The soul of the Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a place full of spirituality, mysticism, and ancient architectural beauty. It hosts some of the greatest temples and monuments in the world that narration about ancient empires, mighty kings, and divine artworks. And whether you are a tourist who will be impressed by the charm of the past, or a spiritual traveler who would love to enjoy the peace at sacred ruins, Cambodia can show you something extra that is beyond ordinary. Its great temples, exquisitely carved monuments and peaceful landscapes make it a haven to the heritage lovers throughout the world.

The article The Top Historical Temples in Cambodia provides tourists with a more insight into the wonderful history of the country and its cultural heritage. Every temple is the manifestation of the splendor of the Khmer Empire - one of the most developed civilizations of Asian countries. Cambodia has diverse monuments, such as the world-renowned Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon Temple, and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, which are the eternal remembrance of hundreds of years of the devotion and craftsmanship. To the people who yearn to find out why Cambodia is considered the land of wonders, Best Cambodia Tour Packages offer a nice touring package to explore the heritage of Cambodia with ease, comfort and interest amidst the cultural heritage of the country. Go kite Tours will help you to experience an unforgettable trip to the Cambodian treasures of all times.

Here are the Top Historical Temples and Monuments in Cambodia

1. Angkor Wat- The Cambodia Crown Jewel.

It is impossible to include the list of the Top Historical Temples in Cambodia without mentioning the largest religious monument in the world and pride of the Khmer Empire Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed at the beginning of the 12 th century by the king Suryavarman II and was originally designed to worship Hindu god Vishnu but it was later transformed to a Buddhist temple. The design of the temple, with specific bas-reliefs and heavenly apsaras, is the representation of the universe, a perfect combination of heaven and earth.

Angkor Wat is most majestic in the early morning when the temple is gleaming in the morning sun. Its five towers, which symbolize the mountains of the Mount Meru, towers huge above the moat, and the stone walls. Its galleries, carvings, and minute details that describe scenes of ancient mythology tend to occupy hours and hours of the visitor. To ensure that you get the most of your time, Best Cambodia Tour Packages will involve guided tours which will tell you about historical value of the temple and its hidden architectural beauty.

2. Bayan Temple The Angkor Thom Smiling Faces.

Bayon Temple is one of the most well-known temples located in the center of Angkor Thom and is characterized by the mysterious stone faces that narrow smiles at visitors in all directions. Bayon was constructed in the late 12th century by the king Jayavarman VII and is a very intriguing mixture of spiritual symbolism and innovation. The 54 towers of Bayon bearing four serene faces are thought to signify compassion, wisdom and serenity which are some of the fundamental values of Buddhism.

The bas-reliefs of Bayon are bright illustrations of the everyday Khmer life, the battles in the history and the fairy tales. Bayon is only charming with its intimacy and mystery, as opposed to the grandeur of Angkor Wat. Its mazing corridors and unbalanced stairs make it look like an adventure and a discovery. Tour of Cambodia including the Bayon will enable a traveler to plunge into the spiritual center of ancient Khmer nation.

3. Ta Prohm – The Jungle Temple

The temple Ta Prohm is among the most photographed in Cambodia, in part due to its surreal land appeal, the enormous scope of trees with themselves with massive roots intertwined with the stone buildings in ruin. This temple was constructed in the end of the 12 th century and it was initially dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarman VII. In contrast to the other temples, Ta Prohm has been left to a very natural state without much restoration, which has maintained its natural beauty and unrealistic ambiance.

Entering Ta Prohm is like entering into a forgotten world where nature and architecture are united. The temple became famous all over the world after it was featured in the film Tomb raider and therefore it is now a must visit place by film lovers and history lovers. Best Cambodia Tour Packages are popular among the tourists who want to embrace the wonders of the Cambodian history and the Ta Prohm can be listed as the main destination to explore and take photos.

4. Bantey Srei -The town of women.

The Banteay Srei also known as the Citadel of Women is a tiny, yet highly detailed temple of about 25 km of Angkor Wat. It was constructed in the 10 th century and is dedicated to the Hindu Shiva. The outstanding feature of Banteay Srei is that it was built using pink sandstone and the carvings portraying the mythological stories are simply outstanding in detail.

Even though Banteay Srei is smaller, it is still regarded as one of the greatest works representing the Khmer art. The fineness of work on this is superior to most of the larger temples. The grace of a woman and the warm color of the one gives it the delight of a photographer, particularly in the golden sunset and sunrise hours. Most of the Best Cambodia Tour Packages cover the half-day sightseeing to Banteay Srei and this gives them time to appreciate the artistic work and the rural scenery.

