There are several places a little further out than the main Angkor Archaeological Park which are well worth seeing, if you have the time and budget. I have worked in almost all of these places with field crews doing archaeology and know them very well.

As of relatively recently, there is no longer any concern about security in Cambodia, but most of the road network is still not in great shape, which means that huge temple complexes still remain lying in the jungle in many areas, little visited or virtually unknown to tourists. Also, some of the jewels of Khmer art and architecture are just a short additional drive out of the park. This page summarises the main ones:

The Roluos Group

One of the first capitals of Angkor (8th to 9th century), about 10km southeast of Siem Reap on a well-paved highway. This one is regularly frequented by tourists and easily accessible. It is well known for the very fine quality of its sandstone carvings, especially the lintels on the temples, for the beauty of its inscriptions and for its tranquil rural setting. 

Banteay Srei

The jewel in the crown of Angkorian temples, this 10th century masterpiece is about 30km north of the main temples and is delicately carved out of red sandston. It's further out, but is easily accessible on a highway and sees a large numbers of visitors.

Beng Melea

A classic 'jungle temple' -- about 50km away from Siem Reap by road, this massive sandstone construction sees very few visitors and retains an air of mystery and abandonment. Accessible by highway (can be combined with a trip to the Roluos group) or by a back road from Banteay Srei.

Koh Ker

For a brief period in the 10th century the capital of the Khmer Empire moved from Angkor to this site, about 3 hours drive from Siem Reap (both Roluos and Beng Melea are on the way). A huge stepped pyramid and enormous sandstone linga and a collection of small but interesting temples make this a very impressive site, and it is little visited by tourists because of its remote location.

Phnom Kulen & Kbal Spean

Thousands of linga carved into the sandstone riverbeds at these sites attest to the belief of the ancient Khmers in the cult of Siva and the importance of fertility and water management to the success of the agricultural empire. There are also a range of interesting rock carvings and small temples to see on Phnom Kulen, and a huge waterfall that is swimmable all year round. can be combined with a day trip to Banteay Srei, which is on the way.

Preah Khan of Kompong Svay

Around 4 hours drive in 4WD east of Siem Reap, this incredible sandstone temple complex lies in the jungle almost completely unvisited by tourists. It is now the subject of a major archaeological investigation by the University of Sydney team that I have worked with for many years.

Banteay Chmar

A beautiful, massive sandstone temple constructed by Jayavarman VII, the Khmer Empire's most prolific builder, including the classic 'face towers' that are seen at the Bayon temple at Angkor itself. Although the road to here is good and it takes 3 hours driving to the west from Siem Reap, very few visitors take the time to make it out here, but those who do are richly rewarded by the long galleries of Bayon-style bas-reliefs and the beautiful sandstone carvings above the doors. I have worked at this site with research associates of the Heritage Watch NGO. Overnight, homestay-style accommodation is available with Khmer families in a village perched right on the edge of the temple moat!

Please see the prices page (menu at left) for indications on what's involved in getting to these places.