experiences four seasons. The country has a tropical climate with an average temperature ranging from 28 to 33 degrees Celsius. The ideal time to visit Cambodia is during the months when there is no rainy season. The best months for comfortable exploration of the country are between November and February.

December to February: Cool and dry climate

March to May: Hot and dry climate

June to August: Hot and rainy climate

September to November: Cool with less rainfall

General Information about Cambodia

Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia

Local Name: Kampuchea

Capital: Phnom Penh

Official Language: Khmer, but English and French are also spoken in the country.

Population: 15.76 million (2012)

Major Cities: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampong Cham

Major Rivers: Tonle Sap, Mekong, Bassac

Bordering Countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos

International Airports: Siem Reap (REP) and Phnom Penh (PHN)

Religion: Theravada Buddhism, Islam, and Animism

Currency: Riel (KHR) 1 USD = 4,015.90 KHR (Click here to calculate currency)

Phone Code: +855

Time Zone: GMT +7

Internet TLD: .kh

There are two important cities to visit in Cambodia. These cities are Siem Reap, known for its cultural attractions, and the capital city of Phnom Penh. If you are visiting only Cambodia, allocate at least 6 days to explore these two cities. However, if you are combining it with a tour of Vietnam or Thailand and not planning an in-depth exploration, 4 days would be sufficient. Now, let’s look at the places to visit in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Regardless of which city you start from, you can travel between these two cities comfortably by intercity buses. The distance between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is 320 km, which takes approximately 5 hours by bus and 40 minutes by plane.

Places to Visit in Cambodia – SIEM REAP CITY

Old Market

Also known as Phsar Chas, this area is the liveliest and most crowded part of the city. The tourist street called Pub Street and the night markets are located in this area. It has become increasingly popular since bars opened in this street in 1998. It is the center for shopping, tour agencies, dining, and entertainment.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat has become the symbol of Cambodia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest temple complex in the world. We recommend reading our article on Angkor Wat.

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. If you want to take a break from the temples and relax, you can take a boat trip on the lake or observe the lives of the local people in the floating villages.

The three best villages to visit along the river are:

Chong Khneas: Located in the Phnom Krom region, this village is easily accessible and one of the most popular villages to visit. You can spend about two hours exploring the village, including its church, school, clinic, and houses built on the water. There are also two tour options available from the village. One is a lake tour that visits local markets, and the other is a tour of the Gecko Environment Centre (open from 08:30 to 17:00).

Kompong Phluk: Although not a highly touristy village, it is definitely worth a visit. Located 16 km outside the city, the houses in this village are built 6 to 7 meters above the ground. During the rainy season, the lower parts of the houses are completely covered with water.

Kompong Khleang: This village has the largest community living on the lake. The houses in this village are built even higher than those in Kompong Phluk, with an elevation of 10 meters from the ground. The people here make a living from fishing. Despite being located 35 km outside the city, we recommend making the trip to see it.

Pagodas

If you want to see the lives of Buddhist monks, visiting the pagodas in Siem Reap would be the right choice. If you wish to listen to their lives from the mouths of monks and have them guide you through the pagodas, here is a list of pagodas you can visit:

Wat Damnak: It is the largest pagoda in Siem Reap, and many monks live in this pagoda. It is located on the other side of the river, opposite the Old Market.

Wat Bo: Built in the 18th century, it is the oldest pagoda in the city. The wall decorations not only consist of religious content but also depict the lifestyle of Cambodia. Although it is quite neglected, it is still worth seeing and exploring with monks among the pagodas in its garden.

Wat Preah Prom Rath: This pagoda is located by the river, very close to the Old Market, and it is the most beautiful pagoda in the city. The wall paintings and the sculptures inside are exquisite. It is the newest pagoda in the city, built in 1915.

Other pagodas include Wat Thmei, Wat Kesararam, Wat Po Lanka, Wat Athvea, and Wat Preah Inkosei.

Phnom Kulen National Park

Located on Kulen Mountain, the National Park is 50 km outside of Siem Reap. The best time to visit is in the afternoon after you have completed your temple or city tour. It is a place where Cambodia’s culture and natural beauty come together, and you will thoroughly enjoy your visit. This place holds special significance for the Cambodian people because it is where the king was crowned in 802 AD and declared the independence of Java. As a result, it is a place of great importance and is celebrated on weekends and special occasions. You can visit the area where the Buddha statue lies, as well as enjoy the coolness of the cascading waterfall amidst the hot Cambodian weather. The entrance fee to the park is $20, and the round trip transportation cost from the city center is $50.

Museums

If you make it a point to visit museums wherever you go, Siem Reap has something to offer as well. There are three museums you can visit within the city: Angkor National Museum, Cambodia Landmine Museum, and  Siem Reap War Museum.

Balloon

After getting lost and mesmerized among the temples of Angkor, wouldn’t you like to see this historical city, which once served as the capital of a great empire, from hundreds of meters high! We were unable to do it due to bad weather conditions, but if the weather permits, don’t miss out on this experience!

