While Angkor Wat and the greatest array of ancient Khmer temples are in Siem Reap, there is a surprising number of incredibly interesting ancient wonders within easy reach of Phnom Penh, especially once the Road 5 and Road 4 roadworks are completed. Many of these sites are quite unique in terms of art and architecture, and most pre-date the Angkor era. In this wider region, we get the chance to explore the earliest surviving temples from the circa 7th century right through to the end of the Angkor era and the shifting of the capital in the 15th century.
There are actually quite a lot of sites, 99% of which are easy to reach either by car or moto. So, let’s break this into two groups, sites within 60 km or so of Phnom Penh city center that will make great day trips, and follow that by sites within a 200 km radius where you’ll probably like to stay one night at least. Then, at the very bottom of the page, a map of all the sites in that 200 km radius of PP.
Also, see Pagodas in Phnom Penh, several of which hold ancient temple remains including what is believed to be an Angkorian-era temple at Wat Ounalom.
Six ancient sites within 60 km of Phnom Penh
Phnom Baset and Srei Kup Leak
In the Phnom Baset area, there are several interesting monasteries with contemporary prasats constructed in Angkorian style, three mountain top pagodas, and several shrines, plus the fascinating Srei Kup Leak Temple. Srei Kup Leak Temple dates to the 7th century featuring artwork reminiscent of Sambor Prei Kuk and it is one of the few temples that frame a natural rock monolith that would become the linga of the temple.
Tonle Bati & Phnom Tamao
Located around 35 km and one hour south of Phnom Penh is the wonderful Ta Prohm Temple complex of Tonle Bati and just meters away, the singular sandstone Yeay Pov Temple. Both feature 12-13th century Angkor era style art and much of it is unique from that seen at Angkorian temples in Siem Reap.
Just 20 minutes drive south from there is Phnom Tamao temple with its small but picturesque monastery, brick temple remains, and two stunning lintels. Nearby top that is Phnom Thma Doh Temple which is another of the special sites housing a natural rock monolith as its linga. There are two more monasteries/themed Buddhist areas nearby too. Combine all that with Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center for an awesome day out.
Phnom Chisor & Neang Khmao
Neang Khmao Temple features two large brick temples dating to the 10th century while just 5km west is the amazing Phnom Chisor. Located atop the mountain and overlooking the vast plains below Phnom Chisor is a large walled temple complex hosting an array of brick temples and a spectacular staircase down the mountain to two outer entrance buildings and a large lake/baray.
Angkor Borei
An ancient area belonging to the Funan era of the Khmer Empire and featuring two spectacular temples, Phnom Da and Ashram Moha Russei. Phnom Da also features a series of ancient cave dwellings to explore and in the village nearby there is the Angkor Borei Museum. You can reach the area directly by road or head to Duankeo city and take a boat ride along the irrigation canal. A bit more than 60 km, its actually around 80 km and 2 hrs + drive, it can be done in a day or you may choose to stay in Duankeo city.
Udong Mountain & Longvek
Udong Mountain is located around 40 km north of Phnom Penh in Kandal Province. Oudong became the capital of Cambodia after it shifted from nearby Longvek in 1618 and was the seat of power for over two centuries until around 1863 when it shifted to Phnom Penh. Atop the beautiful mountain, there are remains of an ancient temple at Wat Arthaross plus the beautiful stupas and shrines constructed in later eras. Nearby to the north is the area of another capital, Longvek where there are several monasteries and interesting pagodas housing remains of those times, such as Wat Traleang Kaeng. Also see Exploring the Wonders of Longvek & Oudong.
Wat Prasat
Located on the contemporary monastery grounds, among the funerary stupas, Wat Prasat is the remains of an ancient brick temple that was restored by monks in later eras. Around the site, you can see several ancient remnants of the original temple.
Further Afield
There is an array of sites located within 200 km of Phnom Penh, here, I’ll list out the highlights with my favorites being Kampong Cham city area, Kampot Caves, and Kirivong/Phnom Bayang.
Kampong Cham
On the bank of the Mekong River, the city of Kampong Cham adding to the charming city are several special ancient sites. Nokor Bachey is a large and beautiful sandstone temple complex featuring an immense array of relief carvings some, quite similar to what you may see in Angkor and some very very unique. Heading north up along the majestic river is Hanchey Temple which is a two for one with a large brick temple and unique small “cell” dating to the 7th century. Nearby is another special site, Kouk Preah Theat Temple.
Staying in Kampong Cham city overnight, you can also make a side trip to Banteay Prei Nokor and Preah Theat Thom Temple, Prei Ky Temple, and Cheung Ang Temple.
Sambor Prei Kuk
Sambor Prei Kuk is almost 200 km and 3-4 hours drive/ride from Phnom Penh but the collection of beautiful ancient temples in one spot makes it worth the journey. Accommodation is available in Steung Saen with several options to choose from and on my last visit went with Ban Houn Guesthouse which was more than fine. Tickets to the temple area are $10 and purchased at the entrance and you can easily spend the day with 20 or sites to explore. See the map and list of temples here.
Kirivong
Kirivong features a beautiful mountain range featuring five ancient temples and one of them is a personal favorite being Phnom Bayang. The temples are located on different peaks with Ta Nean Khlang Kauet Temple and Kampoul Ta Non Temple accessed by a road just out of the village while Phnom Bayang and Preah Ko are accessed by a cool path that weaves its way slowly up to the mountain top. Phnom Bayang offers stunning views and an incredible ancient staircase that leads up to a very ornate ancient brick temple that features another temple construction inside.
The Cave Temples of Kampot
There are four caves to visit in the Kampot area with three of them still spectacularly retaining temples constructed within the caves that date to the 5th century. The caves are Phnom Totoeng, Phnom Khyang, Phnom Kbal Romeas, and Phnom Chhngok. Not only amazing for the temples they hold but also curious and wonderous great caverns that are an attraction in themselves. Of course, from these you can go onto the beatiful beach at Kep and across to Kampot city and Phnom Bokor.
Kuk Nokor Temple & Phnom Trap
In the 20 km radius to the north, east and west of Skun, Kampong Thom, there is an array of temples from the 7th through to 13th centuries. To the north just inside Kampong Thom Province is Prasat Kuh Nokor (or Kuk Nokor), a fascintaing site in amazing condition dating to the 10-11th century and constructed almost entirely of laterite featuring an outer enclosure with gopura, and a central shrine flanked by libraries. On the northwestern side of Skun, Kuk Pring Chrom Temple, Phnom Trap (Wat Praeus Meas) with its spectaular carvings, Kok Khvet and its unique and amazing lintel, and the temple complex at Phnom Chong Prei atop the small mountain.
On the northeastern side of Skun there is the temple complex of Preah Theat Toek Chha, Kuk Ampil Thvear Temple, Kuk Yeay Hom, and stele shelter of Kuk Ta Prohm.
Phnom Preah Theat Temple
An amazing natural spectacle, Phnom Preah Theat features giant monolithic rock formations the largest of which features an ancient laterite temple elegently appended. There are several other shrines around the site, amazing views, and a monastery at the foothill.
Kampong Leang & Preah Srei Temple
Located in Kampong Chhnang province, the area of Kampong Leang features a stunning cluster of mountains also featuring several ancient temples. The temples include Phnom Punnereay featuring two brick temples and great views, Sa Khla Temple, Thma Phdei Temple, and the ornate brick temple that is Preah Srei.
