Siem Reap's Off-the-Beaten-Path Temples

"Explore the remote ruins of Koh Ker The sprawling archaeological ruins of Koh Ker are a rewarding day trip from Siem Reap due to the number of ruins, the size of the site, and the fact that few tourists visit. I've often found myself alone at temples, or at most with just two other people and a guide. While the Koh Ker temples can be visited any time of the year, they're more alluring during the rainy season. Located in a savannah landscape the setting can look very dry in the 'winter' months of December to February. Come May when it starts to rain, the vegetation takes on an almost iridescent green, moss begins to dapple the temples, and flowers flourish in the surrounding forest. Tips: wear a raincoat, hat, sturdy waterproof shoes (things can get slippery and muddy) and take an umbrella and waterproof bag for your camera and valuables. Leave in the darkness so you arrive at the crack of dawn. When you're hungry, head for the food stalls. That fragrant stir-fried meat they're suspiciously serving up? No, it's not dog as many foreigners suspect. I was told it was beef, however, it's actually incredibly delicious venison. I later discovered that the deer is endangered. Hence the hesitation from staff if you say "I'll have what he's having."

"Savour sublime carvings at Banteay Srei The 10th century temple of Banteay Srei, known as the 'Citadel of Women', is one of the prettiest temples with intricately detailed carvings and decorative features painstakingly carved into the pink sandstone. It's also one of the most compact and can easily be explored in an hour or two. You can make a day trip of the journey out there (25km from Siem Reap ) by combining it with visits to the nearby Landmine Museum and Banteay Srei Butterfly Centre."

"The River of a Thousand Lingas Ancient Khmers carved phalluses into the river in hopes that the water running over them would bring fertility to the river below. This is a nice short hike to take while enjoying a picnic lunch at the top."

"Lost Temples Stray away from Cambodia’s tried and tested circuit with a temple safari that feels like an Indiana Jones adventure. You’ll trek into the jungles of northeast Cambodia and discover the ancient Khmer Empire beyond Angkor. Phnom Kulen National Park includes a 1600-foot high and 18-mile long plateau considered sacred by locals—it was here, in 802, that Jayavarman II declared independence from Java and created the first Khmer Empire. You’ll camp with a local expert at the summit and wind your way through the jungle to some pre-Angkorian temples—including Prasat Pram and Prasat Domrei Krap—many of which have yet to be properly documented by researchers. In addition to the ancient temples, you’ll see majestic stone sculptures of local animals, visit the giant reclining Buddha, and cool your feet as you explore a series of waterfalls. Sponsored by Audley Travel"

"Temple Passage Exploring an old sandstone passageway in the Bhuddist temple of Banteay Kdei (Citadel of Monks). This temple is south of the popular Ta Prohm and not as widely visited since much of the structure has collapsed. If not on a shoe string budget, I recommend hiring a private guide and driver to tour the Angkor Wat circuit. When we visited in 2009, the standard rate was $30/day, we were able to visit at our own pace, receive personal attention and coordinate the tour to avoid the crowds."