Why
Angkor Wat
is special

The ornate architectural details and exquisite stone carvings are masterpieces. I found the seductive dancing female ("apsaras") sculptures ringing Angkor Wat to be particularly arresting.

Angkor Wat
history in brief

Early history

It was constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century, then - two centuries later - was mysteriously abandoned by the Khmer civilization.

Forgotten

The jungle soon overwhelmed Angkor Wat, hiding it for several centuries with thick tropical foliage. There was little left to see except an occasional protruding building stone.

Discovery

In 1861, a French naturalist accidentally came across the jungle-veiled ruins.

Recovery

Eventually archaeologists cut back the overgrowth, exposing Angkor Wat's magnificence.

Recent deterioration

Sadly, much of what was rescued and restored over the past century fell victim to recent civil warfare. Structures and carvings deteriorated when - through human neglect - the jungle repossessed the previously saved Angkor structures.

On the positive side

Cambodia is now making a conscientious effort to once again reclaim key Angkor sites from the destructive jungle.

Don't visit Angkor Wat
in the morning

Do it in the afternoon for two reasons.

Avoid tourist crowds

Most tourists begin their Angkor complex tour at Angkor Wat in the morning and then visit Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm in the afternoon.

Photography

The famous Angkor Wat entrance (see photo above) is best photographed in the afternoon because the sun is behind you. In the morning, it will be in front of you, degrading your photo.

However, you must visit Angkor Wat in the morning if you want to see the sun rising behind the ruins.

Angkor Wat is part
of a greater complex

Angkor Wat is just one of many structures in a huge human-built complex, as geographically large as Paris. It is collectively called Angkor. The top subcomplexes besides Angkor Wat ("wat" means temple) are:

Ta Prohm

Photographers love this Angkor subcomplex. It clearly shows the on-going destructive forces of untamed jungle growth. The roots of banyan trees appear like giant octopus legs as they slowly entangle large buildings.

Banteay Srei

It's the tiny jewel of the Angkor environs. The Banteay Srei sculptures are outstanding.

Angkor Thom

Although Angkor Thom covers considerably more area and might have been grander than its neighbor Angkor Wat, its components are not as accessible and well preserved. It is more of interest to archaeologists than tourists.

Siem Reap hotels

You have many hotel choices, ranging from budget to luxury. The Sokha Angkor Resort is one of the most attractive, best-valued, and well-located quality hotels in Siem Reap. Click Sokha Angkor Resort to visit its website for photos, description and room rates.

 

Location

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Photo by Jerry Luo - CC BY 2.0

 

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