5. Preah Khan -The Temple of Sacred Sword.

Preah Khan or Sacred Sword was a construction of King Jayavarman VII in honor of his father. This massive temple complex used to be a city, monastery and university. It is now a maze of streets, patios and temples in the midst of the jungle-garden.

The Preah Khan represents the architectural change on Hindu to Buddhist architecture as a depiction of the Cambodian religious change. It is possible to feel the strength and calmness which once characterized this holy place when walking through its moss-covered walls and old stone corridors. To people visiting Cambodia on a Tour, Preah Khan is a more reflective place of tranquility than the busy Angkor Wat complex.

6. Phnom Bakheng- the Mountain Temple.

One of the oldest temples in the Angkor region dates back to the 9th century and is called Phnom Bakheng. It is a hill-top restaurant with one of the finest panoramic views of Angkor Wat and the landscape in general. The temple, which is dedicated to Shiva, used to be the focal point of the capital of King Yasovarman I.

Phnom Bakheng today is popular particularly during the sunset when the visitors get to see the golden colors of Cambodian sky. Nevertheless, the number of visitors allowed on the peak is a few to ensure that the structure is not damaged. Individuals that incorporate Phnom Bakheng in their Best Cambodia Tour Packages are paid with splendid views and a memorable spiritual experience.

7. Pre Rup- The Temple of Change.

Pre Rup, constructed in 10 th century, was an offering to the Hindu God, Shiva, which was the royal cremation temple. Pre Rup is also known as turning the body, a ritual that is related to funerary ceremonies. It was built mostly using bricks and laterite, and in the form of a pyramid, symbolizing the mountain Meru.

The symmetry and the layout of the temple position the temple as one of the most attractive places in Angkor. The view of the countryside is panoramic as one climbs to the top. The sunset is especially enchanted at this point since the stones of the temple are warmed with red and gold. Pre Rup is a site worth paying a visit when taking a Cambodia Tour itinerary particularly the ones interested in the ancient rituals and architecture.

8. Beng Mealea -Lost Temple to the Jungle.

About 60km away, Beng Mealea is known as the Lost Temple. Covered by heavy jungle it is a place of little restoration and has a mysterious and adventure-like impression. The building of the temple is similar to Angkor Wat, only that nature has taken back most parts of the temple with giant trees sprouting inside walls and broken routes.

A visit to Beng Mealea is going into a lost world. It is an ideal place of off-the-beaten-path travelers since it is a secluded place with untouched charm. Most of the Best Cambodia Tour Packages in recent years have incorporated Beng Mealea in the list of activities that is more Cambodian and less congested to an experience of the ancient glory of Cambodia.

9. Ta Som – The Overgrown Gem

Ta Som is a small but interesting temple constructed by the King Jayavarman VII. It is especially renowned by its eastern gate, in which a giant fig-tree has been growing on the stone entrance, forming one of the most typical Cambodian pictures.

Ta Som is not as popular as Ta Prohm, but there is equal beauty with fewer people. Tourists have the chance to stroll its serene trails and elaborately cut towers and enjoy them in relative tranquility. In the case of travelers who book to Gokite Tours, Ta Som will give them a peaceful getaway into the ancient spiritual world of Cambodia.

10. Wat Preah Ke -The cradle of Phnom Penh.

Wat Phnom, which is the most significant Buddhist Temple in the capital city and has a great historical significance, is located in Phnom Penh. It was constructed in 1373 according to the legend to keep sacred Buddhist relics that a woman called Daun Penh had found. It was even the city that was named after her.

Wat Phnom is a living temple where the locals gather to pray to have good fortune and success. Its location on the hilltop provides a panoramic view of the city of Phnom Penh and the peaceful nature amidst the busy metropolis. Those visiting the Best Cambodia Tour Packages can have a taste of both spiritual and a taste of the modern Cambodian culture here.

Conclusion

Cambodia is a living museum of ancient wonders - this is a nation whereby, every stone is a story of devotion, art and empire. According to the Top Historical Temples in Cambodia, the architectural masterpiece of the Khmer culture is not the only reason that becomes an object of admiration for travelers. The spiritual foundations of the culture that remain to this day inspire the tourists. The grand Angkor Wat, the enigmatic Bayon and the jungles of Ta Prohm are the places that expose the various sides of the soul of Cambodia.

Best Cambodia Tour Packages are the best option to tourists who want to enjoy this rich cultural heritage without any inconvenience. Such guided tours take into account a comfortable mode of transport, intellectual guides, and a balanced tour program, which encompasses the greatest temples and monuments. Be it in trying to find the ruins of ancient buildings, looking at stone carvings or even in a meditated state in centuries old shrines all time in Cambodia is a time travel - a historical walk and a religious one also.