Hidden in the lush jungles of Cambodia lies an ancient wonder that seems to have sprung straight from a fantasy novel. Angkor Wat, with its towering spires and intricate stone carvings, stands as the world’s largest religious monument and the crowning jewel of the Khmer Empire. But Angkor is so much more than just its famous namesake temple. This sprawling archaeological park spans over 400 square kilometers and contains hundreds of temples and structures dating back to the 9th century.
For travelers seeking adventure, history, and a touch of magic, there’s simply nowhere else like it on Earth. From the massive smiling faces of Bayon to the tree-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm (made famous in “Tomb Raider”), Angkor offers an endless array of mind-blowing sights that have captivated visitors for generations. Whether you’re scaling ancient temple steps, cycling through jungle paths, or watching the sunrise paint the sky behind those iconic silhouettes, Angkor delivers experiences that will stay with you forever.
Ready to discover why millions of travelers make the pilgrimage to this UNESCO World Heritage site each year? Let’s explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat – Cambodia’s most spectacular hidden wonder.
History
The story of Angkor begins in 802 CE when King Jayavarman II declared himself a “universal monarch” and established what would become the mighty Khmer Empire. For the next six centuries, this empire would dominate Southeast Asia, leaving behind the incredible architectural legacy we marvel at today.
The construction of Angkor Wat itself began around 1113 CE under King Suryavarman II. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, this massive temple complex was designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu cosmology. Its five towers symbolize the five peaks of this sacred mountain, while the moat surrounding the temple represents the cosmic ocean. What’s truly mind-blowing is that the entire structure was built without the use of modern machinery – just human strength, ingenuity, and millions of sandstone blocks weighing up to 1.5 tons each.
But the history of Angkor isn’t limited to just one temple. In the late 12th century, King Jayavarman VII went on an unprecedented building spree, constructing Bayon temple with its 216 enigmatic smiling faces, Ta Prohm monastery, hundreds of hospitals, and extensive road networks throughout the empire. Unlike his predecessors, Jayavarman VII embraced Mahayana Buddhism, shifting the religious focus of many temples from Hindu to Buddhist iconography.
The 13th century saw more construction and religious shifts, but by the late 14th century, the empire began its slow decline. Theories about this downfall range from environmental strain and water management issues to conflicts with the emerging Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya. By 1431, when Ayutthaya forces captured Angkor, the once-mighty capital was largely abandoned, though some temples remained active religious sites.
For centuries afterward, Angkor became engulfed by jungle, with local Cambodians aware of its existence but the outside world largely oblivious. It wasn’t until French naturalist Henri Mouhot “rediscovered” the ruins in 1860 and published his awestruck accounts that Angkor began to capture global imagination. During the colonial period, French archaeologists began clearing, documenting, and restoring the temples, a process tragically interrupted during Cambodia’s civil war and the brutal Khmer Rouge period (1975-1979).
Today, restoration efforts continue through international cooperation, even as the temples face new threats from mass tourism and climate change. The story of Angkor is one of incredible achievement, spiritual devotion, environmental adaptation, imperial collapse, rediscovery, and ongoing preservation – a history as complex and fascinating as the carvings that adorn its ancient walls.
Fun Facts
- Astronomical alignment: Angkor Wat is oriented to the west instead of the traditional east, possibly because it was dedicated to Vishnu, who is associated with the west, or because it was intended as a funerary temple for Suryavarman II.
- Hidden figures: There are more than 3,000 heavenly nymphs (apsaras) carved into the walls of Angkor Wat, each with unique hairstyles and poses.
- Jungle takeover: Some trees growing on Ta Prohm temple are over 400 years old, with roots that extend 30 meters along walls and through stone.
- Building materials: The sandstone used to build Angkor Wat was quarried from the Kulen Hills, about 40 km away, and transported to the site via a series of canals.
- Water engineering: The Khmer Empire built the largest pre-industrial urban complex in the world, with an elaborate hydraulic system including reservoirs (barays) that could hold millions of cubic meters of water.
- Modern danger: Many temples still have unexploded landmines from Cambodia’s civil war in their vicinity, though tourist areas have been thoroughly cleared.
- Preservation challenges: The towers of Bayon temple were once golden, but centuries of looting removed nearly all precious metals from the site.
- Ancient graffiti: Visitors from as far back as the 16th century carved graffiti into the temple walls, including Japanese samurai who visited in 1632.
- Rediscovery myth: Though Henri Mouhot is often credited with “discovering” Angkor in 1860, the temples were never truly lost to locals, and Portuguese and Spanish missionaries documented them as early as the 16th century.
