Top 20 largest archaeological sites in Asia2026 ranking

I visited the Angkor temples during a group walking tour. It is a truly unique experience. There are a multitude of temples to discover, some in better condition than others, but all have a special charm. Among the most famous is the one where the Lara Croft movie was filmed, which naturally draws a lot of curious people. The site is absolutely exceptional, and you feel like you are traveling back in time. If you like old stones and history, you can spend several days there without getting bored. Given the size of the site, I think the ideal approach is to plan on getting around by bike or tuk-tuk so you can see more without wearing yourself out.

I visited the site with a half-day tour. These monuments hidden in the middle of the tropical forest give off such a sense of solemnity and mystery. While they are more or less preserved, some structures have been put back together with modern bricks. A good guide is essential to explore the place, which is still being cleared of landmines. Unfortunately, the crowds of tourists really hurt the immersion in this impressive architectural complex. Right at the entrance, the sanctuary museum, which displays magnificent statues and provides information about the Champa kingdom, is a great introduction. Don't miss the Shiva dance performances that also take place in the complex.

The structures are sublime and impressive, both in their scale and the finesse of the details. Some parts are in poor condition, partially absorbed by the forest, but that is part of the charm. A must-see if you are visiting Cambodia!

Contrary to what I had been advised, I visited the Angkor temples by tuk-tuk from Siem Reap. I think it is a good option when it is terribly hot, rather than biking or walking. Affordable organized tours are available early in the morning to see the sunrise and late in the afternoon to see the sunset. Two days are enough to visit the essentials of the main monuments on the site, including the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, the well-known temple with the roots from Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

An entire army made of terracotta, it is impressive! Not all the explanations are known yet, and we happened upon a guide who did not give us much info. In any case, the archaeological digs at the site are still going on. It has not revealed all its secrets yet. Heads up, it is pretty far from the center of Xi'an. Between the round trip and the visit, expect to dedicate a full day to it if you go with an organized tour group.

Petra is a magical place. After walking through the Siq for a kilometer, the Treasury gradually reveals itself and, as has been written before, it is impressive. But I recommend continuing the visit and climbing the 800 steps up to the Monastery. The climb itself is sublime, with all those multicolored rocks and the panoramic view of the Nabataean tombs, but the Monastery is truly breathtaking, especially since the hike discourages many tourists! By continuing along the path after the Monastery, you also get access to a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, which is worth a look. Everyone recommends going in the morning to avoid the hordes of tourists, but the light of the setting…

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Of all the archaeological sites I have seen around the world, this is the most impressive. In the middle of desert canyons, these huge structures carved directly into the rock made a much bigger impression on me than just a few old columns standing here or there.