Attraction Category: Temples

Tanah Lot is the most photographed temple in Bali, and for good reason: it is situated on top of an asymmetrical, jagged rock, and surrounded by the pristine waters of the sea which makes the temple’s location look ethereal. Aside from its postcard-perfect beauty, Tanah Lot also has a cultural and religious significance: like the temples of Pura Luhur Ulu Watu and Pura Rambut Siwi, this temple is also associated with the 15th century priest Nirartha, and is an important element in the Balinese mythology and spiritualism. During the sunset, the temple looks more magical.

 

Location

Tanah Lot is located at Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, 15 kilometres northeast of Despansar, Bali.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Tanah Lot can be accessed from 7:00 to 19:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fees to Tanah Lot is IDR 60,000 (USD 4.43) for adults and IDR 30,000 (USD 2.21) for children.

 

How to Get There

  • From Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, Tanah Lot can be accessed via a rented car or taxi for 45 minutes.  
  • If you are travelling from Ubud, rent a car or a taxi which will bring you to Tanah Lot for 30 minutes.

 


Suggested For

  • Solo Travelers/ Backpackers 
  • Couples 
  • Families 
  • Groups

 

Time to Spend

You can spend at least an hour around Tanah Lot, or you can extend more if you want to see the Kecak Dance which starts at 18:30.

 

Activities

  • Kecak Dance, 18:30

 


Popularity and Best Time to Go

Tanah Lot is a really popular tourist destination, so expect large crowds when you visit the area. To avoid big groups and traffic, visit the temple as early as 7:00. Avoid visiting between December to March because it’s wet season in Indonesia.

 

Food

You can buy some food from restaurants on the cliff. You can choose from a variety of food places like Gloria Jeans, Depot Dini Cafe, The Ocean Restaurant, Melasti, and Warung Mandala.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Cangu Beach 
  • Bali Surf

 

Stay

For accommodations, you can choose from different hotels and inns near Tanah Lot such as Natya Hotel, Dewi Sinta, BE Villas, Kubu Kendungu, and Pande Villas. Rates start from USD 30 to USD 75.

The road to Phnom Chhngok is mostly rural and a far cry from the busy streets of Kampot: trees dominate the roads, abundant greenery fills the countryside, and limestone caves seem to be everywhere. Through the cave’s protective structure, tourists can still see the features of the temple: stalactite elephants that welcome tourists, and the impressive brickwork of Shiva’s shrine. From the temple, a 203-step staircase leads to a hill that offers visitors a stunning, magical view of the sunset.  

 

Location

Phnom Chhngok Temple Cave is located at Kampot, Cambodia, abou 8 kilometres just off the road to Kep.  

 

Opening Days and Hours

The cave temple is open from 7:00 to 18:00. 

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

An entrance fee of USD 1 is charged to tourists. Additional USD 2 will be charged if you opted for a local guide.  

 

How to Get There

  • Fly to Phnom Penh via AirAsia or Thai Airlines. 
  • From Phnom Penh proper, board a bus, taxi, or mini bus to Kampot.  
  • From Kampot’s center, hire a tuktuk or a motorcycle to Phnom Chhngok Temple Cave. 

 

Suggested For

  • Couples 
  • Groups

 

Time to Spend

You can explore the entire temple and its surrounding sights in the span of 2 hours.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Avoid the busy crowd and experience the temple’s serenity by going there as early as 08:00 in the morning.  

 

Food

After touring Phnom Chhngok, visitors can enjoy great meals at restaurants at Kampot like the Simple Things restaurant, Aroma House, Ellie’s and Baraca Restaurant.  

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Kep and Kampot Salt Fields 
  • Rabbit Island 
  • Kep Crab Market 

 

Stay

Hotels and inns are widely available at Kampot. Tourists can choose from The Columns,  The Raingsey Bungalow, Two Moons Hotel, Mea Culpa Kampot which offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 40 to USD 120.  

 Ta Phrom has earned the name “The Tomb Raider Temple” and stepping into this unrestored site can definitely give you the Tomb Raider vibe: rubbles of the ancient temple fill the area, while shadows of trees growing beyond and into the halls of the temple perpetually cloak the ruins. Going into Ta Phrom can provide tourists the chance to have a glimpse of the way of life of ancient Cambodians, their culture, and their art, which is still evidently painted and etched on the walls. Because Ta Phrom is not as busy as the other temples around Angkor, visitors can enjoy the tranquility that is ever present in its ruins.  

 

Location

Ta Phrom is located at Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia.  

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple site is open from 5:00 to 18:00. 

