Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat

Also known as Angkor Temple, it is referred to in ancient Chinese texts as the "Temple of Fragrant Meditation." Located in northwestern Cambodia, it is the best-preserved temple among the Angkor ruins. Commissioned in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Empire, who envisioned this magnificent stone temple complex as the capital and state temple of his empire, the construction mobilized the resources of the entire nation and took approximately 35 years to complete.

Angkor Wat is essentially built from stacked stone. Its architects ingeniously manipulated space to create an impression of depth with long avenues, breadth with sprawling corridors, and height with overlapping multi-level galleries, making it a pinnacle of classical Khmer architectural art. Although it lacks a massive central structure, its exterior rivals that of a colossal main building. The overall layout is clear even from the air: a mirror-like rectangular moat encircles a rectangular oasis covered in lush greenery. This oasis is enclosed by a temple wall, and at its center stands the Hindu-style Mount Meru pyramid shrine of Angkor Wat. The temple complex faces west, and a long causeway runs eastward across the moat, leading directly to the western gate of the temple wall. Beyond the western gate, another pathway through verdant grass leads straight to the temple’s main entrance. At the top of the pyramid-like temple are five towers arranged like the spots on a die—four smaller ones at the corners and a large central tower—resembling the layout of a traditional Indian Buddhist stupa but with wider spacing between the towers. Connecting corridors link the towers, emphasizing the unity of the temple complex.

Famous worldwide for its grand architecture and intricate bas-reliefs, Angkor Wat is one of the largest and most magnificent temples in the world. It is featured on the flag of Cambodia and serves as a national symbol. In 1992, UNESCO designated the Angkor ruins as a World Heritage Site. Since then, the number of tourists visiting Angkor Wat has steadily increased—from fewer than 10,000 in 1993 to 2 million by 2007—making it one of Cambodia’s most renowned tourist destinations.

Angkor Wat

Reason to visit: The world’s largest existing Hindu temple

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Cambodia

Province/State where the attraction is located: Siem Reap Province