- Bas-relief marathon: If you were to walk along all the bas-reliefs (carved stone panels) at Angkor Wat, you’d cover nearly half a mile of incredible historical artwork.
Cultural Tourism
The temples of Angkor represent the heart and soul of Cambodian identity. The silhouette of Angkor Wat appears on the national flag, making Cambodia the only country whose flag features a monument. Beyond national pride, these temples offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Cambodian culture, both ancient and modern.
For many Cambodians, especially after the devastating Khmer Rouge period when so much cultural heritage was destroyed, Angkor represents resilience and continuity. Local guides often share not just historical facts but personal family stories that connect to these ancient stones, adding layers of meaning to your visit.
Cultural tourism at Angkor extends beyond the temples themselves. In nearby Siem Reap, visitors can enjoy traditional Apsara dance performances, where dancers in elaborate costumes recreate the movements of the heavenly nymphs carved on temple walls. Traditional Khmer cuisine, with its unique blend of flavors and ingredients like kampot pepper, fish sauce, and lemongrass, offers another avenue for cultural exploration.
Responsible cultural tourism also means supporting local artisans who practice traditional crafts like stone and wood carving, silk weaving, and shadow puppetry. Many workshops and social enterprises in the area offer visitors the chance to see these traditional techniques firsthand and purchase ethically-made souvenirs that directly benefit local communities.
Where Can Angkor Be Found?
The Angkor Archaeological Park is located in northwestern Cambodia, approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) north of the modern town of Siem Reap. Siem Reap serves as the gateway city for visitors to Angkor and has developed into a major tourist destination with accommodations ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts.
Siem Reap is accessible via its international airport (Siem Reap International Airport – REP), which receives flights from major Asian hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul. Alternatively, travelers can reach Siem Reap by bus from Phnom Penh (Cambodia’s capital, about 5-6 hours away) or from Thailand via the Poipet border crossing.
The archaeological park itself covers an area of approximately 400 square kilometers, making it one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. The main temple complexes are concentrated in an area about 15 square kilometers, but significant sites extend well beyond this central zone.
Reasons to Go
- Architectural marvels: Witness some of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements and engineering feats, built without modern technology.
- Historical significance: Walk through living history spanning six centuries of the Khmer Empire, one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful civilizations.
- Spiritual resonance: Experience sacred spaces that have served as centers of devotion for Hinduism and Buddhism for nearly a millennium.
- Artistic treasures: Marvel at thousands of square meters of intricate bas-reliefs telling stories of mythology, history, and everyday life.
- Natural beauty: Explore the unique juxtaposition of monumental stone structures with the lush tropical landscape of Cambodia.
- Photographic opportunities: Capture iconic images like the sunrise over Angkor Wat or the tree-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm.
- Cultural immersion: Engage with living Cambodian culture, from traditional dance performances to culinary experiences.
- Adventure options: Choose your own adventure through cycling, hiking, or even helicopter tours of the vast complex.
- Supporting recovery: Tourism provides vital economic support to Cambodia, a country still recovering from decades of conflict.
- Transformative experience: Many travelers describe visiting Angkor as life-changing, offering perspective on human achievement and the passage of time.
Most Popular Temples
Angkor Wat: The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, this massive temple complex spans 162.6 hectares and features the iconic five towers representing Mount Meru. Its extensive bas-reliefs depict Hindu epics, historical events, and everyday scenes from 12th-century Cambodia. Don’t miss the famous “Churning of the Ocean of Milk” gallery.
Bayon: Located at the center of Angkor Thom, Bayon features 216 enigmatic smiling faces carved into its 54 towers. This Buddhist temple’s labyrinthine structure creates an immersive, almost mystical experience as you wander through corridors where those famous faces seem to follow your every movement.
Ta Prohm: Made famous by the film “Tomb Raider,” Ta Prohm has been left largely as it was found, with massive tree roots embracing and sometimes crushing the stone structures. The interplay between nature and human creation creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Banteay Srei: Though smaller than many other temples, this 10th-century temple dedicated to Shiva is renowned for having the most intricate and well-preserved carvings in the entire Angkor region. Its pinkish sandstone and miniature proportions have earned it the nickname “Citadel of Women.”
Pre Rup: This temple mountain from the 10th century provides spectacular sunset views. Its reddish stone glows dramatically in the late afternoon light, creating a magical atmosphere as the day ends.
