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The temple complex at Angkor Wat is the most famous historical site in Cambodia. Holidays to the Southeast Asian country almost always include a visit to the complex in their itinerary, from a one-day view of the highlights to as long as a week spent exploring every nook and cranny tucked away in the dense jungle. The complex is far larger than many visitors anticipate, with the ruins called Angkor Wat just one of numerous temples and other structures scattered throughout the jungle. The following are some of the lesser-known parts that are well worth a visit on Cambodia holidays.

Kbal Spean

A walk up and down this 50-metre stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River reveals a surprising and beautiful sight: a series of stone carvings in the sandstone on the river bed and banks. This area is commonly known as the River of a Thousand Lingas and it lies amidst lush jungle, 50 kilometres from the city of Siem Reap. It is a site unlike any other that visitors are likely to encounter on their Cambodia holidays. The gods and goddesses depicted are all Hindu, and include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna and Lakshmi. Kbal Spean remains a site of pilgrimage and meditation to this day; the tranquillity it offers is truly refreshing.

Banteay Srei

While Angkor Wat impresses visitors with its sheer scale, the small temple of Banteay Srei awes them with its beauty. Constructed of pink sandstone, it bears extraordinarily detailed carvings – so carefully crafted, they are said to have been made by women, as men’s hands would have been incapable of such fine work. The Khmer name for the temple is, accordingly, Fortress of the Women. Despite its remoteness from the main temple sites in the Angkor Wat complex, Banteay Srei is another must-see on a Cambodia holiday’s itinerary.

Ta Prohm

The ruins of Ta Prohm are becoming increasingly well known – and well-visited – thanks to the numerous photographs of pale tree roots curling over the ruins and constricting them like slow-moving snakes. But Ta Prohm still sees a fraction of the visitors that go to major sites like Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It too cannot be missed on Cambodia holidays. Atmospheric and quiet, this gradually crumbling temple offers extraordinary opportunities for the avid photographer – as well as a chance to amble through yet more gorgeously detailed ruins. Nearby temples on the Small Circuit include Ta Nei and Sras Srang. Walking the full length of this circuit is highly recommended.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run several Cambodia holidays . Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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