Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

Buddhist Temple in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in Cambodia, is a vast temple complex built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113-c. 1150) of the Khmer Empire. It is the largest religious structure in the world, spanning approximately 400 acres (160 hectares), and is a pinnacle of Khmer architecture. The complex consists of over a thousand buildings and is considered one of the greatest cultural wonders of the world.

Angkor Wat served as the central religious site of the Khmer Empire, which, at its height, was one of the most prosperous and advanced kingdoms in Southeast Asia. From the late 9th century to the early 13th century, a series of monumental construction projects were carried out, with Angkor Wat being the most notable. Built as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II, it was intended to house his remains upon completion. Construction is believed to have taken about three decades.

Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple’s religious motifs are all derived from Hinduism. Its five central towers represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods in Hindu cosmology. The surrounding moat, which symbolizes the ocean surrounding the mountain, further evokes the mythical world. Visitors enter the temple through a 617-foot (188-meter) bridge and pass through three galleries, each separated by paved walkways. The temple walls are adorned with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting Hindu deities, Khmer history, and stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.

After the Cham people sacked Angkor in 1177, King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-c. 1220) shifted the capital to Angkor Thom and dedicated it to Buddhism, believing the Hindu gods had failed him. Subsequently, Angkor Wat transitioned into a Buddhist shrine, with many of its Hindu sculptures and carvings replaced by Buddhist imagery.

By the early 15th century, Angkor was abandoned. However, Theravada Buddhist monks continued to maintain Angkor Wat, which remained a significant pilgrimage destination and attracted European visitors. In 1863, French explorer Henri Mouhot “rediscovered” the site during the French colonial period.

In the 20th century, several restoration efforts were undertaken, but political unrest in the 1970s interrupted these projects. When work resumed in the 1980s, extensive repairs were necessary, including the dismantling and rebuilding of sections. In 1992, Angkor was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2004 it was removed from the World Heritage in Danger list after significant restoration progress. Today, Angkor Wat is one of Southeast Asia's most important pilgrimage sites and a major tourist attraction. It also features on the Cambodian flag.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (42,005)

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is a sprawling, iconic temple complex set within a wide moat, prized for its intricate carvings, majestic towers and peaceful atmosphere; visitors recommend arriving early to watch sunrise reflections on the water or staying through sunset when the light plays across the walls, exploring detailed bas-reliefs and hidden corridors, and noting the well‑preserved grounds and many viewpoints — guided tours, motorcycles or tuk‑tuks are common ways to see multiple temples, and basic nearby accommodations and clearly priced food stalls are available.

BigLuke51

a month ago

"⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️nA Dreamlike Temple That Took Our Breath Away!! My husband and I were absolutely enchanted by Angkor Wat. We arrived early to watch thesunrise, and it felt like the temple came alive before our eyes. The reflections in the moat, the golden light, the quiet atmosphere—it was pure magic. Walking hand-in-hand through the ancient corridors felt like stepping into a sacred storybook. Every carving and every tower holds a piece of Cambodia’s spiritual soul. This is a place that touches your heart. If you’re traveling as a couple, you’ll feel the romance, the mystery, and the beauty of Angkor Wat in a way you’ll never forget. No photos or videos can prepare you for the sheer beauty, scale, and spiritual energy of this ancient temple. From the moment we walked across the stone causeway at sunrise, we were completely in awe. The carvings are incredibly detailed, the architecture is genius, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and almost otherworldly. Everywhere you turn, there’s another breathtaking view, hidden corridor, or stu ing reflection in the water. It truly feels like stepping back in time. We also loved how well-preserved the grounds are...."

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Darin Heng

2 weeks ago

"Visiting Angkor Wat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The moment I stepped inside the temple grounds, I was overwhelmed by its incrediblebeauty, majestic architecture, and deep historical significance. Every stone carving, every tower, and every pathway reflects the genius and spiritual devotion of the ancient Khmer Empire. The sunrise at Angkor Wat is absolutely breathtaking — the soft golden light shining over the towers creates a magical and unforgettable moment. Even during the day, the temple remains impressive with its peaceful atmosphere, massive galleries, and detailed bas-reliefs that tell powerful stories of Khmer history. The entire complex is well maintained, and the surrounding nature adds even more charm to the place. Whether you are a history lover, a photographer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination...."

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hanmin htetaung

in the last week

"Angkor Wat is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most impressive places I’ve ever visited. The scale, history, and beauty of the temples areunforgettable. We bought our one-day pass from the official website, which was easy and convenient. Ways to explore:nIf you can ride a motorcycle, I highly recommend it. You can explore as many temples as you like by simply showing your ticket—no extra fees for individual temples. If you rent a tuk-tuk, you’ll usually need to follow the route recommended by the driver. Food:nEat at shops where prices are clearly displayed. Otherwise, you may end up paying triple the normal price. Accommodation:nThere are plenty of options nearby, including guesthouses, motels, hostels, and hotels, with prices starting from around $10 per night and up. Overall, Angkor Wat is a must-visit destination when in Siem Reap...."

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The Angkor Wat appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Siem Reap!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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