Angkor Wat is one of Southeast Asia's most iconic archaeological treasures. Known for its grand scale, intricate carvings, and lotus-shaped towers, it’s a must-visit landmark in Cambodia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so deeply tied to the nation's identity that it graces Cambodia's flag.
Nestled in Siem Reap, this sprawling complex stretches over 250 square miles, encompassing an awe-inspiring network of temples, moats, canals, reservoirs, villages, and basins. Beyond its remarkable engineering and artistic brilliance, Angkor Wat remains a living testament to Cambodian culture. Here, locals honor the temple deities with vibrant ceremonies, weaving together prayers, rituals, traditional music, and dance, keeping its spirit alive across generations.
The Civilization of Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, a breathtaking masterpiece of 12th-century Khmer architecture, was originally built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Designed to symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu cosmology, it served as both the king’s state temple and the heart of his capital city. With its intricate carvings, sprawling design, and an impressive surrounding moat, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the engineering brilliance of its time.
By the late 12th century, as Buddhism became the dominant religion in the region, and Angkor Wat transitioned into a Buddhist temple under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. Remarkably, it retained many of its original Hindu symbols and motifs, creating a rare and captivating blend of two major religious traditions. At its peak, this capital city covered over 400 square miles, housed a staggering 750,000 residents, and held the title of the largest pre-industrial city in the world.
However, by the 15th century, the Khmer Empire began to crumble. A combination of severe drought, military defeat by the Suphannaphum dynasty in 1431, and its inland location—far from thriving maritime trade routes—led to Angkor’s gradual abandonment. The kingdom's focus shifted to Phnom Penh, a more strategically positioned city near the sea.
The Discovery
After centuries of being swallowed by the relentless jungle, Angkor was thrust back into the world’s spotlight in 1860 when French explorer Henri Mouhot ventured into the overgrown ruins near Tonlé Sap. While Mouhot didn’t truly "discover" Angkor, his vivid account in Le Tour du Monde electrified the outside world, unveiling one of the most staggering architectural marvels in human history. This revelation ignited the French fascination with Angkor, prompting the French government to back extensive archaeological and historical investigations through the École Française d'Extrême-Orient. By the 20th century, the colonial government of Indochina poured significant resources into restoring this ancient masterpiece.
But time had not been kind to Angkor Wat. Centuries of neglect left the temple battling invasive vegetation, fungi, shifting earth, looters, and the scars of war. Yet, despite the devastation that consumed much of Cambodia’s temple ruins, Angkor Wat stood resilient, weathering the chaos of history. Even today, this iconic temple continues to guard its mysteries, slowly revealing secrets that captivate the world.
The Temples
Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different reigns of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. This park contains over 150 temples and monuments. Among them, Angkor Wat is the crown jewel and the best preserved of all the temples. We have chosen the most interesting temples to see in this vast archaeological park.
1. Angkor Wat (The Main Temple Complex)
In the Khmer language, Angkor Wat translates to "City of Temples," and it’s immediately apparent why this name is so fitting. As you approach the monument, its grandeur unfolds in a series of concentric rectangles, crowned by five towering spires. These spires symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmologies. Built in 1150 A.D. as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat was transformed at the end of the 12th century into a Buddhist site. Its westward orientation, rare among temples in the Angkor complex, reflects the profound symbolism linking the setting sun with death. Many historians believe that Angkor Wat was intended as a funerary temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II, a theory supported by intricate bas reliefs depicting Hindu funerary rituals.
Visitors to Angkor Wat today can still feel its spiritual resonance. While wandering through the temple’s ancient halls, you may encounter a Buddhist monk offering a traditional "water blessing." This ancient sacred ritual involves water infused with jasmine and lotus to wash away bad luck. As the monk chants prayers, you’ll receive a personal blessing, and a red string will be tied around your wrist—a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
No trip to Angkor Wat is complete without pausing to take in its most iconic views. The surrounding moat mirrors the temple’s majestic silhouette, particularly breathtaking at sunrise. For those seeking a more awe-inspiring perspective, a climb to the top of the main temple offers an unforgettable panoramic view of this architectural masterpiece.
