Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat has become the symbol of Cambodia, and its name is often used as a general term to describe the exotic, extraordinary complex of more than 100 magnificent Khmer temples and monuments located near the township of Siem Reap in central Cambodia. The complex is generally acknowledged to be one of mankind’s most magnificent architectural achievements, and it has survived time and the ravages of the jungle in remarkable condition. The temples and walled cities were built between the 9th and 14th centuries AD, when Khmer civilisation was at its height, and dominated all of Cambodia and much of present day Thailand and Vietnam as well.

The complex was brought to the attention of Europe when visited by the French in the 1860s. There are many highlights. The 12th century angkor Wat itself is the largest, the most complete and the most breathtaking, with its 180ft high central tower and extraordinary basreliefs. It is thought to have been built originally as both a temple and a mausoleum, and faces west, thus allowing itself to be bathed in glorious light and shade at sunset.

The fortified city of Angkor Thom is enclosed by eight miles of 25ft high walls, with five monumental gates. In front of each gate stand giant statues of 54 gods and 54 demons. Inside are the magnificent Temple of Bayon, with its intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life, Terrace of the Leper King, the 400 yard-long Terrace of elephants, and the Baphuon. The temple of Ta Prohm is truly remarkable. It has been deliberately left to the ravages of the jungle, and its walls and towers are enveloped by the limbs and roots of giant banyan trees, often centuries old – a truly surreal sight. Many other temples, such as Ta Keo, Chau say Tevoda, Thommanon and Preah Khan, have their own extraordinary characteristics, as does the sacred bathing pool of Preah neak Pean.

We really cannot do justice to this amazing place in a few paragraphs. You must see it for yourself! All our tours to Angkor include the above mentioned locations and much more. The distances between the sites are all relatively short, and they are linked by an adequate system of roads. Exploring them is made all the more magical by the surrounding dense jungl