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

An Angkor Pass, which gives visitors access to Ta Phrom, can be availed at different rates: USD 37, USD 62, and USD 72 for one-day, two-day and three-day blocks.  

 

How to Get There

  • Fly to Siem Reap via AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, and Thai Airways. 
  • From Siem Reap, hire a tuktuk or a private van to the temples of Angkor. 

 

Suggested For

  • Solo Travellers/Backpackers 
  • Couples 
  • Families 
  • Groups 

 

Time to Spend

Spend at least two hours to explore the sights of the temple. 

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Due to Ta Phrom’s popularity, tourists can flock in the gates as early as 7:30 in the morning. Save yourself from the long lines and busy groups by coming in as early as 6:00. 

 

Food

If you are planning to grab quick bites and refreshments after touring the temples, you can avail it from small eateries located around the temple grounds. No food is sold inside temples. 

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Banteay Strei 
  • East Mebon 
  • Preah Kahn 

 

Stay

Those who wish to find a place to stay while at Angkor Wat can find it at nearby hotels like Angkor Pearl Hotel, Templation Hotel, Pavillion Indochine Hotel, and Kralahn Petite Villa which offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 40 to USD 250. 

Bantay Srei is cut from a pinkish hued stone and is considered as probably one of the finest stone carvings here on Earth, which is the reason why it is said that a woman may have built it, as the carvings are too fine for a man’s hands. The carvings include women in traditional skirts holding lotus flowers, and also recreated scenes from the epic Ramayana.

 

Location

The Temple of Banteay Srei is 25 kilometres north east of East Mebon.

 

Opening Days and Hours

Banteay Srei is open daily from 07:30 to 17:30.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

  • 1 Day Pass: USD 37 
  • 3 Days Pass: USD 62 
  • 7 Days Pass: USD 72

 

How to Get There

You can get to Banteay Srei from Siem Reap via tuk-tuk – the whole ride takes about 45 minutes. Another option is to take the mini bus or a rental vehicle and travel north out of Siem Reap, take a right at Angkor Wat, and follow the road to Srah Srang and past Pre Rup.

 

Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers 
  • Couples 
  • Group of friends 
  • Families with older kids

 

Time to Spend

Exploring Banteay Srei could take from 1 to 3 days.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Banteay Srei Bayon Temple is from November to February, when the weather’s drier and cooler.

 

Food

A number of restaurants can be found across Banteay Srei, and one of the most popular is the Nam Ben Chok Noodle Stall.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Angkor National Park  
  • Phnom Penh 
  • Angkor Kulen Hills

 

Stay

You can opt to stay in hotels or guesthouses in Siem Reap, but the closest to Banteay Srei is the Bong Thom Home Stay that costs USD 92 per night.

Its walls are carved with exactly 216 gigantic yet serenely smiling faces. Although slow decay is evident in the carvings, the smooth curves of the faces with shadows cast by the sun are still a breathtaking sight.

 

Location

The Bayon Temple is around 6 kilometres west of Siem Reap, and about a 15 to 20-minute ride from the old French Quarter in the city.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open daily from 05:00 to 18:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Passes to the Bayon Temple can cost either USD 5, 10, or 20, depending on your intended stay.

 

How to Get There

The Bayon Temple is accessible via tuk tuks (travel time is around 25 minutes), rental car (travel time is around 15 minutes), or even bicycle (travel time is around 1 hour).

 

Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers 
  • Couples 
  • Group of friends 
  • Families with older kids

 

Time to Spend

You can explore the Bayon Temple for around 2 hours or more.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Bayon Temple is from November to February, when the weather’s drier and cooler. To avoid the crowds, you can go in the early morning, while most of the tourist crowds are still viewing Angkor Wat at sunrise.

 

Food

You can find a lot of food stalls at Bayon Temple. You can bargain with sellers and some even have hidden menus that offer dishes for as low as USD 1.50.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Angkor Wat 
  • Angkor Thom

 

Stay

You can opt to stay in Siem Reap hotels and guesthouses such as Palm Village and Angkor Way. Prices range from USD 40 to 150 per night.

 

Good to Know

You can opt to visit early and stand across one of the pools at the temple’s entrance, where you will be treated to the marvelous sight of the famous faces of Bayan gradually being illuminated as the sun rises in the sky.

It features intricate carvings and a wide moat.

 

Location

Angkor Wat lies 5.5 kilometres north of Siem Reap, and slightly south east of the previous capital of Baphuon.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple complex is open daily from 05:00 to 17:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

  • 1 Day Pass: USD 20
  • 2 or 3 Days Pass: USD 40
  • 1 Week Pass: USD 60

 

How to Get There

You can get to Angkor Wat from Siem Reap via a taxi, which takes around 15 minutes. However, if you are staying on the other side of the Siem Reap River, travel time could take up to 20 minutes.

