Angkor Wat: Angkor Sunrise with Bayon and Ta Prohm Temple Tour

Nestled within the province of Siem Reap in Cambodia lies the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, a crown jewel of the country’s tourist hotspots. Hidden within the dense rainforest undergrowth, you’ll discover the towering remnants of an ancient stone city, echoing tales of a bygone era.

Cambodia boasts a rich assortment of temples and structures, yet the one that consistently captures the most fascination is the monumental Angkor Wat. Its prominence is such that it graces the country’s national flag – a testament to its cultural and historical significance.

Built in the 12th century, this majestic “temple-mountain” was originally designed to serve as the dwelling place for the Hindu deity, Vishnu. Its architectural grandeur and historical relevance make it a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Cambodia.

The bas-relief galleries on many of the walls of one of the most spectacular temples in Cambodia depict themes from Cambodian mythology and culture that extend back hundreds of years. These depictions date back to when the temple was built.

• This area of the ancient city is home to some of the most interesting and distinctive structures in the entire city.

When you realize that Angkor was constructed in the 12th century, it is even more astonishing that it is still regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular architectural wonders. Even with the highly developed technologies that are currently at the disposal of contemporary architects, it is difficult to see them constructing anything quite as beautiful as Angkor Wat.

This structure is filled with a variety of architectural details, some of which include intricate carvings, bas reliefs, corridors, towers, baths, libraries, and moats. And the quality of each of them has, for the most part, remained the same during the period of their existence.

• It served as the seat of government for the Khmer Empire for a sizeable chunk of that empire’s existence.

The Khmer Empire left a significant architectural legacy behind for future generations, the most notable example of which is Angkor Wat. Large portions of Southeast Asia were governed by a monarchy influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism beginning in the year 802 A.D. and continuing until the collapse of Angkor Wat in the 15th century.

This reign lasted until Angkor Wat was destroyed. According to the findings of archaeological digs, the ancient city of Angkor was one of the most populous cities in the world prior to the advent of industrialization (during the 11th and 12th centuries).

This event took place at the height of Angkor’s prosperity when it was at its most prosperous. Angkor Wat served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the year 802 to the year 1295.

• When it was first found, UNESCO immediately declared it to be a World Heritage Site and has kept that designation ever since.

In the year 1992, Angkor Archaeological Park was recognized by UNESCO as a deserving candidate for the prestigious designation of World Heritage Site.

Because this area is home to some of the most amazing works of art and architecture from the ancient world, the Khmer Empire, also known as the Angkor Empire, decided to place its capitals here. The Khmer Empire is also known as the Angkor Empire.