15 Stunning Monuments of Cambodia That Should Be On Your 2023 Bucket List
Cambodia’s monuments are not only grand and architecturally wonderful, but they all have a glorious past, rooted in the history and heritage of the Khmer Empire. The designs of the temples, the sculptures and religious significance, and the rich history of the sculptures and other monuments will leave everyone in awe and wonder. Here is the guide that has all the details about the most popular and beautiful monuments of cambodia So that you can explore Indonesia like never before.
15 Best Cambodia Monuments
here is the list monuments in cambodia Which all history lovers should definitely discover during their holidays. Keep scrolling down and reading!
- Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
- Bayon Temple, Siem Reap
- Banteay Srei, Siem Reap
- Loei Temple, Siem Reap
- Preah Vihar Temple, Preah Vihar
- Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
- Victory Gate, Angkor
- Independence Monument, Phnom Penh
- Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Memorial
- Phnom Yat, Krong Pailin
- French Tower, Kampong Cham
- Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Phnom Penh
- Cape Crab Statue, Chak Cape Bay
- Golden Lion, Sihanoukville
- Ta Dambong Statue, Battambang
1. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
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The 400-acre Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the largest religious sites in Cambodia. The main temple of Angoravat, built in the 12th century, was dedicated to Vishnu, which was converted into a Buddhist temple in later years. Along with the main temple, there are several other Hindu and Buddhist temples in the complex. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this temple includes a 650-foot-wide dugout area, the Mount Meru tower, a seven-headed Naga statue, and stone gates with guarding lions.
opening time: The temple complex is open from 5 am to 6 pm
entrance fees: $20/person. This ticket fee includes all temples.
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2. Bayon Temple, Siem Reap
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Considered one of Cambodia’s most famous religious monuments, Bayon Temple is located in the center of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. It is a hill temple built by King Jayavarman VII to represent Mount Meru, the center of the universe according to Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. Bayon was originally a Buddhist temple, the main shrine containing an image of a seated Buddha protected under a serpentine veil; Mukalinda. A few years later, the temple was transformed into a Hindu religious site, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. The most fascinating attraction of the temple is its structure and architecture. Unlike other Khmer temples, Bayon has no moat or gopura gates. Instead, the temple has 54 Gothic towers, decorated with 216 majestically pleased faces of Avalokiteshvara.
opening time: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
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3. Banteay Srei, Siem Reap
Banteay Srei Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the major attractions of Angkor Thom. Built of pink colored rocks, this temple boasts of exquisite stone carvings and the most intricate sculptures of various gods and goddesses. Legend has it that, unlike other temples, Banteay Srei was not built by a king, but by a Brahmin who was the guru of King Jayavarman V. As the local term Banteay Srei literally means woman’s stronghold, many historians and archaeologists. It is even believed that this temple was built by a woman. The three central towers, richly decorated libraries and beautiful filigree relief work on the walls and pillars have made Banteay Srei one of Cambodia’s most visited monuments.
opening time: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
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4. Loei Temple, Siem Reap
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Visiting Lolei Temple is one of the most fascinating experiences when visiting Cambodia. It is the third and northernmost temple of the Roluos group; The other two are Preah Ko and Bakong temples. Known as an island temple, Lolei was constructed in the late 9th century on an island in Lake Barai Indratadka, which has now completely dried up. There are 4 temple towers, beautifully decorated with false doors and central lintels. The temple has sculptures of Indra – the sky god riding on his elephant Airavata, many-headed snakes and demons like Makara.
5. Preah Vihar Temple, Preah Vihar
One of Cambodia’s most popular temples and the second World Heritage Site by UNESCO; Preah Vihear is an ancient Hindu temple, constructed during the reign of the Khmer Empire. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this Hindu temple took 300 years to complete and was built by several Khmer rulers such as Yashovarman, Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. Widely known for its hilltop location on Mount Dangrek, this temple is decorated with incredible sculptures. But what makes it different from the rest is its unique architectural pattern. Preah Vihear Temple consists of a series of sanctuaries connected by numerous footpaths and stairs, resting on an 800 meter long axis.
6. Baksei Chamkrong, Siem Reap
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This 10th century temple is located near the southern gate of Angkor Thom. The temple resembles a pyramid and has a beautifully decorated Prasad Tower at the top and a Hindu sanctuary, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The construction of the temple was started by King Harshavarman and finally completed by Rajendravarman. Made of lateritic rocks and sandstone, this grand temple has steep stairs all around it and the grand imposing gopura structures and statues of Indra and Airavata will definitely leave you awestruck.
