Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is an ancient wonder. A complex of temples, it spans over 400 acres, and has seen worshippers of Hinduism and Buddhism. Erected by the Khmer King Suryavarman in the early 12th century, the temple was meant to be the capital and his eventual burying place. A joy and pride of the Cambodian nation, it is no wonder that it is the main attraction in Siem Reap.
Shrouded in mystery, historians and scholars have often wondered about the construction, and how large stones or even the moat was built. Among its key features are an impressive moat, bas-reliefs, devatas, and towering detailed structures. The amount of detail in the art and the preservation of that art is admirable. Keep an eye out for the bas-relief of the Churning of Sea of Milk, which shows the Hindu god Vishnu guiding asuras and devas. The variation of headdress, poses, and outfits amongst the devata or full body portraits are a sight to behold. Every corner reveals something spectacular, even for the uneducated tourist. We were lucky enough to learn a few things from our Cambodian tour guide.
In 1992, Angkor Wat was listed as a UNESCO site, significantly boosting its status and cemented its place in the world of must see sites. In 1993, there were 7,650 visitors and as of 2019, there were an estimated 2.2 million visitors.
The entire complex is intricate and absolutely breathtaking. This post shows pictures from the main temple. Other smaller temples are in their own post.
Angkor Thom is a smaller complex with the faces with one of five gates Tonle Om, Ta Prohm is the temple made famous by Tomb Raider with the trees, and Phnom Bakheng is less intricate but great for viewing sunrises and sunsets.
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Travel
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Coordinates: 13.4125° N, 103.8670° E
Cost & Admission
Single Day Pass - $37
Three Day Pass - $62
Seven Day Pass - $72
*Tickets can only be purchased at the official ticket center, and all other tickets are not valid. Your ticket will have your picture taken at the ticket office window.
Food
Nearby restaurants and snack vendors near sites.
Activities
Exploring, walking, history.
Tips
Wear comfortable sneakers, as there is a lot of walking and some uneven surfaces. You can opt for a guided tour or unguided tour. We were very happy with our guided tour as we met fellow travelers and had secured transportation to and from our hotel in Siem Reap to the temples. Note that you can walk in Siem Reap, but tuk tuks are an option for those of you hesitant to brave busy traffic intersections. Sunrise and sunset tours are very popular.