Angkor Wat

Overview

Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is considered to be one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Southeast Asia. It was originally built in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu, but later became a Buddhist temple in the late 12th century.

Angkor Wat is renowned for its architectural excellence. It is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of Khmer architecture and the largest religious monument in the world. The temple is surrounded by a large moat. It is comprised of several galleries and towers that are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

One of the most distinctive features of Angkor Wat is its central tower. It rises high above the other structures in the complex and is topped by five smaller towers. The walls of the temple are covered in bas-reliefs and carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as scenes from daily life in ancient Cambodia.

Angkor Wat was rediscovered in the 19th century. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Despite the passage of time and the many centuries of neglect and exposure to the elements, much of the temple remains well-preserved. It still offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia and the achievements of the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Wat tours

These tours include the visit to Angkor Wat. There are so many Angkor Wat tours available from Viator. Please check and find the tour that suits you. To see full list of Angkor Wat tours, click here. There are over 800 tours available.

Today, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year. They come to explore its intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as to learn more about the history and culture of Cambodia.

Angkor Wat

If you go inside from the first corridor, you will find several reliefs of Devata (Goddess) in good condition. Each devata had a real model, and that’s why every devata has a different expression.

reliefs of Devata

After passing through the second corridor, the third corridor of Angkor Wat with towers will appear in front of you. Children under the age of 12 can not climb the Third Corridor.

the third corridor of Angkor Wat

The tower that climbs the third corridor and looks up is like this.

tower

Devata of Angkor Wat 3rd Corridor. Partially damaged, but each pose is unique.

Devata of Angkor Wat 3rd Corridor

The ruins of Angkor Wat’s bathing area, which is located after coming down from the third corridor and passing through the second corridor. Four bathing areas are lining up in a square shape. Was it used by worshipers to purify themselves?

bathing areas

Reliefs

And the relief that surrounds the first corridor. It’s a masterpiece. On the south side of the west face is the Indian epic Mahabharata. Ramayana is carved on the north side. On the west side of the south face is the march of the Khmer King Suryavarman II. And on the east side is Heaven and Hell. On the south side of the east face is the churning of the Milky Sea. And on the north side is the battle between Vishnu and Asura. The east side of the north face shows the battle between Krishna and Asura. And the west side depicts the battle of the gods. It’s not something I can introduce to you all, so please check it with your own eyes.

The relief below is a scene from the Ramayana. It shows a battle between the monkey army led by Hanuman and the army of the demon Ravana.

a scene from the Ramayana

Comments

8 responses to “Angkor Wat”

  1. […] see sunrise with the silhouette of Angkor Wat Temple towers is a popular attraction in Angkor Wat. There are so many Angkor Sunrise tours […]

  2. […] Bayon temple is definitely one of the main events of visiting Angkor ruins, along with Angkor Wat. […]

  3. […] tourists. If you like to see it, go by tuktuk, or just ask the driver to stop briefly during your Angkor Wat […]

  4. […] there are no tours that visit only this temple, many Angkor Wat tours include a visit to Prasat Kravan. Please click here to see a full list of tours that visit […]

  5. […] Banteay Srei is situated in the Angkor region, about 25 kilometers northeast of the main Angkor Wat temple. Prasat Banteay Srei is unique among the temples of Angkor for its small size and the intricate and […]

  6. […] ruins of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and their surroundings spread around Siem Reap in Cambodia belong to the so-called […]

  7. […] with Bayon and Angkor Wat, it has become a tourist attraction, and the only flaw is that it is always overflowing with […]