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7. Victory Gate, Angkor
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Of all the 5 gates that guard the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the Victory Gate is the most popular to visit. Built by King Jayavarman II in the 12th century, this gate can be reached through the Royal Road, which extends to the royal palace. Decorated with wonderful sculptures of gods and goddesses, gopuras and three-headed Erawan elephants; The Victory Gate is one of the most beautiful monuments in Cambodia. Legend has it that this gate was used to send troops into battle to defend the Khmer Empire.
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8. Independence Memorial, Phnom Penh
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Built to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France, the Independence Monument is one of Cambodia’s most important monuments. This monument was designed in the typical Angkorian style and the shape of the monument resembles a lotus-shaped stupa. It is a 5-storey monument and each level is decorated with snakes’ heads. Every day after sunset, the monument is beautifully illuminated with white, blue and red floodlights, similar to the colors of the national flag of Cambodia. It is also considered a memorial site, dedicated to Cambodian nationalists who sacrificed their lives for the country.
9. Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Memorial
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Built to honor the cordial relations between Vietnam and Cambodia, the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Monument was built in the 1970s by the Vietnamese regime that took over after the Khmer Rouge. It is a huge concrete monument, with two soldiers standing on a platform guarding a Cambodian woman holding a child. Located in Hun Sen Park, it is one of the most beautiful monuments in Cambodia.
10.Phnom Yat, Krong Pailin
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The list of monuments of Cambodia also includes an ancient pagoda in the city of Phnom Yat-Pailin. Situated on the top of a mountain, which can be climbed by climbing 242 steps, this historical and cultural site attracts tourists throughout the year. With the Kola Pagoda, situated on a hilltop; There are many big and small stupas and ashrams or places dedicated to meditation at this place.
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11. French Tower, Kampong Cham
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Also known as the French Colonial Watchtower, it is a red-brick structure located on the banks of the Mekong River. Built in the early 1900s, the tower served as a watchtower to protect the river from pirates. Today, counted as one of Cambodia’s vintage monuments, the French Tower is known for offering spectacular views of the sunset over the river and Kampong Cham town.
12. Statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Phnom Penh
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One of Cambodia’s most famous monuments; The statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk is a major tourist attraction in Phnom Penh. This statue represents the former King and Prime Minister of Cambodia by the same name. After his death in 2012, this 4.5 meter high, bronze statue was erected the following year beneath a massive stupa. This statue is placed in a memorial park, located close to the famous Independence Monument.
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13. Cape Crab Statue, Chak Cape Bay
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The second name in the list of monuments of Cambodia is Cape Crab Statue. Resting on a wooden platform, this life-size blue crab statue symbolizes Kep, a small coastal town in Cambodia, famous for its fresh crabs. The statue is located near the Cape Bay coast, where people mostly come for leisurely strolls, sunbathing and photogenic sunsets.
14. Golden Lion, Sihanoukville
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The Golden Lion statue in Sihanoukville, known locally as Vimian Tao Meis, was constructed in 1966. The statue has two shining golden lions. The lion stands proudly with his mouth wide open, while the lioness looks calm, collected and kind. Local people believe that, this statue represents the political landscape of Cambodia. The imposing lion represents the ferocity that has plagued the country over the years, while the calm and gentle lion symbolizes the Khmer’s inner peace and contentment. Located on the traffic circle between Sokha and Ochuateal beaches, the Golden Lion is one of Cambodia’s most important monuments.
15. Ta Dambong Statue, Battambang
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Ta Dambong is a major landmark of Battambang, a quaint city in Cambodia, located along the Songkar River. Legend says that Ta Dumbong was a shepherd. One day he set up a magical wand and used the same to defeat and capture the king of Battambang. Completely frightened, the king’s son fled into the forest and transformed himself into a monk.
Furthermore, Ta Dumbong was also frightened because he constantly had dreams of a holy man defeating him. As a result, the son of the former king, one day rode into the city on his horse and Ta Dumbong attacked him with his magic wand, but his defense was in vain. Since then, neither the magic wand nor Ta Dumbong has ever been seen in the town. This statue is a huge colorful statue of this evil ruler holding a magic wand. Located in the center of a busy intersection, the statue of Ta Dumbong is also an important landmark of Battambang city.
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From popular UNESCO World Heritage monuments to intricately designed temples, this island nation has a lot to offer. Get ready to explore the pristine side of gorgeous Indonesia this year. Get packed, plan your Indonesia vacation and leave right away!
