Renowned for its Angkor city, the Khmer country is brimming with archaeological sites and temples off the beaten path! Yet, these forgotten temples of Cambodia remain just as magnificent! Want to discover these lesser-known sites? Join us at the heart of Cambodia for a tour of 6 magical places far from the crowds…

1. Preah Vihear: One of Cambodia's forgotten temples

Located on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, Preah Vihear Temple was long excluded from tourism due to political tensions between the two countries. Originating from the Khmer Empire (between the 9th and 13th centuries), the site proudly displays its stone ornamentation. 

Upon arrival, you will be dazzled by the beauty of its gopuras (main entrance gates), and its UNESCO World Heritage status! Covering 155 hectares, Preah Vihear consists of several sanctuaries connected by staircases. Standing over 500 meters above sea level on the Dangrek Mountains, the "temple of the sacred mountain" also offers breathtaking views over the valley

2. Koh Ker: A lost city of Cambodia with temples off the beaten path

Inaccessible for several years, the Koh Ker city has been open to visitors since the completion of its demining campaign in 2005. It is famous for its magnificent pyramid, built on six levels around 928. Standing 36 meters tall, this major edifice (called a prang) is now covered in lush vegetation. 

Untouched by mass tourism, the city is ideal for long walks, accompanied by the song of birds. Detached from the concept of time, you can explore its numerous temples, elephants, and lions sculpted in stone—imagine life back when Koh Ker was the capital of the Angkorian empire in the 10th century, with a population of nearly 10,000!

3. Beng Mealea: A temple merged with nature in Siem Reap

Built in the early 12th century, Beng Mealea Temple is now dominated by jungle. Located in Siem Reap Province (at the gates of Angkor), the temple’s treasures were uncovered by French archaeologist Bernard-Philippe Groslier. 

Excavations conducted in the 1960s and '70s revealed numerous statues of faces, as well as nâgas (mythical half-human, half-serpent beings from Hindu mythology). A tip? Arrive early in the morning to witness the play of light and shadows as they filter through the vegetation and ruins!

4. Preah Khan: A lesser-known temple of Cambodia

Built in 1191, Preah Khan Temple is a true gem, located about 2 kilometers northeast of Angkor Thom. Nestled in a lush green setting, the site is somewhat difficult to access and is rarely crowded. Among its ruins, you can admire a Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by Hindu temples, as well as intricately detailed stone sculptures (such as the temple guardian Garuda statue). 

Its other highlight? The perfect fusion between nature and architecture! You will find century-old roots entwined with the structures. Covering 56 hectares, the temple is surrounded by a 20-meter-wide moat. Don’t hesitate to lose yourself in its winding paths…

5. Sambor Prei Kuk: A must-see Cambodian temple away from the crowds

Although the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk suffered during the war, it still retains many treasures, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017! Located in the Chenla region (modern-day Cambodia), this 7th-century temple covers 25 square kilometers and is divided into three main sections:

• Prasat Yeai (to the south) 
• Prasat Tao (in the center of the site) 
• Prasat Sambor (to the north).

In each area, you will discover a central building surrounded by other structures, some made of laterite (a red rock). A must-see? The lion temple located in Prasat Tao. Less touristy than the Angkor complex, Sambor Prei Kuk is just as remarkable!

6. Phnom Santuk : la cité perdue des singes

Located in the village of Ko Koh, Phnom Santuk Temple is earned. Once at the foot of the site, you must first climb more than 800 steps! This gives you the opportunity to admire the numerous stone Buddha statues lining the path… 

At the top? You will find temples (from different eras), as well as statues, bridges… and monkeys thriving in this lost city amidst Cambodia's natural beauty! Rising more than 200 meters above sea level, Phnom Santuk offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and the Tonlé Sap River.