Cambodia for Beginners: Temples and Ancient Wonders

I’ll be honest; Cambodia wasn’t high on my travel list. But after years of hopping around Asia and hearing “you have to see Angkor Wat!” I finally gave in. I was already heading to Asia for two friends' wedding, so a pre-party detour to Cambodia felt like the perfect add-on.

As soon as I started planning, one thing became clear; this trip was going to be temple central. Cambodia is packed with ancient ruins, sacred sites, and enough stone carvings to make your head spin. So here I am, getting ready to explore a lineup of jaw-dropping temples… and preparing to sweat through my clothes in 100-degree heat.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my adventure; what I planned to see and how to survive temple fatigue (yes, it’s real). Bring water and sunscreen, you’ll need both.

🤷‍♂️ Why Did I End Up There? Like I said… Cambodia wasn’t exactly sitting at the top of my travel wishlist. But when I got invited to a wedding in Malaysia (because yes, I  do occasionally have a social life), I figured: why not make a little detour before the party? I mean, if you're already flying across the globe, you might as well squeeze in some temples, tuk-tuks, and mild heatstroke. So before the wedding festivities kicked off, we decided to warm up (literally) with an adventure through Cambodia. It was the perfect pre-wedding whirlwind: sun, ruins, noodles, beer and a healthy amount of sweat. Then, just as our calves started to recover from climbing temple stairs, we jetted off to Malaysia where we reunited with friends, danced, laughed, and even survived a full-blown karaoke night. No regrets!

Temple Hopping in Cambodia: The Real Tuk-Tuk Tour

We landed in Siem Reap, dropped our bags at the hotel, and did what any heat-fearing, temple-curious traveler should do: hired a tuk-tuk driver for two days straight. And honestly? Best. Decision. Ever. Walking? Absolutely not; unless you enjoy slow-roasting in 95°F with 110% humidity. Plus, the temples are everywhere and slightly chaotic to navigate. Our driver was really good and super friendly. He whisked us from site to site, napped in the shade while we explored ancient ruins, snapped our sweaty-but-happy photos, and even gave us a few fun facts along the way. It was like having a chill local guide. Let the temple adventure begin!

🪫🔋Check-In: we spent 3 nights at: The Golden Temple Residence | 🤩🤩🤩 amazing place

💡✨ Pro tip: Hire the Tuk-Tuk. 🛺 Seriously, do yourself a favor and get a tuk-tuk driver for your temple adventure. It’s not expensive. Plus, they know exactly where to go and how to zigzag through the endless ruins without getting lost or spontaneously combusting. Plan your route with your driver; they’ll help you hit the highlights without temple fatigue turning you into a puddle of regret.

With an early tuk-tuk pickup, sunscreen already melting off our faces, and zero concept of the heat that was about to hit us, we dove into temple territory.

Here’s how our epic journey unfolded; in the exact order we tackled it.

Prasat Kravan – Small But Mighty

Our first stop was Prasat Kravan, a lesser-known temple that turned out to be the perfect warm-up act. It’s quiet, it’s compact, and it doesn’t try to overwhelm you right out of the gate.

Built in the 10th century and dedicated to Vishnu, it’s made entirely of reddish bricks, a rarity in the area, and features some beautifully preserved interior carvings of the deity in various poses. It’s got this peaceful, almost poetic vibe.

🧱 Fun Fact: The reliefs of Vishnu and Lakshmi were carved directly into the bricks; no plaster, no filler, just straight-up artistry from over 1,000 years ago. And somehow, they’re still standing (more confidently than I was after an hour in the heat).

Ta Prohm – Where the Jungle Rules

Next up: Ta Prohm, where nature decided to reclaim its real estate in the most dramatic way possible.

Massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees have grown through the stonework, turning this 12th-century temple into a beautiful mess of roots and ruins. Walking through it feels like being inside a history book that got a jungle-themed makeover.

