Thommanon Temple, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple in Siem Reap

Thommanon
Thommanon
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Ziegler175

Thommanon Temple is a small Hindu-era sanctuary in the Angkor Archaeological Park, set just outside Angkor Thom's Victory Gate and close to the royal road that once led into the Khmer capital. Because it is compact and richly carved, it works well as one of the things to see in Siem Reap when you want something atmospheric without committing to a long, complex temple loop.

On the ground, Thommanon feels like a “pause and look closer” stop: detailed stonework, elegant proportions, and a quiet setting that often stays calmer than the headline temples. It also pairs naturally with Chau Say Tevoda next door, so it's easy to include as a quick add-on when you're mapping a walking tour of Siem Reap that includes at least one dedicated day at Angkor.

History and Significance of the Thommanon Temple

Thommanon sits in the heart of the Angkor landscape, within the wider Angkor site that UNESCO inscribed in 1992, recognising the area’s extraordinary concentration of Khmer imperial monuments. In practical terms, that status also explains why the temple is maintained, signed, and visited as part of a protected archaeological park rather than as a stand-alone monument.

The temple's dating is usually placed around the late 11th to early 12th century, based on architectural style and carving detail rather than an inscription. APSARA (the authority responsible for managing Angkor) frames Thommanon as one of a pair of “small gems” along the royal avenue, highlighting its Angkor Wat-era stylistic character and its value for dense, delicate reliefs.

Things to See and Do in the Thommanon Temple

Start by walking slowly around the central sanctuary, where the exterior carvings are the main event. Thommanon is especially rewarding for pediments, lintels, and the high-relief female figures that give the temple much of its personality-this is the kind of place where you notice how much storytelling can be packed into a relatively small footprint.

Next, treat Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda as a paired visit: the two sit beside the same stretch of road, so you can compare carving density, restoration feel, and overall ambience in a short time. If you are photographing, linger for shifting light on the reliefs rather than hunting for a single “iconic” angle-Thommanon’s charm is in the details.

How to Get to the Thommanon Temple

Most visitors base themselves in Siem Reap and reach Thommanon by tuk-tuk or taxi as part of an Angkor day, typically combining it with nearby temples on the Small Circuit and the approach to Angkor Thom. The nearest airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), with onward transfers into Siem Reap before you head to Angkor. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Siem Reap on Booking.com.

There is no practical passenger train option into Siem Reap for most travellers, so overland arrivals are usually by coach, minivan, or private transfer from Phnom Penh or the Thai border. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From town, hiring a driver for the day is the simplest approach, letting you hop between stops without negotiating each leg separately.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Thommanon Temple

  • Entrance fee: Opening hours: Daily: 07:30–17:30.
  • Opening hours: Opening hours: Daily: 07:30–17:30.
  • Official website: https://apsaraauthority.gov.kh/2021/08/13/chaussay-devata-and-thommanon-temple/
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for softer light and fewer people, or late afternoon if you want a quieter, slower-feeling stop before bigger temples.
  • How long to spend: Around 20-40 minutes, longer if you enjoy carving details or want to pair it carefully with Chau Say Tevoda.
  • Accessibility: Mostly flat ground around the core structures, but expect uneven stone, steps, and rough surfaces typical of Angkor temples.
  • Facilities: Limited on-site; plan for water, sun protection, and breaks back in Siem Reap or at larger temple areas.

Where to Stay Close to the Thommanon Temple

For most travellers, base yourself in central Siem Reap around the Old Market/Pub Street area for easy dining and quick tuk-tuk pick-ups to Angkor, rather than trying to stay “near” individual temples in the park.

If you want a polished, walkable base with strong service between temple days, consider Park Hyatt Siem Reap. For a stylish boutique option that still keeps you well connected to the main town and Angkor routes, Shinta Mani Angkor is a solid choice. If you prefer a quieter riverside feel while staying within easy reach of town, Jaya House River Park works particularly well.

Is the Thommanon Temple Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially if you value carving detail and prefer calmer stops that don’t require a long detour or a big time commitment. Thommanon is not the “wow” temple for scale, but it is one of the most satisfying for close-up texture and atmosphere, and it fits neatly into a well-paced Angkor day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (527)

Thommanon Temple, set amid jungle ruins in Siem Reap, is a small, peaceful Hindu temple noted for its elegant, well-preserved sandstone carvings and calm atmosphere; visitors describe it as a quiet, charming stop—smaller than the grander Angkor monuments but worth visiting for its intricate devata-style artwork and tranquil grounds, often overlooked by tour groups and conveniently located opposite Chau Say Tevoda.

