Beyond the Crowds - 10 Most Overlooked Temples in Siem Reap That Will Blow Your Mind in 2025

Almost Zero crowds, massive photo spots, and ancient vibes that hit different — skip the noise and see what most tourists miss!

Want a real Siem Reap adventure?

Skip the tourist lines. These secret temples sit empty while crowds pack into Angkor Wat. Most people rush through the main spots and miss the best parts of Cambodia’s past.

Why Visit Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples?

Cambodia sits at the heart of Southeast Asia, next to Thailand and Vietnam. Siem Reap itself has grown famous as the gateway to Angkor Wat, which draws millions each year. Yet the real magic waits beyond the main circuit.

These less-visited spots let you see ancient Khmer culture without the noise and rush of big groups. You’ll get better photos, more time to look, and space to feel the old magic of these places.

The stats back this up too. While Angkor Wat gets 2.8 million yearly visitors, most of the spots on our list see less than 5% of those numbers. This means more room for you to enjoy them!

Related Travel Options

Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
Beng Mealea Temple Tour
👉 Beng Mealea Siem Reap Tour
Nature and Heritage Combo Tour
👉 Journey Through Time and Nature
Banteay Srei Temple Tour
👉 Banteay Srei Tour
Grand Circuit Temples Private Tour
👉 1-Day Angkor Wat Grand Loop Private Tour

Key Takeaways

While Angkor Wat sees 2.8M visitors yearly, most hidden temples get fewer than 5% of those numbers
Pink sandstone Banteay Srei offers the most intricate carvings in all of Cambodia
Jungle temple Beng Mealea gives you the “Tomb Raider” experience without Ta Prohm’s crowds
Ta Som features the single most photogenic tree-temple integration in all of Siem Reap
Most overlooked temples require just 15-30 extra minutes of travel time but deliver crowd-free experiences
The best times to visit are November-February (dry season) during early morning (5-9AM) or late afternoon (3-5:30PM)
A 3-day temple pass ($62) offers the best value for exploring both famous and hidden temples
Book private tours for special access to temples before or after regular opening hours

The Top 10 Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples You Need to See

1. Banteay Srei – The Pink Temple Jewel

Banteay Srei stands out from all other Angkor temples thanks to its small size and pink sandstone walls. Built in 967 CE, it’s much older than Angkor Wat but shows the most skilled stone carving you’ll find anywhere in Cambodia.

Why it’s special:

Pink sandstone that glows at sunrise
The most detailed carvings in all of Cambodia
Much smaller scale that feels more personal
Still keeps its colors after 1000+ years

Most guides skip this spot since it sits 25 km from the main Angkor area. But trust me, the trip is worth it!

Want to see it right? Book the Banteay Srei Tour that takes you there early, before any tour buses show up.

2. Beng Mealea – The Jungle Temple

Think of Beng Mealea as Angkor Wat’s twin that nobody visits. This huge temple complex sits 40 km east of Siem Reap, which keeps most tourists away. Trees grow through walls, moss covers stone faces, and wooden walkways help you climb through this maze.

What makes it cool:

The “Tomb Raider” feel without the crowds of Ta Prohm
Largely untouched by restoration
Wood walkways that let you climb through ruins
Almost no one else there most of the day

The temple follows the same floor plan as Angkor Wat but lets nature keep its hold. This gives you the rare chance to see how these temples looked when first found by French explorers.

For the best trip, try the Beng Mealea Siem Reap Tour that includes stops at less-known sites along the way.

3. Ta Nei – The Forest Sanctuary

Ta Nei sits right in the middle of the main Angkor park but stays empty most days. Why? It needs a short walk through the forest to reach it, which stops tour buses. This small 12th-century temple looks much like Ta Prohm but without the long lines and photo crowds.

What sets it apart:

Just a 15-minute forest walk to reach
Often completely empty
Great tree roots and stone walls
The same style as famous temples but all to yourself

Local tip: Visit after lunch when most tourists head back to town for a break from the heat.