🎬 Fun Fact: You know that scene in Tomb Raider where Angelina Jolie ducks under a massive tree root and finds a hidden passage? Yeah, that was filmed right here. Honestly, it’s hard not to be in awe. The roots curl over doorways like nature’s own art installation. This place is pure magic (and pure Instagram gold).

Bayon – A Thousand Faces and Zero Bad Angles

Bayon hits you like a dream sequence. You turn a corner, and boom: a tower covered in serene, smiling faces. Then another. Then 200 more. This is Bayon, the wild, mysterious heart of Angkor Thom, built by King Jayavarman VII to show off his divine power (and cheekbones, apparently).

Everywhere you look, stone faces stare back at you; calm, knowing, and weirdly comforting.

It’s surreal, like the temple is alive and observing you back.

🪨 Fun Fact: There are 54 towers originally, each with up to four faces. Historians believe they represent the king himself, or maybe the bodhisattva of compassion. Either way, it’s the most photogenic staring contest you’ll ever lose. You can climb through tight passageways, admire bas-reliefs of ancient battles, and feel like you're in a sacred funhouse of smiles.

💡✨ Pro tip: Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does). It’s humid. It’s hot. You’re sweating like a tourist in cargo shorts. Bring water, rehydration salts, and possibly a tiny fan.

Terrace of the Elephants – Walk Like a King

This isn’t a temple, but it’s still iconic. The Terrace of the Elephants is a long, elevated platform where royalty once watched parades, military marches, and possibly elephant dance parties (one can dream). You walk along it and instantly feel 12% more majestic.

The carvings are incredibly detailed; rows of elephants, warriors, and mythical creatures frozen mid-action like ancient movie stills. There’s a certain energy here. I loved that place.

🐘 Fun Fact: The terrace stretches over 300 meters and was used by King Jayavarman VII to observe public ceremonies. In other words: it was the king’s VIP box. It’s an epic pause point between temple visits and a great reminder that this whole area was once a massive, bustling capital not just pretty ruins.

💡✨ Pro tip: Start with the less-famous temples. Yes, Angkor Wat is the most famous temple. But if you see it first, the rest might feel like the opening acts. Save the star for day two, when your expectations are recalibrated. And pace yourself, not every temple is a must-see. There are literally hundreds. Don’t be a hero. Pick a handful of impressive ones (Ta Prohm! Bayon! Banteay Srei!) and skip other ones. You’ll thank me later.

Banteay Srei – A Little Further, A Lot Prettier

After Angkor Wat, we took a scenic tuk-tuk journey through the countryside to reach Banteay Srei, the final gem of our day. This petite pink sandstone temple is often called the “jewel of Khmer art,” and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Everything here is smaller in scale, but the details are off the charts, intricate floral patterns, epic mythological scenes, and a general sense of “was this carved with tweezers?”

🌸 Fun Fact: Built in the 10th century and dedicated to the god Shiva, Banteay Srei translates to “Citadel of the Women.” Some say the carvings are so refined they must have been done by women — others just call it next-level craftsmanship. It's the perfect way to end your temple-hopping day: quieter, cooler (especially in the late afternoon), and completely charming.

Angkor Wat – The Sunrise Struggle Was Real

We saved the big one for Day 2: Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Cambodia, the one on the flag, and the one everyone tells you not to miss. So, of course, we did it the "right" way. Which meant waking up at an hour so ungodly I’m not sure even the monks were awake yet. I dragged myself out of bed around 3:30am, mumbling threats at anyone who dared speak to me before coffee. Our poor tuk-tuk driver picked us up as I was still trying to figure out if this was a nightmare or part of the itinerary. Apparently, people willingly do this… for fun? We arrived at Angkor Wat in the dark, flashlight in hand, and joined the parade of tourists all trying to get that perfect silhouette shot of the temple at sunrise. And okay, once the light started rising behind the towers and the reflection hit the lotus pond, it was kind of magical. Fine. Worth it. Sort of.

