Things to do in Svay Leu

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Cambodia

Prasat Beng Mealea

Prasat Beng Mealea is located approx. 40 km east of Angkor Wat and approx. 10 km northeast of Banteay Srei Temple. It is completely lost in the wilderness, where you can see what Angkor Wat looked like sleeping in the jungle before its discovery. Although Prasat Beng Mealea is now almost entirely in ruins and enveloped by the jungle, making it impossible to see in its entirety, its uniqueness still makes it worth a special visit.

Kulen waterfall

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built in the early 12th century as the state temple and mausoleum for Khmer King Suryavarman II, it took over 30 years to complete. While earlier Angkor kings primarily worshipped Shiva, this temple was dedicated to Vishnu. Later, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist monastery and remains one of the few Angkor monuments where religious functions continue today, with monks still visiting. The entire complex is modeled after Mount Meru from Hindu mythology, featuring a wide moat and outer walls enclosing three elevated concentric galleries, with five central towers arranged in a quincunx pattern—the silhouette depicted on Cambodia's national flag. Unlike most temples in Angkor, Angkor Wat faces west, creating its iconic sunrise scene: at dawn, standing by the pond in front of the west gate, visitors watch the sun rise behind the five towers, their reflections mirrored on the water. The outer gallery walls are adorned with extensive bas-reliefs, including the awe-inspiring Churning of the Ocean of Milk depicting gods and asuras pulling a giant serpent. Scattered across the walls are over a thousand apsara carvings, each with unique hairstyles, attire, and dance poses worth examining closely. Enter through the west gate via the causeway and follow the central axis inward—this layered progression offers deeper immersion than a hurried visit. Arrive early to secure a prime sunrise photography spot by the pond. Note that temple steps are steep, some with narrow risers, so wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. As a religious site, visitors must cover shoulders and knees and avoid climbing or leaning on carvings. △ Experience the true stories and mysterious legends of Angkor Wat, with every spot being a great photo opportunity. △ Today, Angkor Wat remains mysterious and magnificent, attracting thousands of travelers from around the world.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Cambodia

Angkor Archaeological Park

Angkor Archaeological Park is a vast complex of structures left by the Khmer Empire, scattered across the jungles and fields north of Siem Reap. It covers a vast area, encompassing dozens of temple ruins and ancient city remains. The core of the park consists of two main parts: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved structure in the entire site, originally a Hindu temple that later incorporated Buddhist beliefs. Five towers rise above layers of galleries, the inner walls of which are covered in bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu epics and the history of the Khmer dynasty, featuring extensive narratives and numerous figures. The silhouette of this building is also used as the design on the flag of Cambodia. Angkor Thom is the site of the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. The stone bridges outside the city gates are lined with statues of devas and asuras churning the Ocean of Milk. Bayon Temple at the center of the city is famous for its dozens of towers with four-faced Buddhas, each face carved with a serene, smiling expression, known as the "Smile of Khmer." Ta Prohm is renowned for its unique view of giant tree roots intertwined with stone structures.

Poeng Ta Kho (Amazing Cliff)

Phnom Kulen

Lychee Mountain is more than 480 meters above sea level and is one of the holy places for Khmer people. In 802 AD, Jayavarman II ascended the throne here, proclaiming his independence from Java, and today's Cambodian Kingdom was born. Litchi Mountain was formerly known as Bajiao Mountain. When Zhou Daguan, an envoy of the Yuan Dynasty in China, came to visit here, he scattered the lychee seeds he carried on the mountain, and later grew into a large lychee forest, hence the name Litchi Mountain. There is a small temple, Preah Ang Thom, on the top of Litchi Mountain, which is made of huge boulders and is naturally rough. There is a 9-meter-long stone reclining Buddha in the temple. There is also a famous waterfall, Pole Ang Thong, next to it, and above the waterfall is a smaller swimming area, where the riverbed has a large number of carvings, including countless linga. During holidays, there are many Khmers who come to have a picnic next to the waterfall.

Phnom Kulen Commune

Phnom Kulen National Park

Lychee Mountain National Park is a very famous scenic spot in Siem Reap. During the Angkor Dynasty, Lychee Mountain was once known as the Great Indra Mountain. It is also the place where Jayavarman II declared himself the King of Wheels. This move is generally considered to be the founding of the Khmer dynasty.

Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary

Kulen park (1000 lingams)