Baphuon: Recently restored after a massive 16-year effort, this three-tiered temple mountain predates Angkor Wat. Its most remarkable feature is a 70-meter long reclining Buddha incorporated into the western wall, created during a later Buddhist modification.
Neak Pean: This unique temple stands on an artificial island in the middle of a reservoir. Its design represents Anavatapta, a mythical lake in the Himalayas believed to cure ailments.
Banteay Kdei: Known as the “Citadel of Chambers,” this Buddhist temple complex features beautiful dancing apsara carvings and peaceful courtyards less crowded than the major temples.
Things To Do
Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Wake up early (around 4:30 AM) to claim a spot by the reflection pools and watch as the iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat emerges from darkness with the rising sun – a truly magical experience worth the early alarm.
Explore the Faces of Bayon: Get lost among the 216 smiling faces of this mysterious temple, preferably in late afternoon when shadows create dramatic effects across the stone visages.
Jungle Adventure at Ta Prohm: Channel your inner Lara Croft as you navigate this temple where massive strangler fig trees have become one with the ancient stone structures.
Climb Phnom Bakheng: Hike up this temple mountain for panoramic sunset views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding landscape (note that visitor numbers are now limited to reduce crowding).
Discover Hidden Temples: Venture beyond the main circuit to lesser-known temples like Preah Khan, Ta Som, or the remote Beng Mealea for a more peaceful exploration experience.
Float Through Floating Villages: Take a boat tour of Tonlé Sap Lake to see traditional floating villages and gain insight into Cambodia’s unique aquatic lifestyle.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes like fish amok (coconut curry) or lap Khmer (lime-marinated beef salad) from local chefs.
Night Markets: Browse the vibrant night markets of Siem Reap for handcrafted souvenirs, sampling street food like grilled skewers and exotic fruits along the way.
Cambodian Cultural Village: Visit this cultural theme park showcasing reconstructed houses representing different regions and ethnic groups of Cambodia.
Angkor National Museum: Enhance your temple visits with a trip to this museum housing thousands of artifacts and informative exhibits on Khmer civilization.
Events Not to Miss
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon: Held annually in December, this unique race takes runners through the archaeological park, raising funds for landmine victims and local communities.
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey): Celebrated in mid-April, this three-day festival features traditional games, special foods, and ceremonies at temples throughout the region.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day): Usually falling in September or October, this important 15-day religious festival honors ancestors, with special offerings and ceremonies at Angkor’s active Buddhist temples.
Angkor Photo Festival: Cambodia’s first photography festival brings together emerging Asian photographers and international professionals each December for exhibitions and workshops around Siem Reap.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk): If your visit coincides with November’s full moon, you might catch celebrations marking the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River’s flow, featuring boat races and floating lanterns.
Royal Plowing Ceremony (Preah Reach Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol): This May ceremony at Angkor signals the start of the rice-growing season, with royal oxen symbolically plowing the earth and predicting the year’s harvest.
Angkor Light Festival: A relatively new addition to Siem Reap’s calendar, this festival illuminates temples with artistic light projections that bring ancient carvings to life.
Cycling
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Angkor is on two wheels. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking, access areas large tour buses can’t reach, and immerse yourself in the natural environment surrounding the temples.
The main archaeological park is relatively flat, with well-maintained roads connecting major temples. The Small Circuit (17km) and Grand Circuit (26km) are both manageable for riders with average fitness levels. Biking these routes offers flexibility to stop whenever something catches your eye – perhaps a hidden carving or a perfect photo opportunity.
For the adventurous, the countryside beyond the main temple complex reveals rural Cambodia at its most authentic. Pedal through rice paddies and small villages where children rush out to greet passing cyclists. The ride to outlying temples like Banteay Srei (about 25km from Siem Reap) takes you through beautiful landscapes and local communities rarely seen by those who stick to motorized transport.
Bicycle rentals are widely available in Siem Reap, with options ranging from basic city bikes ($2-3/day) to quality mountain bikes ($8-15/day). Many guesthouses and hotels offer free or low-cost bike rentals, and specialized tour operators can arrange guided cycling excursions with support vehicles.
Tips for cycling Angkor:
- Start early to avoid midday heat
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection
- Consider hiring a guide for your first day to get oriented
- Pack a basic repair kit for minor issues
- Use a bike with good suspension for comfort on occasionally bumpy roads
Hiking Trails
While not traditionally known as a hiking destination, Angkor offers several excellent walking opportunities for those wanting to escape the main tourist routes and discover hidden corners of this vast archaeological park.