2. Bayon TempleNestled in the heart of Angkor Thom, the grand capital city of King Jayavarman VII, Bayon Temple stands as a stunning reminder of the Khmer Empire's architectural and cultural brilliance. This royal moated city served as the empire's last capital, with its five grand entrances still standing as gateways to history. Among these, the South Gate is the most popular and well-preserved, its path flanked by 54 imposing figures of devas (gods), a sight that evokes awe and reverence. The temple itself is celebrated for its iconic stone faces, serene and enigmatic, framed by intricate carvings of elephants and lotus flowers. These faces, believed to represent Lokesvara—the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion—or perhaps the king himself, adorn the temple’s many towers. While only 37 of these towers remain today, one theory suggests that the original number, 54, symbolized the provinces of the Khmer Empire, with each tower keeping a watchful gaze over its people.
A crowning feature of Bayon Temple is its two richly decorated galleries, adorned with exceptional bas-relief carvings that blend Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, mythology, history, and daily life. These carvings, astonishing in their detail, feature over 11,000 figures, each telling a part of the grand narrative of the Khmer civilization. Visitors are mesmerized by the intricate scenes that provide a glimpse into the beliefs and routines of a bygone era. Just a short walk away lies the magnificent Terrace of the Elephants, where the king himself is said to have stood, observing his mighty army in all its glory.
3. Ta Prohm
Nestled within the heart of a dense jungle, Ta Prohm beckons visitors with a captivating sense of discovery—much like the awe that must have gripped early 19th-century explorers who first stumbled upon it. This Buddhist temple, often referred to as the "Jungle Temple," is renowned for the massive silk cotton tree roots that have grown into the stone ruins over centuries, creating a breathtaking fusion of nature and architecture. Built in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII to honor his mother, Ta Prohm maintains an air of mystique as it has been largely left in its natural state. Archaeologists have resisted modern restoration efforts, intervening only to clear paths for visitors and to strengthen the structure against further decline.
A stone inscription preserved within the temple reveals its historical grandeur. During its prime, Ta Prohm supported a remarkable community of 18 priests, 2,740 officials, 2,202 assistants, and 615 dancers, underscoring its importance in the region’s cultural and spiritual life. Today, this temple stands as a maze-like relic of the past, with its labyrinthine corridors, dead ends, and impassable areas giving adventurers a sense of stepping back in time. Visitors are advised to explore with a clear plan and landmarks in mind to avoid getting lost within its sprawling layout.
Popularized in modern times by its appearance in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm has become one of the most celebrated destinations within the Angkor Archaeological Park.
4. Banteay Srei
Banteay Srei, though one of the smallest temples in Angkor, stands out as a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture and artistry. Built in the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman II, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is affectionately referred to as the “Citadel of Women.” This nickname is thought to reference the temple's delicate and intricate carvings, which are unparalleled in their beauty. Unlike the massive temples often associated with Angkor, Banteay Srei distinguishes itself with its compact size and the unique use of rose pink sandstone, a material that lends the structure its warm hues and refined elegance.
What makes Banteay Srei even more remarkable is that it was the only temple in the Angkor complex built by courtiers rather than a king. The exquisitely detailed carvings of devatas (minor female deities) that adorn its walls are a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the era.
5. Preah Khan
One of the most interesting temples of the Angkor era, this architectural marvel was constructed by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century to honor his father. Built on the historic site of Jayavarman VII's victory over the Chams in 1191, the temple stands as a testament to both spiritual devotion and military triumph. It is celebrated as an outstanding example of a large linear temple complex, with its boundaries marked by fortified walls adorned with intricately carved garudas (bird like deities) and encircled by a moat. The captivating features of this sacred site include ceremonial spaces, sprawling courtyards, intricately designed shrines, a labyrinth of connecting corridors, the enchanting Hall of Dancers, and a unique two-story pavilion.