The Early Bird Ta Prohm Tour can often add Ta Nei as a bonus stop since they sit close to each other.

Tourism Trends in Cambodia and Siem Reap

Cambodia’s tourism industry is growing fast again and bouncing back strong.

Year	International Arrivals	% Change
2019	6.61 million	Baseline
2020	1.31 million	-80.2%
2021	196,500	-85.0%
2022	2.28 million	+1060.3%
2023	5.45 million	+139.5%
2024	6.70 million	+22.9%
2025	7.00 million (projected)	+4.5%

The tourism sector accounted for 7.5% of Cambodia’s GDP in 2023, with projections indicating the travel and tourism market will reach US$348.00 million by 2029. Significantly, 73% of total tourism revenue is expected to come from online sales, reflecting the growing importance of digital platforms in travel planning.

4. Banteay Kdei – The Citadel of Chambers

Most people rush past Banteay Kdei on their way to the more famous Ta Prohm. This turns out great for you! This “Citadel of Chambers” dates from the same time as Bayon Temple and shares its famous face towers but with far fewer visitors.

What you’ll love:

Face towers like at Bayon
Long, empty halls to walk through
Great light for photos all day
Still has trees growing through parts of it

Tip: Come late afternoon when the light turns golden and hits the stone just right.

Make sure to add Banteay Kdei to your 1 Day Angkor Wat Grand Loop Private Tour for a more full day.

5. Preah Khan – The Sacred Sword

Preah Khan means “Sacred Sword” in Khmer. King Jayavarman VII built this huge complex as both a temple and city. Though just minutes from the busy Angkor Thom, most tour groups miss it, which lets you enjoy its grand scale in peace.

What makes it stand out:

Two-story Greek-style columns (found nowhere else in Angkor)
Trees growing through temple walls
Much less restored than other sites
Long, straight paths that make great photos

The layout mixes both Buddhist and Hindu styles since it changed hands over time. Look for carvings that show both faiths side by side.

This temple works well when mixed with the Pre Rup Sunrise Tour as a follow-up stop.

Editor’s Note: We asked our best guide to write this. He takes people to see the kings most books skip. He shows guests the small marks on stones that tell big stories. His tours help you skip long lines. You’ll spot things other visitors miss. This list comes from what he’s learned over the years. He talks to people who grew up near the temples too. His tours make the old stones mean something real.

6. Ta Som – The Tiny Temple with the Massive Tree

Small but mighty, Ta Som packs a big punch in a small space. The main reason to visit sits at the back exit – a huge fig tree that grows right through a stone gateway. Unlike the famous trees at Ta Prohm, you’ll likely get this photo spot all to yourself.

What it offers:

THE best tree-eating-temple photo in Siem Reap
Small enough to see in 30 minutes
Face carvings in great shape
Very few visitors most of the day

Fun fact: The famous tree at the east gate has grown so big it now holds up the stone gateway that would have fallen years ago.

You can add Ta Som to any east side temple visit like the Journey Through Time and Nature Tour.

7. Banteay Samré – The Perfect Mini Angkor

If you don’t have time for all the big temples, Banteay Samré offers the best small-scale option. It looks just like a tiny Angkor Wat, with the same style but in a much more compact form. The best part? It’s been fully restored but gets few visitors.

Why it stands out:

Looks like a mini Angkor Wat
Fully restored to its old glory
Often completely empty
Great spot for sunset photos

Most tour buses skip this spot, which sits just past the Banteay Srei turn-off. This keeps it quiet all day long.

The Siem Reap Temples Tour often includes this stop as part of a fuller day out.

