Top 10 Reasons to Visit Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is one of the most famous and impressive monuments in the world. It is a temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, that was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire.

Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should visit Angkor Wat:

1. It is the world’s largest religious monument: Angkor Wat covers an area of about 200 hectares, including a moat that surrounds the temple. It is the world’s largest single religious monument, and one of the largest ancient structures ever built.
2. It is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering: Angkor Wat is a stunning example of Khmer architecture, which combines elements of Hindu and Buddhist symbolism and cosmology. The temple is designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods, and has five towers, four gates, three galleries, and a central sanctuary. The temple also features a complex system of reservoirs, canals, and bridges that provide water and drainage.
3. It is a treasure trove of art and history: Angkor Wat is decorated with thousands of sculptures, carvings, and reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, Khmer history, and everyday life. The temple also contains inscriptions in Sanskrit and Khmer that provide valuable information about the Khmer civilization. The temple is a living museum that showcases the culture and achievements of one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia.
4. It is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists: Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, who is considered the protector and preserver of the universe. The temple also incorporates elements of Buddhist worship, such as statues of Buddha, bodhisattvas, and monks. The temple is still an active place of pilgrimage and prayer for both Hindus and Buddhists, who respect and revere its spiritual significance.
5. It is a symbol of national pride and identity: Angkor Wat is not only a historical and cultural monument, but also a symbol of national pride and identity for Cambodia. The temple appears on the national flag, currency, stamps, and coat of arms. The temple also represents the resilience and perseverance of the Cambodian people, who have endured centuries of war, colonization, genocide, and poverty.
6. It offers an unforgettable sunrise experience: One of the most popular and memorable activities at Angkor Wat is to watch the sunrise over the temple. You can join thousands of other tourists who gather at the lotus pond in front of the temple to witness the spectacular sight of the sun rising behind the towers. You can also capture amazing photos of the temple’s reflection in the water.
7. It is part of a larger complex of temples: Angkor Wat is not the only temple in the area. It is part of a larger complex of temples that span over 400 square kilometers. You can explore other temples that have different styles, sizes, and functions, such as Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, Preah Khan, and many more. Each temple has its own unique features and stories to tell.
8. It is surrounded by nature and wildlife: Angkor Wat is not only a man-made wonder,​but also a natural wonder.​The temple is surrounded by lush forests,​ rivers, ​lakes, ​​​and​fields​​that provide a scenic backdrop and a habitat for various plants and animals. You can see tropical flowers, fruits, trees, and herbs that are used for medicine or food. You can also encounter monkeys, birds, butterflies, lizards, and other creatures that live in harmony with the temple.
9. It offers various activities and attractions: Angkor Wat is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. You can enjoy various activities and attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. You can ride a bike, a tuk-tuk, a horse, or an elephant to explore the temple complex. You can watch a cultural show, a circus performance, or a movie about Cambodia’s history and culture. You can visit a museum, a gallery, or a workshop to learn more about Cambodia’s art and crafts. You can also relax at a spa, a cafe, or a restaurant to taste some local cuisine or drinks.
10. It is easy to access and affordable: Angkor Wat is easy to access and affordable for most travelers. You can fly to Siem Reap International Airport, which is only 6 kilometers away from the temple complex. You can also take a bus, a taxi, or a boat from other cities in Cambodia or neighboring countries. You can buy a one-day, three-day, or seven-day pass to enter the temple complex, which costs $37, $62, or $72 respectively. You can also find various accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, that suit your budget and needs.

These are some of the top reasons why you should visit Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a place that will amaze you with its beauty, history, culture, and spirituality. It is a place that will inspire you with its creativity, ingenuity, and resilience. It is a place that will enrich you with its diversity, complexity, and mystery. It is a place that you will never forget.

List of References

• [Angkor Wat: History of Ancient Temple – Live Science]
• [Angkor Wat: Everything You Need To Know – The Bamboo Traveler]
• [Day Trips from Phnom Penh – Culture Trip]
• [Phnom Penh Itinerary: The Perfect Itinerary for History Lovers – The Bamboo Traveler]
• [Phnom Penh Itinerary – 2 days | Cambodia itinerary of 2 and 3 weeks]