The ancient capital of the great Khmer Empire, Angkor is without doubt one of the most magnificent wonders of the world and a site of immense archaeological significance.
Located in dense jungle on the hot and torpid plains of north western Cambodia, its awe-inspiring temples transport visitors back to an enchanting and mysterious ancient world of grandeur and glory.
Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, Angkor, the ancient capital of Cambodia, is a remarkable place. For nearly six centuries, between AD 802 and 1432, it was the political and religious heart of the Khmer Empire, an empire that extended from the South China Sea almost to the Bay of Bengal.
The Khmer Empire was founded at the beginning of the 9th century AD Jayavarman II (r.802–850), who proclaimed himself devaraja (god-king) of the land. He built a gigantic, pyramidal temple-mountain representing Mount Meru, the sacred mythical abode of the Hindu gods.
This structure laid the foundations of Angkor’s architecture. In the following centuries, his successors shifted the capital from Roluos to Angkor, built magnificent temples such as Phnom Bakheng, Angkor Wat, Banteay Kdei, and Ta Prohm, as well as the bustling city of Angkor Thom. Today, the remains of the metropolis of Angkor occupy 77 sq miles (200 sq km) of northwest Cambodia, and although its wooden houses and magnificent palaces decayed centuries ago, the impressive array of stone temples still stand. Set between two barays (reservoirs), Angkor today contains around 70 temples, tombs, and other ancient ruins. Among them is the splendid Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious complex.
One of the most important archaeological sites in the world, Angkor attracts millions of visitors each year, providing a substantial boost to Cambodia’s economy. Other sites in the area include the rapidly developing town of Siem Reap. With its tree-lined boulevards and gentle pace, Siem Reap is the gateway to the temples of Angkor, which lie only 4 miles (6 km) north of town.
Exploring Angkor
Set among dense green forests and neat rice paddies, the massive monuments of Angkor are the most remarkable architectural masterpieces in Southeast Asia.
Located north of Siem Reap town, in Siem Reap province, the vast Angkor Wat complex, with its imposing towers, and the great city of Angkor Thom, with its impressive causeway and the gigantic smiling faces of the Bayon, are breath taking sights, especially at sunrise or sunset. Farther north are the smaller yet unique temples of Preah Khan and Preah Neak Pean.
To the east of Angkor Thom is the magical Ta Prohm, with large trees growing through the temple walls. Farther out, the pink sandstone structure of Banteay Srei lies to the northeast, while to the south east are the temples of the Roluos Group, the oldest in Angkor.
The temples at Angkor require both time and motorized transport to visit. It is possible to visit the main sites by motor cycle, but the most comfortable way to travel in this hot and dusty area is in an air-conditioned car with a driver.
In Colonial times, the French defined two circuits, both starting at Angkor Wat, which are still used today. The 11-mile (18-km) “small circuit” takes at least a day and covers the central temples of the complex, continuing to Ta Prohm, before returning to Angkor Wat by way of Banteay Kdei. The “great circuit,” a 17-mile (27-km) route, takes in the small circuit as well as the outer temples, going past Preah Neak Pean to Ta Som before turning south to Pre Rup. This takes at least two full days.
