5 must-visit temples of Cambodia – Immerse yourself in true Cambodian Spirituality

Representing the mythical abode of the ancient Hindu gods, the expansive and equally spectacular temple of Angkor Wat is the crowning jewel of the Khmer archaeological crown. The largest and best preserved of all the temples in the Angkor temple complex, the Angkor Wat is surrounded by a massive reservoir and outer walls that measure over 3km in length. The temple also consists of five towers built in the shape of demure lotus buds and three-tiered galleries. Apart from its sheer scale and well-preserved condition, this temple remains particularly famous for its intricate decorations which include stone carvings that depict scenes from the Hindu epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

An iconic temple located within the confines of the Angkor temple complex- where colossal stone faces smile benevolently down from over 54 gothic towers; that rises magnificently from the temple's upper terrace. It is believed that the stone carvings are representations of the bodhisattva of compassion – Avalokitesvara. One school of thought believes that the stone faces are carved to represent Kind Jayavarman VII who considered himself to be a god king.

Admittedly the most photographic and evocative temple in Cambodia, the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm likes in a thick dense jungle in a semi-ruined state. Thanks to a Sanskrit stone inscription, much of Ta Prohm's history is known along with the temple's inhabitants and dependents. This particular temple can also be reached easily from hotels which are home to top restaurants in Siem Reap including the likes of FCC Angkor as well.

A large Buddhist monastery of Banteay Kdei dates back to the 12th century and is believed to have been built in the same period as the semi-ruined temple of Ta Prohm – and features similar architectural styles in the form of concentric walls, four entrances decorated with garudas and an enclosed central sanctuary. Banteay Kdei is a treasure chest of impressive bas-reliefs and sculptures of dancing girls and the divine apsaras. The temple is built on one single level in the form of tightly packed architectural structures., and can be explored within an hour. Consider combining your explorations with a quick visit to the Pool of Ablutions, Sra Srang.

Reasonably preserved, Preah Khan to date remains largely unrestored. The ultimate fusion temple that once operated as both a Hindu and Buddhist place of worship, remains one of Angkor's largest temples. Here visitors can take in towered enclosures, a maze of vaulted corridors and concentric rectangular galleries along with an enclosed Buddhist sanctuary. The whole site is surrounded by an expansive moat and can be reached via the main entrance which lies on the east side of the temple.