Cambodia isn’t just a place to visit. The story is alive and well—where old wonders still make you feel alive. Cambodia lets you return in time with its secret sites and royal towns. If you’ll be there, these seven historical places are must-sees.
Angkor Wat – The Heart of Khmer Pride
For Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the central jewel. There is no more prominent sacred building in the world. But it’s not just the size that amazes people. It’s the rhythm, the designs, and the power that’s hidden in plain sight. King Suryavarman II built this temple in the 1100s. It used to be Hindu, but then it became Buddhist.
Go there when the sun comes up. It’s impossible to forget the way the light shines off the towers. Something ancient will stir inside you. Take a walk down its long halls. Look at how the stories are carved into each wall. It’s not just building—words carved into stone.
CAMBODIA VISA FOR BURUNDIAN CITIZENS
Bayon Temple – Smiles in Stone
Bayon is famous for its huge stone faces. It is right in the middle of Angkor Thom. Each one has a soft smile on their face. It looks like they watch, follow, and even welcome you.
He was King Jayavarman VII, who built Bayon. It was a brave and moving project. The temple has elements of both Buddhism and Hinduism. The maze of hallways and towers makes the experience mysterious. It’s like strolling through someone’s memories.
Ta Prohm – Where Nature Takes Over
You might know Ta Prohm from the movie Tomb Raider. But its real beauty can’t be shown in a film. Ta Prohm is a place where natural and artificial beauty meet. Substantial tree roots wind around the walls of the building. The bush is very close to the temple.
Ta Prohm has been chiefly left the way it was found, which differs from other places. It feels rough and wild because of this. You can hear birds, wind, and silence as you walk through it. Time will slip away.
The Pearl of Khmer Art is Banteay Srei.
This little temple isn’t like the others. Banteay Srei is made of pink rock about 25 kilometers from Angkor Wat. The carvings are very intricate. Some people say it’s too perfect to have been made by people. Banyan Srei’s name comes from this: it means “Citadel of the Women.”
This temple isn’t huge, but it makes a significant impact. This piece of art speaks to the soul. Every little thing tells a story. It’s a less busy spot with fewer people. That makes it even more unique.
Preah Vihear – A Temple on the Edge
Preah Vihear is on a cliff above the Thai border. Getting here took a long time, but it was worth it. There is a beautiful view from the top. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
This building is older than Angkor Wat. It was built between the 9th and 12th centuries and was a shrine for Shiva. The long stairs and causeways lead you on a path of strength and commitment.
Because of where it is, Preah Vihear has been through a lot of war. Still, it stands strong—a sign of Cambodia’s spirit.
Sambor Prei Kuk – The Forgotten City
They were around a long time before Angkor. Around the year 700, it was the capital of the Chenla Kingdom. There are no more prominent temples in Cambodia than these.
It’s in the middle of a forest, an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh. This place has a quiet charm because not many people come here. The red-brick towers are worn, but they still look beautiful.
There’s a quiet here—a sense of the knowledge of the past. You can walk around, think, and connect to Cambodia’s early history.
CAMBODIA VISA FOR CAMEROONIAN CITIZENS
Phnom Bakheng – Sunset Over Angkor
That’s not all that Phnom Bakheng is. A view, a time, and a memory in the making. This temple on a hill has the best view of Angkor Wat at sunset.
It was one of the first prominent temples in the Angkor area, built in the 9th century. It’s a steep climb to the top. But the prize is pure gold once you get there. The light shines down on the farms, buildings, and forests below.
Cambodia’s Heritage Lives On
Every one of these historical places tells a part of Cambodia’s story. They have stories about kings, monks, wars, and peace. But they hold more than that: the soul of a country with a lot of history and even more heart.
Cambodia isn’t just a place to see the sights. Going back in time. It’s joining the beat of something bigger. This list of seven places will stay with you long if you like history, beauty, and meaning.
Also Read: Visa & Travel Requirements for Cambodia: What You Need to Know