The forested area behind Angkor Wat contains lesser-known paths where you might spot monkeys, colorful birds, and butterflies. The walk along the massive outer wall of Angkor Thom stretches for 12 kilometers and provides a peaceful alternative to the busy roads inside the ancient city.
For more serious trekking, head to Phnom Kulen National Park about 50km from Siem Reap. This sacred mountain range features jungle trails leading to waterfalls, riverbed carvings, and the massive reclining Buddha at Preah Ang Thom. The 4-5 hour hike to the “River of a Thousand Lingas,” where countless phallic symbols are carved into the riverbed, offers both natural beauty and archaeological interest.
Kbal Spean, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Lingas,” offers another excellent hiking opportunity. The moderately challenging 1.5km uphill trail leads to spectacular river carvings and a refreshing waterfall – perfect for cooling off after your climb.
When hiking around Angkor:
- Stick to marked paths (landmines remain a concern in some remote areas)
- Wear sturdy footwear with good traction
- Bring insect repellent, especially during rainy season
- Consider hiring a local guide who can share knowledge about flora, fauna, and hidden ruins
- Start early in the morning when temperatures are cooler
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Tickets and Passes: Angkor Archaeological Park requires an entrance pass (commonly called an “Angkor Pass”). Options include one-day ($37), three-day ($62), and seven-day ($72) passes. The multi-day passes don’t need to be used on consecutive days and represent excellent value for those wanting to explore thoroughly without temple fatigue.
When to Visit: The peak tourist season runs from November to February when temperatures are cooler and rainfall minimal. March to May brings intense heat, while the rainy season (June to October) offers lusher landscapes and fewer crowds, though afternoon downpours can interrupt sightseeing.
Getting Around: Options include tuk-tuks ($15-20/day), private air-conditioned cars with drivers ($30-50/day), bicycle rentals, or organized tours. For photographers and serious temple enthusiasts, hiring a driver provides maximum flexibility.
What to Wear: Cambodia is conservative, and Angkor’s temples are active religious sites. Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees (applicable to all genders). Comfortable, breathable fabrics and sturdy walking shoes are essential, as you’ll be climbing uneven steps and walking on rough surfaces.
Health Precautions: Drink only bottled water, apply sunscreen generously, and use insect repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk. The tropical sun can be deceptively strong even on cloudy days.
Responsible Tourism: Always follow designated paths, don’t touch carvings, respect rope barriers, and never remove anything from temple sites. Consider supporting community initiatives that benefit local people rather than just passing through.
Photography Tips: Bring extra batteries and memory cards. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light. Some temples, like Ta Prohm, are notoriously dark inside, so a camera that performs well in low light is beneficial.
Money Matters: While the official currency is the Cambodian Riel, US dollars are widely accepted (and often preferred) throughout Siem Reap and the Angkor area. ATMs dispensing both currencies are readily available in town.
Accessibility Concerns: Many temples involve climbing steep, irregular stairs with few handrails. Visitors with mobility issues should research which temples are more accessible or consider hiring assistants available at major sites.
Local Etiquette: Always ask before photographing monks or local people. Remove shoes and hats when entering active shrine areas. When sitting, avoid pointing the soles of your feet toward Buddha images or other people, as this is considered disrespectful.
Final Thoughts
The temples of Angkor represent one of humanity’s greatest achievements – a testament to creativity, spirituality, and determination that has survived centuries of war, neglect, and the relentless encroachment of nature. To stand before Angkor Wat as the sun rises, to wander among the enigmatic faces of Bayon, or to witness the slow dance between stone and vegetation at Ta Prohm is to connect with something truly extraordinary.
Yet Angkor is more than just spectacular ruins. It’s a living landscape where ancient stones tell stories of gods and kings while local communities continue age-old traditions nearby. It’s a place where history feels tangible, where past and present converge in ways both profound and moving.
As Cambodia continues its journey of healing and development after decades of conflict, responsible tourism to Angkor provides vital economic opportunities while helping preserve this irreplaceable heritage for future generations. Each visitor becomes part of Angkor’s ongoing story – a story that began over a thousand years ago but continues to unfold with every sunrise over those iconic spires.
Whether you spend three days or three weeks exploring these temples, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime and perhaps a different perspective on what humans can achieve when inspired by faith, vision, and artistic passion. In a world of increasing homogenization, Angkor remains utterly unique – a place that must be experienced firsthand to be truly understood.
As you plan your journey to this remarkable destination, remember the words often attributed to ancient travelers: “Angkor is a place where gods reside and humans marvel.” Your own marveling awaits.
