A must-visit in a lifetime！Reasons you can't miss Angkor Wat～

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network　Photos by Yingda Travel

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat is a dream paradise for travelers, explorers, artists... So what is the charm of Angkor Wat that makes people fall madly in love with it?

The nickname "Smiling Khmer" comes from the smile of King Jayavarman VII.

An unparalleled world-class attraction
Recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage List as one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, Angkor Wat spans over 400 square kilometers, encompassing forests and the former capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. It includes landmarks such as Angkor Wat (the small Angkor), Bayon Temple, and countless intricate carvings.

Visiting Angkor Wat allows you to witness the artistic essence of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. Over 600 years of historical change, religious beliefs, craftsmanship, and architectural techniques are all on full display. No wonder the UK’s Independent newspaper once reported that the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet ranked Cambodia’s Angkor Wat as the No.1 must-visit destination in 2015, beating out Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (2nd), Peru’s Machu Picchu (3rd), China’s Great Wall (4th), India’s Taj Mahal (5th), and the US Grand Canyon (6th)... Meanwhile, the world’s largest travel website TripAdvisor recently announced the “Top 10 Best Destinations in Asia 2016,” and once again, Angkor Wat claimed the top spot. Indeed, Angkor Wat remains the eternal No.1 in the hearts of travelers.

Angkor Wat redefines the traditional temple image
Before visiting Angkor Wat, many people go online to read reviews or travel books. But everyone shares a common experience: no matter how much preparation you do beforehand, the first sight of it will leave you speechless—just in awe.

Among the Angkor ruins, Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world, and this massive temple cannot be imagined with conventional concepts. Stretching 1,500 meters from east to west and 1,300 meters from north to south, the temple is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Including the 190-meter-wide moat surrounding it, the site covers nearly 200 hectares, completely redefining our impression of a “temple.” It also reflects the immense reverence that the king and his people had for the divine at that time.

▲ Cambodia’s blue sky sets off the grandeur of Angkor Wat.

▲ Stone wall carvings at Angkor Wat.

The layout of Angkor Wat can be divided into the “outer enclosure” and the “central structure.” The outer enclosure consists of a moat, an outer wall, and galleries that surround the central structure, which itself is composed of three tiers built in a three-dimensional style to appear closer to the “heavens.” Against Cambodia’s blue sky, the majestic architecture of Angkor Wat overwhelms everyone. Walking inside, countless carvings adorn the corridors, doorways, stone towers, especially those on the gallery walls, depicting scenes from the famous Indian Sanskrit epic and episodes of the Khmer Empire’s history. It’s as if it carries travelers back in time to those glorious eras.

▲ Each celestial nymph carving has a unique expression and appearance.

With its grand architecture and countless exquisite carvings, Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the most perfect work of art in the world.

Sunrise at Angkor and the ruined temples
During your trip to Angkor Wat, netizens highly recommend the “Angkor sunrise,” and you can find countless discussions and stunning photos of the sunrise at Angkor Wat online.

▲ Sunrise at Angkor Wat.

The most popular spot to watch the sunrise is in front of the pond at Angkor Wat. Every day, even before dawn breaks, the area is packed with people. As the sun just rises above the horizon, dazzling golden light beams out from behind Angkor Wat, capturing everyone’s attention. The sunlight refracts in magical ways, painting the sky in various colors. The power of nature creates a stage-like lighting effect, surprising you with every passing minute and second.

▲ Beng Mealea.

▲ It is said that the floating castle in Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli film was inspired by Beng Mealea.

Another must-visit spot in Angkor Wat is the “abandoned temple—Beng Mealea.” Located 40 kilometers east of the main Angkor complex, it’s a bit far and was not very popular in the past. The temple is filled with collapsed walls, scattered stones, and buildings obscured by dense tree cover. But it is precisely because of its unfinished, raw atmosphere that it has developed a uniquely charming quality, making it stand out among the many temples and offering visitors a rare sense of tranquility.

Although Angkor Wat is a thousand-year-old ruin, time has not diminished its splendor. It is undoubtedly a beautiful country that you must visit in your lifetime. To truly appreciate such wonders, you have to experience it in person—between each sunrise and sunset, among every carved beam and painted rafter—to deeply feel its breathtaking beauty.

More travel-related information
Recommended itinerary:
★ Yingda Travel Gold Quality Travel Award itinerary [Cherish Angkor – Beautiful Sacred Card SPA Feast for Five Days]
★ New way to explore Angkor + Phnom Penh [Cambodia Promise – Angkor Sky City & Phnom Penh Sacred Duo for Five Days]: Breaks away from the traditional way of visiting Angkor Wat ruins, specially includes the “abandoned temple – Beng Mealea,” an unfinished temple that offers an incredibly shocking experience.
Special offer: Early bird discount for two people traveling together now available

Yingda Travel (02)2563-5728
Websitehttp://www.comebesttour.com.tw/angkor/