 

Suggested For

  • Backpackers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families

 

Time to Spend

Exploring the temple complex could take from 1 to 6 days.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Angkor Wat is any time between November to March, when the weather is dry and mild.

 

Food

You can easily find a restaurant and other food options within the temple grounds, albeit at a higher price compared to dining options in the city. Vendors and stands that offer cheap meals, fresh fruits, and juices can also be found around the temple.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Bayon Tempe
  • Banteay Srei

 

Stay

Accommodations near Angkor Wat include resorts and hotels such as Lotus Blanc Resort or Le Méridien Angkor, with prices ranging from USD 40 to 320 per night.

 

Good to Know

One tip in visiting Angkor Wat is to go before sunrise or around 05:00, as this would be the best time to explore the temples minus the tourist crowds, capture beautiful photos, and even watch a breath taking view of the rising sun over the temple complex.

At first glance, one would not easily assume that the Wat has seen war, but the famous Wat Si Saket is the only temple that has survived Siamese destruction from 1827 to 1828. Beyond the intricate aesthetic of the cloisters’ interior walls, one can see more of what makes Wat Si Saket such a special place both to local and foreign tourists: the well-preserved structures show traditional sacred Buddhist architecture, the 7,000 statues and images of Buddha on display that clearly represent Buddhist beliefs and culture, and the well-preserved lawns symbolise how much the people revere the place. A walk around this famous wat, which is still a place for worship and study, can make anyone feel the tranquility that is ever so present in the area.

 

Location

Wat Si Saket is located in Ave Lane Xiang, Vientiane, Laos.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open daily, except public holidays, from 08:00 to 17:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee to the temple is LAK 10,000 (USD 1.2).

 

How to Get There

The quickest way to get to Wat Si Saket is through a tuk-tuk, which can be rented for LAK 60,000 (USD 7.21)

 


Suggested For

  • Solo travelers/backpackers
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Groups

 

Time to Spend

You can spend at least half a day in the area to discover more about the famous temple.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Visiting the temple early can not only help you beat the crowd, but you may also get the chance to see locals assemble in prayer in the temple.

 

Food

Nearby restaurants such as the Kualao Restaurant, That Dam Wine Bar and Restaurant, Khop Chai Dieu, and Xang Khoo Restaurant serve both popular local and foreign dishes.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Patuxai Victory Monument
  • Buddha Park
  • COPE Visitors’ Center

 

Stay

Hotels near the Wat Si Saket include the Ibis Vientiane Nam Phu Hotel, Heuang Chaleun Hotel, Xaysombuon Hotel and New Lao Paris Hotel. Rates start at USD 30 to 90 a night.

That Luang features beautiful Lao style architecture that is influenced by Buddhist beliefs. This includes finely gilded, red lacquer doors, pointed lesser stupas, a number of Buddha images, and stunning flower and animal images.

 

Location

That Luang lies approximately four kilometres northeast of the Vientiane city centre, on Thanon That Luang.

 

Opening Days and Hours

That Luang is open daily from 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

That Luang tickets cost LAK 10,000 (USD 1.20), while long skirt rental in order to enter the temple costs LAK 5,000 (USD 0.60).

 

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach That Luang is via a rented tuk tuk, which will cost around LAK 60,000 (USD 7.21).

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families with older kids

 

Time to Spend

You can explore That Luang in two hours or half a day.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit That Luang is in November – when the Boun That Luang festival is held. This is a major event held at the stupa that is composed of beautiful parades and live music – perfect for tourists to enjoy and experience the religious atmosphere. During regular days, the best time to visit is between 9:00 to 10:30 in the morning.

 

 

Activities

  • The Three Levels of That Luang
  • Hor Dhammasabha Buddhist Convention Hall
  • Palace Wat Neua Thatluang
  • Inner Temple Pha That Luang

 

Food

You can buy food and water within the That Luang grounds, and a number of food stalls and souvenir shops can be found outside the walled area.

 

Safety and Fraud

General safety guidelines apply when visiting That Luang, such as keeping an eye out for your belongings and not being too flashy. Keep mosquito repellants on hand as Dengue is a real risk.

