Renowned for its city of Angkor, the Khmer country abounds with archaeological sites and temples to visit off the beaten path! Yet these forgotten temples of Cambodia remain no less magnificent! Eager to discover these lesser-known sites? Follow us into the heart of Cambodian lands for a glimpse of 6 magical places away from the crowds…

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

Located on the border between Cambodge and Thailand, the temple of Preah Vihear was long sidelined from tourism due to political tensions between the two countries. Born from the Khmer Empire, between the 9th and 13th centuries, the site proudly displays its architecture with ornamental stonework.

From your arrival, you'll be dazzled by the beauty of its gopuras (main entrance gates)—and its UNESCO-listed heritage! Spanning 155 hectares, Preah Vihear comprises several sanctuaries connected by staircases. Perched at over 500 meters altitude on the Dângrêk Mountains, the "temple of the sacred mountain" also offers a breathtaking view of the valley.

2. Koh Ker: a lost city in Cambodge where you can explore temples off the beaten path

Inaccessible for several years, the city of Koh Ker has been visitable since the completion of its mine-clearing campaign in 2005. It's renowned for its magnificent six-tiered pyramid, erected around the year 928. Standing 36 meters high, this major structure (named prang) is now covered with lush vegetation.

Spared from mass tourism, the city is ideal for long walks, punctuated by the songs of birds. Freed from any sense of time, you can explore its multiple temples, its elephants and lions carved from stone—and try to imagine life long ago, when Koh Ker was the capital of the Angkorian Empire (in the 10th century) and was home to nearly 10,000 people!

3. Beng Mealea: a temple merged with nature near Siem Reap

Erected in the early 12th century, the temple of Beng Mealea is today dominated by jungle. Built in the province of Siem Reap (situated at the gates of the Angkor site), the temple's treasures were brought to light by Bernard-Philippe Groslier (a French archaeologist born in Phnom Penh).

Excavations conducted in the 1960s-1970s uncovered numerous face statues, as well as nâgas (half-human, half-serpent beings from Hindu mythology). One tip? Arrive early in the morning to observe the interplay of shadow and light, which filters through the vegetation and ruins!

4. Preah Khan: a more discreet Angkor temple

Designed in 1191, the temple of Preah Khan is a true gem, located about 2 km northeast of Angkor Thom. Nestled in a verdant setting, the site receives fewer visitors than the major Angkor temples. Among its remains, you can admire a Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by Hindu temples and stone sculptures with minute details (such as the statue of the temple guardian Garuda).

Its other strength? The perfect fusion between nature and architecture! Indeed, you'll find centuries-old roots here and there that seem to be one with the buildings. Spanning 56 hectares, the temple is bordered by a moat 20 meters wide. Feel free to lose yourself in its labyrinth…

5. Sambor Prei Kuk: Cambodia's must-see temple away from the crowds

Though the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk suffered from the ravages of war, it nonetheless preserves numerous treasures—for which it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2017! Located on the territory of Chenla (present-day Cambodge), this 7th-century temple spans 25 km² and is divided into three major complexes:

• Prasat Yeai (to the south);

• Prasat Tao (at the center of the site);

• Prasat Sambor (to the north).

In each area, you'll discover a main edifice surrounded by other buildings, some constructed from laterite (a red stone). An unmissable structure? The lion temple, located in Prasat Tao. Less touristy than the city of Angkor, Sambor Prei Kuk is equally remarkable!

6. Phnom Santuk: the lost city of monkeys

Located in the village of Ko Koh, the temple of Phnom Santuk must be earned. Indeed, once you reach the base of the site, you'll first need to climb over 800 steps! An opportunity to admire the many stone Buddhas that line the path…

At the summit? You'll discover temples (from different eras), but also statues, bridges… and monkeys, thriving at the heart of this lost city, surrounded by Cambodian nature! Rising over 200 meters above sea level, Phnom Santuk boasts an exceptional panorama of the valley and the Tonlé Sap River.