Angkor Wat (Constructed: Early-Mid 12th century, King/Patron: Suryavaman II, Religion: Hinduism). Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1,300 meters x 1,500 meters. The temple itself is 1km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower.

Bayon Temple (Constructed: Late 12th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist). The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture.

Ta Prohm (Constructed: Late 12th – Early 13th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist). Intentionally left partially un-restored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering a “jungle atmosphere” and some of the best “tree in temple” photo opportunities at Angkor.

Preah Khan (Constructed: Late 12th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman VII, Religion: Buddhist). Preah Khan is a huge, highly explorable monastic complex. It originally served as a Buddhist monastery and school, engaging over 1,000 monks. For a short period it was also the residence of King Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan means “sacred sword.” In harmony with the architecturally similar Ta Prohm, which was dedicated to Jayavarman VII’s mother, Preah Khan is dedicated to his father. Features of note: like most of Jayavarman VII’s monuments, the Buddha images were vandalized in the later Hindu resurgence. Some Buddha carvings in the central corridor have been crudely carved over with Bodhisattvas, and in a couple of odd cases, a lotus flower and a linga. Also note the cylindrical columns on the building west of the main temple.

Banteay Srei (Constructed: Late 10th century, King/Patron: Rajendravarman, Religion: Hindu/Shiva). Banteay Srei loosely translates to “citadel of the women” but this is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicatie beauty of the carvings. Built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power and territory, the temple was constructed by a Brahmin counselor under a powerful king, Rajendravarman and later under Jayavarman V. Banteay Srei displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art. The walls are densely covered with some of the most beautiful, deep and intricate carvings of any Angkorian temple.

Kulen Mountain (Constructed: 09th century, King/Patron: Jayavarman II, Religion: Hindu). This is where the 500-year long “Age of Angkor” began. Kulen Mountain is the mountain on which Jayavarman II initiated the royal “god of the king” linga cult in 802AD, declaring a unified and independent Khmer Empire under a single ruler and beginning what would later become known as the Angkor period (though the capital city would not actually move to the Angkor area for another century.) Soon after the ceremony, Jayavarman II moved his capital from Kulen Mountain to the area near the modern town of Rolous, where it was to remain for almost linga stands in the Siem Reap River. Waterfalls and active pagoda.

The newly opened Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap promises eight chronologically ordered galleries of Angkorian-era artifacts and multi-media presentations of Angkorian history and culture. The Museum had just opened its doors and was not quite completed at time of printing, but should be very soon. Admissions price: US$12 (for foreigners). $2 for a camera. Daily Operation Hours: 8:30AM - 6:00PM. Located in town, on the road to the Angkor Park.

The construction of Cambodian Cultural Village (CCV) started in mid year of 2001, opened to the public in September 24, 2003, with total area of 210,000 meter-square, CCV assembles all the miniatures of famous historical buildings and structures, local customs and practices of all races. There are 11 unique villages, which represent different culture heritages and characteristics of 19 multi races.

Unique new addition to the Angkor area. Take a tethered helium balloon ride 200 meters straight up for an amazing aerial view of Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, West Baray and other ruins amongst the surrounding jungle and rice paddies. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. The big, yellow balloon is based on the road from the airport to Angkor Wat, about a kilometer from the front gates of Angkor Wat.