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Vat Si Saket – city’s oldest monastery
  • Ho Phra Keo – former royal temple
  • Patouxay – inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe
  • That Dam – Black Stupa
  • Nam Phou market

 

Stay

Accommodations near That Luang include a number of backpackers’ accommodations and hotels, such as the Sihome Backpackers Garden Hostel and Green Park Boutique Hotel. Prices range from USD 13 to USD 164 per night.

 

Good to Know

The top tip for visiting That Luang is to come during the Boun That Luang Festival in November, and to not make do with the sights outside and pay the entrance fee in order to enjoy a number of hand-painted artworks.

Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism started the park in 1958. The ornate structures are made from reinforced concrete, cast by supposedly unskilled workers under Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat’s supervision. Sculptures that can be found in the park include humans, gods, angels, demons, Buddha, a number of Buddhist characters such as the Avalokiteśvara, along with characters from Hindu lore such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Arjuna. The park’s tallest structures can be seen even from the Thailand side of the Mekong River.

 

Location

The Buddha Park lies approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Vientiane, on the main road of Thanon Thadeua, around 6 kilometres from the same direction of the Friendship Bridge.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The Buddha Park is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Buddha Park tickets cost around LAK 5,000 (0.60 USD), with an additional LAK 3,000 (0.36 USD) if you want to take photos.

 

How to Get There

You can get to Buddha Park via the city bus (for around LAK 6,000 or USD 0.72), tuk tuk (for around LAK 100,000 or USD 12.02), or rented bike (can be rented in Vientiane for around LAK 60,000 or USD 7.21). Parking rate costs LAK 3,000 ( USD 0.36).

 


Suggested For

  • Backpackers/solo travelers
  • Couples
  • Group of friends
  • Families with older kids

 

Time to Spend

Exploring the park takes an average 1 to 2 hours.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Buddha Park is during the early morning when the crowds are still sparse and you can take better photos. It is best to leave before the day ends because the roads are not well lit, the roads are full of potholes, and huge trucks will already be zooming by the main roads.

 

Food

  • Food carts near Buddha Park
  • Local eatery and café beside Mekong River

 

Nearby Attractions

  • Nam Ngum Lake
  • Wat Sisaket
  • Wat Phra Keo
  • Presidential Palace
  • Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre

 

Stay

Accommodations near the Buddha Park include a number of hostels such as the Sailomyen Hostel, and hotel such as the Xaysomboun Boutique Hotel and Green Park Boutique Hotel. Prices range from USD 8 to USD 109 per night.

 

Good to Know

Travellers’ top tip for visiting Buddha Park is to be brave and step inside the demon’s head in the park’s centre wherein you will find three floors: each representing hell, earth, and heaven, plus a great view from the top.

The Hainanese community built the Thean Hou Temple in the year 1894 to commemorate the Goddess of Thean Hou (the Heavenly Mother). The main prayer hall is a modern Buddist Pagoda with a number of Buddha images enshrined in the octagonal hall. It contains altars to Shu Wei Sheng Niang (Goddess of Waterfront), Thean Hou, and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). This temple also features the Fortune Bridge, a Chinese Medicine Herbs garden, a Wishing Well, and a Tortoise pond. It also serves as the venue for Traditional Chinese exercises and martial arts activities such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and WuShu.

 

Location

The Thean Hou Temple is located on a small hill at Kuala Lumpur city, near the Mid Valley Megamall.

 

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, but might sometimes only open late at night during major religious festivals.

 

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the temple is free.

 

How to Get There

The Thean Hou Temple is accessible by car, taxi, or Uber from KL Sentral.

 


Suggested For

This place is suitable for travelers of all ages, especially for those who are interested in Buddhism and temple architecture.

 

Time to Spend

Spend about an hour exploring the temple grounds.

 

Popularity and Best Time to Go

If you visit during major religious festivals like the Chinese New Year, Mooncake Festival, and Wesak Day, you can enjoy the temple’s light decorations and festive ambience.

 

Activities

  • Visit the various prayer halls and altars.
  • Visit the Fortune Bridge, Chinese Medicine Herbs garden, Wishing Well, and Tortoise pond.
  • Join traditional Chinese exercises and martial arts classes such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and WuShu.

 

Food

There is a food court on the lower ground floor offering local Chinese dishes. For fancier Chinese food options, you may visit the Restaurant Siu Siu and Restaurant Kheng Heong, both of which are within walking distance from the temple. Located 3 kilometres away, Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall offer a wide variety of food choices from snacks, fast food, to fine dining.

 

Nearby Attractions

Buddist Maha Vihara, Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur – 2 kilometres away
Mid Valley Megamall, The Gardens Mall – 3 kilometres away

 

Stay

Visitors can easily find accommodation in the city of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation to luxury hotels.