ANGKOR TEMPLES, CAMBODIA

Dozens of ancient temples for you to explore.

Angkor Wat, the 12th Century temple, is amazing. Many go at dawn to watch the orange sun hang above the towers, the colors and temples reflected in the still moat.

You’ll want to spend a few hours, likely on a guided tour, exploring the temple, admiring the Hindu gods carved into the white sandstone. Keep in mind that you and your group will be sharing real estate with thousands of others.

Many are drawn to the area for this manmade wonder without realizing that there are more than seventy other temples stretched out for miles, some of which will be yours alone to explore.

Certain temples are just as popular as Angkor Wat. Ta Prohm has twisting trees growing through, around and above the temple. The structure and jungle harmoniously blend together.

You can set out seeing temples by foot, being refreshed by mothers and their children selling cold water, fruit and sticky rice in bamboo shoots. Otherwise, just about every bike and vehicle is for hire in the nearby town of Siem Reap.