Visitor Distribution at Main vs. Overlooked Temples

While specific visitor statistics for individual overlooked temples are limited, available data shows significant disparities:

Temple/Site	Estimated Annual Visitors (2024)	% of Angkor Wat Visitors
Angkor Wat Complex	2.8 million	100%
Banteay Srei	420,000	15%
Beng Mealea	140,000	5%
Koh Ker	28,000	1%
Preah Vihear	25,000	0.9%
Sambor Prei Kuk	22,000	0.8%
Banteay Chhmar	8,000	0.3%
Preah Pithu Group	No specific data (estimated <5%)	<5%

These figures demonstrate the significant concentration of tourism at the main Angkor complex, with even the more accessible overlooked temples receiving only a fraction of Angkor’s visitation.

8. Phnom Bok – The Hilltop Haven

Ready for a climb? Phnom Bok sits on top of a hill and needs 635 steps to reach the top. This keeps almost all tourists away, but rewards those who make the trek with great views and three empty tower ruins.

What makes the climb worth it:

Views across the whole Angkor plain
Almost no other visitors ever
Old cannons left from past wars
Feels like true exploration

Pro tip: Go early in the day before the heat makes the climb too tough.

This less-known site can be added to the Angkor Wat Sunset Tour for those who want more than just the main sites.

9. Kbal Spean – The River of 1000 Lingas

Kbal Spean offers something totally different – a sacred river bed with carvings under the water! Known as the “River of 1000 Lingas,” this site shows how Khmer kings made even nature part of their temples.

What sets it apart:

Unique water-based carvings
A nice forest hike to reach it
Cool spot during hot days
Combines nature and history

The site sits about 45 minutes from the main Angkor area but makes a great half-day trip. You’ll need to hike about 1.5 km uphill to reach the main area.

This unique spot works well with the Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour as an afternoon add-on.

Visitor Growth at Lesser-Known Temples Set to Surpass Angkor Wat

Projections indicate visitor growth rates at overlooked temples will outpace those at Angkor Wat over the next five years:

Temple/Site	Projected Annual Growth Rate (2025-2030)
Angkor Wat Complex	5-7%
Banteay Srei	8-10%
Beng Mealea	12-15%
Koh Ker	18-22%
Preah Vihear	15-20%
Sambor Prei Kuk	15-18%
Banteay Chhmar	20-25%
Preah Pithu Group	10-12%

10. Prasat Kravan – The Brick Temple with Indoor Art

Prasat Kravan stands out as the only temple in Angkor with brick carvings on its inside walls. Built in 921 CE, this small temple shows a much older style than the famous stone buildings most people visit.

What makes it unique:

Brick carvings found nowhere else
Just five towers in a row
Takes just 15-20 minutes to see
Often skipped by tour groups

The temple sits right on the main road but gets passed by as tours rush to the “big name” sites. This lets you enjoy it with few other people around.

You can easily add this stop to any day tour like the Siem Reap Private City Tour as you head out to the temple area.

Map Your Escape: Exact Locations of Siem Reap’s 10 Most Overlooked Temples

Best Times to Visit Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples

Timing your visits makes all the difference when it comes to these less-seen spots. Here’s when to go:

Best months: November to February offers cooler weather and less rain. May to October brings lusher greenery but some mud on paths.

Best hours: Early morning (5-9 AM) or late afternoon (3-5:30 PM) give the best light for photos and cooler temps.

Weekdays vs weekends: Weekdays see fewer local tourists, which makes a big difference at the closer sites.

How to Plan Your Trip to These Secret Spots

To make the most of these less-seen temples, follow these simple steps:

Buy the right pass: The Angkor Pass covers most (but not all) of these temples
- 1-day: $37
- 3-day: $62 (best value)
- 7-day: $72 (for true temple fans)
Choose your transport:
- Car with AC: Better for far spots ($45-60/day)
- Guided tour: Best for getting the full story
Pack smart:
- Water (at least 2 liters, we take care of the water as well!)
- Sun hat and cream
- Bug spray (more for jungle temples)
- Comfy shoes that can get dirty
- Camera with extra battery
Time your visits: Start with the closest temples and move out to save time and energy.

