One of the greatest archaeological treasures anywhere in the world, this is THE marquee tourist attraction in all of Cambodia, and is easily one of the top 5 anywhere in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is an incredible complex of ruins that is on a first-tier basis with other world famous sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. While other famous historic sites of other types are larger, Angkor Wat is the single largest religious temple in the world, and what makes this all the more incredible is that it was built in the 12th century CE! Angkor is truly a world class site, and should be visited by anyone who comes to Southeast Asia. Even just two quick days in the area is enough to see the majesty of this place, and it should not be missed. Go there, right now!
While other nearby sites may boast a larger total area (as defined by their outer-most enclosures or walls) such as nearby Angkor Thom, the overall size of the temple city itself is unsurpassed. The collection of structures that make up the main part of this complex, as well as the basins and open areas between the walls and city, are all larger than anything else around the area. This has also been the most-well preserved, and most-well restored, of any of the Angkor area cities, and it's name, "Angkor Wat" literally means "The City (that is the) Temple". The whole complex, including the outer moat measures nearly 200 hectares in size, and the inner area protected by the moat covers roughly 82 acres, so it is quite a sizeable area. The core temple complex is about 9 hectares in size, and rises to a height of almost 215 meters. Short to say, it's big. It's also quite majestic, sitting out there in the middle of a large moat, rising out of the jungle.
Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century, roughly between about 1110 and 1150, by Suryavarman II, to be the focus of his empire, politically, socially, and religiously. Great care, time and detail went into the construction of it, and it shows in every piece of the complex. Beautiful, elaborate panels (over 600 meters worth) tell numerous stories of the gods and stories of Hindu and Buddhist lore. Libraries, reflecting ponds, and great towers are spread throughout the structure. While most of the statuary has been removed to the museum in nearby Siem Reap, it doesn't take away from the raw majesty of the place. The architecture is stunning, and it's incredible to think that it was created in a time when most of "civilized" Europe was squatting in muddy shanties and flimsy wooden huts covered in filth.
Angkor Wat is hugely important to Cambodia. In fact, it is central to the countries heritage. The modern nation of Cambodia has had a rough go of things over the past century, from being dominated by France (as part of Indochina) to the Japanese invasions, to wars with Vietnam, and of course the Khmer Rouge, the fanatical communist regime that came to power in the second half of the 20th century. Today it has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world, and it has often been referred to as having the most landmines per square kilometer anywhere in the world. Poverty is rampant, and modernization is not reaching all Cambodians. However, thanks to Angkor Wat, which is regarded as the greatest of all Khmer structures, today's citizens have something incredible to use as a symbol of their national pride and heritage. Angkor Wat today graces Cambodia's flag as well as some of its money. Everywhere you there are shirts, pictures, hats, and other merchandise adorned with images of the famed complex.
The wild popularity that Angkor Wat enjoys has been a boon for the local area, and the nearby town of Siem Reap is booming as a result. 2.35 million visitors arrived in 2014 alone. There is a boom of hotels, restaurants, tour guides, and convenience stores that have sprung up to accommodate the tourists, and you are liable to hear a veritable library of languages as you stroll around, from French to Russian to Chinese to Italian. Although there are literally hundreds of temples around the great Siem Reap area, Angkor should be number one on anyone's list to visit. It is quite busy some times of year, but this is one site where putting up with the crowds is worth it, as it is unrivaled in it's majesty.
Angkor Wat Relief Carvings
All photos copyright Kit Davidson unless otherwise noted.