Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, located in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it later became a Buddhist site. Today, Angkor Wat remains the largest religious monument in the world and a lasting symbol of Cambodia’s national identity (HO CHI MINH CITY SITES).
Visiting Angkor Wat usually begins in Siem Reap, often via the Siem Reap, Angkor International Airport (SAI). Accommodation is easy, with options ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Siam Reap city, about 6 to 8 kilometers from the temple complex, is well-prepared to welcome anyone.
Things to Know About Angkor Wat
Long before the crowds and cameras, Angkor
Wat began as in the mind of King Suryavarman II. He wanted to build a temple so
grand that it would honour Vishnu, the protector in Hindu belief, and reflect
the power and glory of his empire. It was not just a temple, it was meant to be
his legacy, his mark in history, and his eternal resting place.
During that time, the Khmer Empire was at its strongest, ruling much of what we now know as Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam. The design of Angkor Wat was inspired by Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. Step into its grounds, and see why - the five towers rise like lotus buds, symbolising the peaks of the sacred mountain.
What makes Angkor Wat even more incredible
is how it was built. Without modern tools or machines, tens of thousands of
workers, artisans, and architects spent decades shaping and assembling
sandstone blocks brought from the Kulen Hills. The stones were floated along
canals to the site, an extraordinary example of ancient engineering.
It is said that construction took around 30 to 35 years, continuing even after King Suryavarman II’s death. Some parts, particularly the carvings, may have never been fully completed. Yet what stands today is a masterpiece. Angkor Wat built by human hands. world.
Touring Angkor Wat
Touring Angkor Wat, Cambodia begins with
checking online and purchasing an Angkor Pass. Everything is available, from a
pass for a day’s visit to options for spending multiple days, extending into a
more adventurous tour. A day in Angkor Wat is usually sufficient to cover the
entire temple complex, which is the common option.
The tour typically starts around 9:00
a.m., allowing ample time for a first half-day of discovering Angkor Wat, a
lunch break, and then continuing until about 5:00 p.m.
Walking from the main road sets the tone,
as transport is not allowed throughout the Angkor Wat temple complex. The stone
sculptures, big and small, are subtle greetings, welcoming everyone toward the
temple. Inside, the excitement builds. Cameras click and videos roll at the
first central tower, but there is more to see. The path leads to the other central
towers, through the massive stone pillars, along stair-like platforms, taking
steps up and down the corridors.
Heading further inside, the towers open courtyards, high walkways, and open areas filled with more stone towers and walls. Every corridor and courtyard reveal detailed Khmer carvings, showing gods, heavenly dancers, and scenes from myths. These carvings also honor the gods and hint at the king’s connection to them. They carry deeper meaning, showing the Khmer understanding of good and evil and their view of the world and life.
Not to be missed in Angkor Wat is the central Bakan Tower, the highest level of the temple at 42 meters. It represents the summit of Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology. Climbing up involves steep wooden stairs, which can be challenging, and even coming down requires caution. Access is also regulated for safety, limiting the number of people at a time. Despite this, the view from the top is simply stunning, capturing the entire Angkor Wat temple complex.
Things to do in Angkor Thom, Cambodia
Located in the Angkor Archaeological Park,
as in Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom is just a 5–10 minute drive away. A one-day trip
to Angkor Wat usually includes Angkor Thom, and it would be a waste to miss it.
Built by King Jayavarman VII, this ancient royal city may feel like an
extension of Angkor Wat because of the stone architecture, but it is not.
Angkor Thom is surrounded by a large water
ditch about 100 meters wide. It acted as a wall to protect the city and mark
its boundaries. Stone paths cross the ditch at the main gates, leading into the
city. The walls, gates, and temples are all made of stone, showing the skill of
the Khmer builders.
Though a detailed tour will take around
2–3 hours, a shorter visit is possible in 1–2 hours. During this time, the key
attractions in Angkor Thom include:
Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple is in the center of Angkor Thom and is known for its more than 200
huge stone faces. The faces are calm and smiling. The temple also has stone
carvings showing daily life and stories from the Khmer Empire.
Terrace of the Leper King
The Terrace of the Leper King is a long stone platform used for royal events.
Its walls are covered with carvings of gods, animals, and legends. The name
comes from a statue believed to represent a king with leprosy.
Baphuon Temple
Baphuon Temple is a pyramid-shaped temple built for Shiva. Visitors can climb
to the top for wide views of Angkor Thom. Its stone steps and towers show the
skill of Khmer builders.
Angkor in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
Some temples, including Angkor Wat, were featured in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb
Raider (2001). The film showed the beautiful temples and jungle, inspiring more
people to visit and discover Angkor Thom.
Sunset in Angkor Wat
The final highlight in Angkor Wat is watching the sunset from the 65-meter-high
Phnom Bakheng hill, part of the Angkor Archaeological Park. Walking up the
slope feels like a make-or-break moment, especially after a full day at Angkor
Wat. Noticing others make the climb gives a boost of strength and energy before
joining the long queue.
Going up the hill means climbing the steep
stairway, in batches as signalled. At the top, it’s about finding a spot and
squeezing in among the rest, and soon the sun begins to set. The climb is worth
it, whether for the view or the sunset. From the hilltop, the view stretches
across Angkor Wat, the surrounding jungle, and the vast Angkor plain.
Phnom Bakheng carries a legendary history. Built in the late 9th century by King Yasovarman I, it is the region’s first major temple-mountain.