Things to Do in Siem Reap:

• Watch the sunset at the Angkor Wat temple complex.
• Explore the ruins.
• Attend a performance by the Cambodian circus.
• Shop at local stores.
• Watch an Apsara Dance performance.
• Take a hot air balloon ride.
• Go ziplining.

Places to visit Cambodia – Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is not only the economic, commercial, and political center of Cambodia but also the country’s capital. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is a city that, 40 years ago, witnessed the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a place where 2 million people lost their lives, a site of immense tragedy. Therefore, when visiting Phnom Penh, you will embark on a somber journey that delves into the painful past rather than focusing on temples, nature, and similar attractions. We recommend reading our article on Phnom Penh for more information.

National Museum

Visiting a museum is the best way to understand the history and past of a city. While you’re in Cambodia, take at least 10 minutes of your time to visit the National Museum.

Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

The Royal Palace is renowned for its silver-covered floor, which has made the Silver Pagoda particularly famous. With 5,329 silver tiles, each weighing 1.125 kg, the pagoda holds significant value.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

This former school building was converted into a prison by Pol Pot. It is said that Cambodian people were detained and interrogated here before being taken to the killing fields. The conditions of detention and interrogation are unimaginable, and witnessing them leaves a profound impact. You can read more details and see photos in the Phnom Penh link provided above.

The Killing Fields

These are the fields where millions of people were exiled from cities to work under the Pol Pot regime, resulting in their death. They were forced to work tirelessly for a handful of rice. The Killing Fields are located about 15 km southwest of the city, so it is recommended to rent a vehicle or motorcycle to visit.

Wat Phnom

Built in 1373, this Buddhist temple is the tallest in the city, standing at 27 meters high. The city derives its name from the legend associated with this temple. According to the legend, a widow named Daun Penh discovered a statue of Buddha in a pit in her garden. She immediately protected and preserved the site, and the surrounding area became inhabited as the people considered it sacred. In the Khmer language, “Phnom” means hill and “Penh” is derived from Daun Penh’s last name, giving rise to the name of the capital city.

Shopping in Phnom Penh:

Kandal Market: Located near the riverside on Street 13, this open-air market offers a wide variety of goods. You can find almost anything you’re looking for here, and the food stalls offer delicious and affordable options.

Psar Thmei/Central Market: Established in 1937 by the French, this market is a large and organized place where you can find everything you need. It is known for being cleaner and more orderly than Kandal Market.

Tuol Tom Pong Market/Russian Market: This is the liveliest market in the city, worth visiting for both shopping and exploring. You can find a range of items, from antiques to wooden products, woven goods, and traditional objects. The market is located at the corner of Mao Tse Tung Boulevard and Streets 440 and 163.

Sihanoukville – Must-Visit Places:

Located in the south of Cambodia, Sihanoukville is a small province known as Cambodia’s beach paradise. After temple visits and cultural tours, many tourists flock to Sihanoukville for relaxation and enjoyment. With its pristine beaches and beautiful tropical islands, Sihanoukville has become an attractive destination. It is located 232 km away from Phnom Penh and covers an area of 868 square kilometers. Its neighboring provinces are Koh Kong to the north, Kampot to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the south and west.

To visit Sihanoukville, every month of the year is suitable, but it’s important to consider the monsoon season. The temperature remains around 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The coolest period (20-28 degrees) is between November and March, the hottest months (26-35 degrees) are March to May, and the rainy season (24-34 degrees) is from May to October.

It’s good to know that December and January are the coldest months, while April is the hottest month.

Along the coastline, you can relax under palm trees on beautiful beaches and swim in the turquoise waters. If we list the beaches and national park:

Ream National Park

Located 29 km from the city center, this park is one of Cambodia’s seven national parks. Inside the park, you can embark on nature and safari tours and explore the waterfalls.

Hawaii Beach

It resembles a fishing village, and the numerous boats along the shore might surprise you. It’s normal for it to be crowded because it serves as the starting point for island tours. We don’t recommend this beach for swimming.

7-Cham Beach

Sokha Beach

This 1.5 km long beach is exclusive and only allows access to hotel guests.

Victory Beach

Located on the slope of Victory Hill, this beach is a tourist spot. Although the beach is not very wide, it is one of the beaches we highly recommend visiting.

O’chheuteal Beach

It is located to the west of the city and can be reached by motorcycle in five minutes. It is 2 km away from Serendipity and O’tres beaches. Along the beach, there are cafes and restaurants, so you can rent their sunbeds or simply sit and enjoy your time when you get hungry. The beach may be narrow due to these establishments, but the water is crystal clear!

Serendipity Beach

Actually, it’s not entirely a beach. It is lined with Western-style bars, restaurants, and small shops of tour agencies, focusing more on shopping than leisure.

O’tres Beach: This beach is located outside the city and is quite spacious. The sea here is not as calm as the other beaches.

Getting to Sihanoukville:

From Phnom Penh, you can reach Sihanoukville in four hours by comfortable buses. This is the most common method used by tourists. If you want to explore and make frequent stops along the way, renting a motorcycle from Phnom Penh and traveling by road is an option.

From Koh Kong, you have options such as high-speed boats (taking 4 hours), taxis, and public buses.