Exploring Cambodia Holidays

Angkor Temples

The temples of Angkor have put Cambodia well and truly on the map, but with our expertise and our knowledgable guides we can still help you get off the beaten track at Angkor Wat. A point of pilgrimage, pride and inspiration for Cambodians, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer size and beauty of these Hindu temples that were built over generations – each striving to better their ancestors, with Angkor Wat being crowned the world’s largest religious building.

The temples of Angkor, built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, represent one of humankind’s most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. Abandoned in 1432, Angkor was forgotten for hundreds of years until the temples were discovered by a French traveller in the 1860s – a strange and exotic city lost in the jungles of Cambodia.

We have some fantastic temple excursions on offer that will try to help you avoid the crowds while seeing the highlights with our expert guides, who know the best spots for every time of day from sunrise to sunset. We would recommend at least two or three days in Siem Reap so you can make the most of the temples and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area too.

We can tailor your temple excursions according to your interests – whether you would like to just see a couple of temples in detail or if you are after an in-depth tour for a few days, we can ensure the experience is right for you. To get you started, here’s a few snippets of our favourite temples…

Questions? Just get in touch – cambodia@fleewinter.com

Angkor Wat

The largest temple in the whole complex, Angkor Wat is often described as the ‘ancient pyramid’ of Asia. It boasts 2,600ft of bas-reliefs, including famous battles and Buddhist scenes within its spectacular walls and moats.

Ta Prohm

Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm has been left as it was found - making it easy to imagine what it must have been like to discover the lost city in the jungle in the 19th century. Its walls, roofs, chambers and courtyards have been repaired but it has retained its unique ‘lost city’ feel.

Pre Rup

This extraordinary temple is one of our favourite spots for sunsets in Angkor - much less crowded than Angkor Wat, you can climb the steep steps up to the three tiers of the pyramid for remarkable views.

Elephant Terrace

This 1000ft terrace of elephants was used as a giant viewing stand during public and royal ceremonies. We recommend visiting late or early to avoid the crowds.

Banteay Srei

We love this site which for many years was off limits due to its remote location and Khmer Rouge activity. Built in the late 10th century, its pink limestone walls contain the best bas reliefs of any temple at Angkor.

Bayon

With its 54 towers and 216 faces, this temple looks best in the morning just after sunrise or at the end of the afternoon when the sun shines on the faces.

Angkor Wat

Ta Prohm

Pre Rup

Elephant Terrace

This 1000ft terrace of elephants was used as a giant viewing stand during public and royal ceremonies. We recommend visiting late or early to avoid the crowds.

Banteay Srei

Bayon

With its 54 towers and 216 faces, this temple looks best in the morning just after sunrise or at the end of the afternoon when the sun shines on the faces.

Siem Reap

This lively, bustling town has the ancient kingdom of Angkor on its doorstep, making it the perfect place to base your temple adventures. A point of pilgrimage, pride and inspiration for Cambodians, the Hindu temples of Angkor should not be missed.

Phnom Penh

Although often by-passed by many tourists, Phnom Penh offers a fascinating insight into the past, present and future of Cambodia. Tuk-tuk across the busy streets, get to grips with the country's harrowing history of genocide at the Killing Fields or watch the sunset from a riverside bar; there's something for everyone. What's more, we've discovered a handful of fabulous little boutique hotels.

Kampot & Kep

Escape the crowds and enjoy the rural beauty of the south-west. Kampot is famed for its rich, spicy pepper, restful river and jungle terrain while Kep offers the best sunset spots over the ocean in all of Cambodia. Not to mention the delicious crab on offer. This is the place to relax in Cambodia and we've found the best places for you to do just that.

Battambang

Arguably the most charming of Cambodia's larger urban centres, Battambang has a small-town friendly vibe with the bustle of a city. It is home to some of the best preserved French architecture in Cambodia, glorious rice paddies and provincial villages that offer a real insight into Cambodian life.

Sihanoukville

Cambodia’s prime beach destination - Sihanoukville is surrounded by sandy beaches and tropical islands. We know how to steer you away from the crowds here and have discovered a handful of northern beaches with the perfect chill out vibe.

Koh Kong

If you are looking for a jungle escape with thundering waterfalls surrounded by luscious greenery then look no further than Koh Kong. It’s a gem of a find. Off the tourist trail enough to make you feel like you have discovered a slice of hidden Cambodia. We recommend staying on a floating tent or hut over the river (surprisingly more luxurious than it sounds). Trust us on this one...

Kratie

One of the nicest spots to enjoy the natural beauty of the mighty Mekong River is at Kratie, which offers stunning sunsets and is home to the rare fresh-water Irrawaddy dolphins that can be seen all year round. The nearby island of Koh Trong is an ideal place to relax for a day and north of Kratie you can find peaceful fishing communities and rural scenery that is ideal for cycling or trekking.

Ratanakiri Province

This diverse region of natural beauty in the north-east is harder to get to but all the more beautiful for it. Here you will find virtually untouched forested mountains, ethnic minority groups with their own languages and traditions, volcanic lakes and thundering waterfalls. The main activity on offer here is trekking and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen in their natural habitats, including gibbons and elephants.