Sokleng Srou
3 weeks ago
"Small temple but so beautiful ❤️ Thommanon Temple is a charming and well-preserved Hindu temple with intricate carvings. Its peaceful grounds,elegant stone details, and calm atmosphere make it a lovely stop to appreciate Khmer art and history while exploring Angkor...."
Chetra Yoeurn
a week ago
"Thommanon is a small, exquisite Hindu temple situated in the Angkor Archaeological Park, constructed in the early 12th century, directly across fromthe Chau Say Tevoda temple. This temple is undeniably remarkable, offering a serene atmosphere and tranquility. I admire the stu ing and graceful architecture, as well as the artwork adorning the walls. I wholeheartedly recommend that you visit it at least once...."
Seng Pheng
2 months ago
"Thommanon is a small but elegant Hindu temple located in the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap, Cambodia, near the Gate of Victory of AngkorThom and directly opposite Chau Say Tevoda temple. The temple really amazing, I love it. Here are some key facts about Thommanon Temple: Date: It was built in the early 12th century, around the same time as Angkor Wat, during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Religion: It is dedicated to Hinduism, specifically to the deities Shiva and Vishnu. Architectural Style: It is built in the Angkor Wat style and is known for its well-preserved, intricate sandstone carvings, particularly the devatas (female deities). Structure: It is a single-towered temple with an east-facing central sanctuary, preceded by a mandapa (antechamber) and a gopura (entrance pavilion). Condition: It is in relatively good condition, thanks in part to an extensive restoration project carried out by French archaeologists in the 1960s. UNESCO Site: It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. That’s all my story for Google Contribution this time, I hope it’s useful. If there is something that doesn’t match my writing, please confirm so I can fix it. Thank you...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Thommanon works best as a short, low-pressure stop where kids can reset between the larger, more crowded temples. Keep the visit simple: a quick walk around the sanctuary, a few “spot the figures” moments on the reliefs, and then move on before attention drops.

If you are travelling with strollers, plan to park and carry where needed-surfaces can be uneven and there may be steps around key viewpoints. Pairing it with nearby temples also reduces drive time and keeps the day feeling more manageable.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Thommanon suits couples who want a quieter, more intimate Angkor moment without the crowds and intensity of the most famous temples. It’s an easy place to slow down, take your time with the carvings, and enjoy the feeling of being close to the stonework rather than constantly moving.

For a romantic flow, use Thommanon as a gentle “warm-up” before a bigger highlight, or as a decompression stop late in the day when you want atmosphere more than ambition. It’s a good reminder that Angkor’s magic is often in the smaller spaces.

Budget Travelers

Thommanon is budget-friendly in practice because it slots into routes you are likely doing anyway, so you are not paying for a special transport day or a long-distance excursion. Build it into a Small Circuit plan and share a tuk-tuk with other travellers if you want to reduce costs.

To keep the day economical, plan your sequence in advance, carry water, and avoid bouncing back and forth across the park. Thommanon rewards slow looking, so you can get real value here without spending anything beyond your normal day’s transport.

FAQs for Visiting Thommanon Temple

Getting There

It’s in the Angkor Archaeological Park area, just outside Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate, and very close to Chau Say Tevoda. Most people reach it as part of an Angkor temple day starting from Siem Reap town.
Use it as a paired stop with Chau Say Tevoda, then continue toward Ta Keo, Ta Prohm, or into Angkor Thom depending on your loop. It’s easiest when you let your driver sequence it between nearby highlights rather than making it a destination on its own.

Visiting Experience

Give it 20 minutes: one slow circuit around the sanctuary and a few minutes on the best-preserved carvings. If it’s quiet and you enjoy details, stretching to 40 minutes feels natural.
Yes, if it fits your route, because it adds a different texture-intimate scale and fine carving-without derailing your day. If you are rushing between only the biggest names, it becomes more optional.
Chau Say Tevoda is the obvious pairing because it’s effectively next door. From there, you can head toward Ta Keo and Ta Prohm, or swing into Angkor Thom depending on your plan.

Photography

Yes, especially for close-ups of lintels, devatas, and relief textures rather than wide “postcard” views. It’s also a good place to practise composition without heavy crowds in the background.
Early morning gives softer shadows and a calmer feel, while late afternoon can bring warmer tones on the stone. If you want the most relaxed experience, aim for the edges of the day.

Accessibility & Facilities

It can be partially accessible if you are comfortable with uneven ground and a few steps, but it is not barrier-free. The easiest approach is to focus on the flatter outer areas and pick a few viewpoints rather than trying to reach every angle.
Facilities are limited at smaller temples, so plan restroom breaks at larger temple areas or back in Siem Reap. For a quick rest, you’ll usually rely on shaded spots and brief stops rather than formal seating.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Often, yes-especially when guides are running a Small Circuit day and want a quieter, high-quality carving stop. It can also be skipped on very tight schedules, so it helps to request it specifically if it interests you.
You can enjoy it independently because the visit is straightforward and visual. A guide adds value if you want help reading the relief scenes and understanding how Thommanon fits into the Angkor Wat-era artistic timeline.

Nearby Attractions to the Thommanon Temple

  • Bayon Temple: The famous face towers inside Angkor Thom, ideal when you want to step from small-scale detail into monumental impact.
  • Chau Say Tevoda: A neighbouring temple that makes the most natural paired stop for quick comparisons in style and restoration.
  • Victory Gate of Angkor Thom: The dramatic gateway nearby that frames the approach into Angkor Thom and adds instant sense of scale.
  • Ta Keo: A bold, more austere temple-mountain feel that contrasts nicely with Thommanon's delicate carving focus.
  • Ta Prohm: The classic tree-and-stone atmosphere temple that delivers a completely different Angkor mood.

The Thommanon Temple appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Opening hours: Daily: 07:30-17:30.

Price:

Opening hours: Daily: 07:30-17:30.

Address: Thommanon, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap: 10 km
Official Website

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