Experience the awesome sight of the largest religious monument on earth, part of the ancient ruins of Cambodia's Khmer Empire.
Few tourist sights live up to the superlatives they are often given, but the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat Temple, the mainstay of the Angkor Archaeological Park, emphatically does. In the 12th century, King Suryavarman II built Angkor Wat as a grand centre for worship and mausoleum, the crowning achievement of the Khmer Empire, which once ruled most of Southeast Asia. The temple is a symbol of Cambodia and appears on the country's flag. Angkor Wat is the main temple of the complex and is the best preserved. If you can arrange it, the best time to visit is just before sunset, when the sunlight directly hits the temple structure. Sunset is another good time, but if you do plan on visiting at dusk, come armed with a flashlight as the temple is not lit. Whatever time of the day that you visit though, it will be memorable. And do remember to wear comfortable shoes as there are lots of steps to the top of the temple and no guardrails to help you.The main gopura, or tower, represents the mountain Meru which is considered the centre of the universe by Hindus and Buddhists. Within the building, much of which is made from sandstone blocks, are beautiful courtyards and libraries, and their walls are decorated with intricate carvings that beg to be photographed. The bas-relief friezes that depict battles and other episodes from Hindu mythology are another reason for Angkor Wat's fame.Angkor Wat, part of the Angkor Archaeological Park is 16 kilometres from Siem Reap and you can get there by tour bus, bicycle, motorcycle or tuk-tuk. Private guides are reasonably priced and will give you an interesting perspective on the temple.
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