☀️ Fun fact: Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It's surrounded by a massive moat, and the temple itself was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before switching to Buddhism. Inside, the walls are covered with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics and royal life, and there are corridors upon corridors to explore. If you're into history and architecture, it’s a treasure trove. Angkor Wat is a living, breathing symbol of Cambodian pride and culture. You’re walking through a temple that’s also a national icon. It is also the only temple in the complex that’s oriented to the west, usually associated with death, which adds a layer of mystery and debate for historians.

My brutally honest take? Yes, Angkor Wat is iconic and absolutely massive, it’s like a temple meets a fortress meets an ancient theme park. But... dare I say it? It wasn’t my favorite. After seeing other jaw-dropping temples the day before, I wasn’t as blown away. It might be because of the 3:30am wake-up call or the fact that my soul temporarily left my body during the pre-sunrise humidity. Either way, glad I saw it, but it didn’t steal the show.

💡✨ Pro tip: Don’t let Instagram fool you. Waking up in the middle of the night to climb temple stairs in the dark with 1,200 strangers is… an experience. Bring snacks, patience, and sunglasses for when the sun finally decides to rise 45 minutes late. Yes, I woke up at 3:30am for a temple. No, I’m not okay.

The Siem Reap Cool-Down (No More Temples, I Beg You)

After two days of climbing temple stairs, dodging selfie sticks, and sweating like I was being slow-cooked from the inside out, it was time for a break. A proper “please don’t make me look at another 12th-century rock carving” break. And Siem Reap delivered. We spent a full day exploring the city’s non-temple attractions ... and eating.

Wat Thmei (Killing Fields Memorial): A somber but important stop. This small pagoda contains a glass stupa filled with skulls and bones from victims of the Khmer Rouge. It’s quiet, heavy, and absolutely worth the visit to understand Cambodia’s more recent and painful history. It’s not the biggest memorial, but it’s powerful.

And then… Pub Street.

The name says it all. It’s loud, bright, chaotic, and full of backpackers pretending they’re on a spiritual journey while double-fisting Angkor Beer. And us? We dove right in. We drank Angkor Beer like it was the national requirement (honestly, it might be). We ate street skewers and attempted to understand what music was playing. The place is a party! Don’t underestimate Pub Street. One Angkor Beer turns into three, and suddenly you’re dancing with Australians to ABBA remixes. Go with it.

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Trip Debrief:

✨ Top Highlights? Without a doubt, the tuk-tuk tour was the star of the show. Zipping from one ancient temple to another, hair blowing in the breeze (or more like sweat dripping down our faces), was just the right mix of chaotic and iconic. We probably took more photos inside the tuk-tuk than at some temples; no regrets. Our driver was a legend. Favorite temple? Easy: Banteay Srei, aka the "women’s temple." The pinkish-red sandstone, the intricate carvings, the vibe; absolutely mystical .... magical.

📅 How Many Days? We spent 3 days total in Cambodia. And let’s be honest, we crushed it. Temples, tuk-tuks, skull monuments, local beer, and several heat-induced meltdowns. But if we had a little more time, 5 days would’ve been the sweet spot. Enough time to explore, nap, and maybe even consider a massage that doesn’t feel rushed. But still, 3 days = solid win.

🪫 Energy Level For This Adventure? Somewhere between melted and revived by beer, but close to “please airlift me out of this heat”. I was exhausted. And weirdly, not because of walking, shoutout again to the tuk-tuk for carrying my lazy soul across ruins, but because of Cambodian heat and humidity, which hits hard! I carried an umbrella everywhere, not for rain, but for that relentless sun. One temple had stairs (like a million of them) and I swear I blacked out halfway up. And don’t get me started on that 3:30AM wake-up for the Angkor Wat sunrise.

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"Exhaustion is temporary, but my stories (and mild trauma) are forever"

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