For the best mix of famous and secret temples, the Siem Reap Temples Tour gives a great balance without the crowds.

Why Cambodia and Thailand Create the Perfect Trip Combo

Many visitors pair Cambodia with Thailand for the perfect Southeast Asia trip. Bangkok sits just a short flight from Siem Reap, which makes it easy to see both countries in one trip.

Thailand offers:

Great beaches
Modern city life
World-class food

Cambodia gives you:

Ancient temples
Less crowded sites
Lower prices

By seeing both, you get a full view of Southeast Asia’s old and new sides. Start in Bangkok, then fly to Siem Reap to see these amazing temples when you’ve had your fill of Thai food and malls.

VIP Temple Access: Skip the Crowds Completely

Want to take your temple trip to the next level? VIP tours offer special access that most visitors never get:

Early entry before public opening times
Special paths not open to most visitors
Local expert guides with deep knowledge
Custom routes based on your interests

These extras cost more but mean you see these places like the kings who built them, not like a tourist on a rushed day trip.

The Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour offers this kind of special access with guides who know all the best photo spots and quiet corners.

What To Pack For Temple Exploring

Don’t get caught at the temple gate! The dress code gets checked at all major temples, with rules like:

Shoulders must be covered
Knees must be covered
No see-through clothes
No sleeveless tops

Beyond the dress code, make sure to bring:

A good hat (the sun gets strong)
Sunscreen
At least 2 water bottles
Comfy walking shoes
Small cash for drinks and snacks
Camera with extra memory

Most Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples have fewer staff, which might mean less strict dress codes, but it’s always best to dress right just in case.

Photographing the Less-Seen Temples

Want photos that will make your friends jealous? These less-known temples give you empty shots that look like you found them yourself:

Tips for great temple photos:

Early morning gives soft, golden light
Look for spots where trees meet stone
Use people (sparingly) for scale
Shoot through doorways for natural framing
Visit during green season for more vivid colors

The best part about Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples is that you won’t need to wait for crowds to clear for your perfect shot!

Final Thoughts: Why These Temples Should Top Your List

The world keeps changing, and these quiet temples won’t stay quiet forever. As tourism grows, more people find these spots each year.

The 2025 tourism data already shows big jumps in visitors to Cambodia, with Australian interest in Siem Reap up by 529%! This means next year, these “secret” spots might not be so secret.

By visiting Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples now, you get a rare chance to see these amazing places much like the first Western explorers did – peaceful, quiet, and full of wonder.

As you plan your trip, think beyond just checking off Angkor Wat from your list. The true magic of Cambodia waits in these less-seen corners where stone and jungle still keep old secrets.

Take Action: Book Your Temple Adventure Today

Ready to skip the crowds and see the real Siem Reap? Here’s how to make it happen:

Check out My Siem Reap Tours for custom temple trips
Book your tour at least a week ahead to get the best guides
Pack light but smart for temple days
Keep your camera ready for empty temple shots

These amazing places won’t stay empty forever. As more people learn about Siem Reap’s Most Overlooked Temples, the crowds will grow. Get there now to see them at their quiet best!

Want more tips or have questions about planning your temple adventure? Reach out to us through our contact page. We’d love to help you plan a trip that goes beyond the usual tourist spots.

References

APSARA National Authority. (2024). Annual Report on Conservation Activities in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Cambodia Ministry of Tourism. (2025, January). Tourism Statistics Report – January 2025.
Global Heritage Fund. (2024). Banteay Chhmar Conservation Project: Five-Year Assessment.
International Coordinating Committee for Angkor. (2024). Technical Session Report on Conservation Progress.
Japan-APSARA Safeguarding Angkor. (2024). Three Decades of Conservation Partnership.
My Siem Reap Tours. (2025, January). Cambodia Tourism Hits 6.7M Visitors.