Angkor Wat's Hidden Gems

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on July 19, 2007

Angkor Wat is the premiere travel destination in Cambodia. The main temples are undeniably mesmerizing. Their sheer magnitude and historical significance will cause the most jaded traveler to skip at least one breath. However, there is another undeniable fact about the buildings: they are usually clogged with camera-carrying visitors.

The real gems are some of the smaller temples in the area. They do not quite match Angkor Wat and neighboring Angkor Thom in size, but they do offer an equally sublime atmosphere.

Preah Khan is a temple that nearly matches the bigger temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom is size. It is largely in a state of disrepair. However, it is less crowded than its more popular neighbors and some of the most stunning carvings in the whole area are still visible.

Ta Prohm is the real deal. Partially overgrown with trees and vines, this place offers an undeveloped feel. For that reason, it is quite popular to visit, although not nearly as crowded as Angkor Wat. Many carvings and statues are still evident, and many of the compound's trees are intertwined with the ancient buildings, creating unique photo opportunities.

Of course, Angkor Wat is an unbelievable structure, even if it is crowded. Missing some of the surrounding temples would be a shame, though. Finding these spots when you visit Angkor is easy.