At its zenith, this Buddhist temple was not merely a place of worship but a bustling hub, housing over 100,000 officials and servants—a striking reflection of its significance. Since 1989, it has been a primary focus of the World Monuments Fund, ensuring its preservation and continued legacy as a symbol of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
6. Bakheng
This ancient temple, one of the oldest in the Angkor complex, predates the iconic Angkor Wat by over 200 years. Built at the end of the 9th century during King Yasovarman’s reign (889–910), it served as the centerpiece of his new capital. This hilltop temple, one of three linked to this king was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple's design symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical abode of Hindu gods. Its stepped pyramid shape features seven terraces adorned with shrines and guardian lions, gradually narrowing toward the summit. At the very top, five shrines represent the five peaks of Mount Meru.
Today, visitors flock to this hilltop temple for breathtaking panoramic views of the Angkor complex, especially at sunset. Conservation efforts began in 2004, when the World Monuments Fund, with support from a U.S. State Department grant, initiated plans to preserve this historic site for future generations.
7. Ta Keo
Ta Keo, constructed in 975 A.D. during the reign of Jayavarman V, holds the distinction of being the first Angkorian temple built entirely from meticulously carved sandstone blocks. Despite its lack of intricate carvings and elaborate decorations, the temple remains a breathtaking testament to the skill and ambition of its creators. Towering nearly 50 meters high, the central summit is flanked by four smaller towers at the corners of a square—a design typical of Angkorian temple-mountains. This architectural symmetry is both striking and significant, showcasing the harmony inherent in Khmer design.
The absence of adornments has sparked much speculation. Some historians believe that sandstone proved too difficult to carve, while others suggest the construction was halted after a lightning strike—an event considered an evil omen at the time. Whatever the reason, the temple's massive scale and architectural precision make it one of the Angkor Archaeological Park's most imposing structures. Had it been completed with decorations, it might have stood as one of the finest masterpieces of the era.
8. Baphuon Temple
If you're looking to stray off the beaten path and uncover hidden gems of history, Baphuon Temple is a must-visit. This massive, three-tiered, mountain-like structure was originally built in the 11th century as the state temple of Udayadityavarman II. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, it stands as a quintessential example of the distinctive Baphuon architectural style. However, its story doesn’t end there. In the late 15th century, the temple underwent a significant transformation, being converted into a Buddhist temple. To mark this change, a colossal statue of a reclining Buddha was constructed on the temple's west side. Unfortunately, this modification required the demolition of the 8-meter tower above it, which explains the tower's absence today.
Built on sandy, unstable ground, the immense size of the site created structural challenges throughout its history. By the 20th century, much of Baphuon Temple had collapsed, leaving behind a massive archaeological puzzle. Restoration efforts began in the 1960s but were abruptly halted during the Khmer Rouge regime, which caused the loss of crucial records detailing the positions of the disassembled stones. A second restoration attempt was launched in 1995 but progress was slow and visitor access remained restricted. Finally, after decades of meticulous work, the restoration of Baphuon Temple was completed in April, 2011 and the temple is now open to visitors.
Tips for Visiting Angkor Wat
- Best Time to Visit: November to March offers cooler and drier weather. Sunrise and sunset visits are recommended for cooler temperatures and stunning views.
- Best Time to take Photos: Do make the effort to take a photo at sunrise and sunset.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: The site is massive, with uneven terrain, so expect to walk a lot.
- Dress Modestly: As Angkor Wat is a sacred site, dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered.
- Hire a Guide: To better understand the temple’s rich history, hire a knowledgeable guide who can explain the site’s carvings, legends, and significance.
- Stay Hydrated: Angkor Wat is hot year-round, so it is essential to keep hydrated. It is best to carry a water bottle although vendors outside the complex sell water.
- Bring Cash: Cash is king here and if you want to purchase small items, a snack or water, it is best to carry a small amount of local currency.
- Bring Sunscreen, Bug Spray & Wear a Hat: There are not many shady places around the temples, so you will need to protect your head.
- Ignore the Monkeys: There are monkeys around the Angkor Wat complex, ignore them. Do not try to engage or feed them.
- Never Climb the Stones: As tempting as it might be for that great photo, never climb the stones, they may be unstable.
Angkor Wat is more than a religious site—it is a cornerstone of Cambodian culture and history, as well as an unmatched architectural triumph showcasing the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
