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Angkor Wat

Description: Angkor Wat, located in central Cambodia, is the largest temple complex in the world. The complex was built in the 12th ... more

Angkor Wat ... century under King Suryavarman II to celebrate the king as the incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. The complex is made entirely of stone, with corbeled roofs and relief friezes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. / The complex of Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temples. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the gods in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 km (2.2 miles) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls. Angkor Wat is the prime example of the classical style of Khmer architecture—the Angkor Wat style—to which it has given its name. By the 12th century, Khmer architects had become more skilled and confident in the use of sandstone (rather than brick or laterite) as the main building material. The Angkor Wat style was followed by that of the Bayon period, in which quality was often sacrificed to quantity. Other temples in the style are Banteay Samré, Thommanon, Chao Say Tevoda and the early temples of Preah Pithu at Angkor; outside Angkor, Beng Mealea and parts of Phanom Rung and Phimai.

Newest Review: ... so perspiration dries up quickly and you don't get the sticky sweaty feeling. Dress lightly to beat the heat, but don't wear too little because after all, Cambodia is a conservative society and we should respect their Asian culture. Your footwear MUST be good. No sloppy slippers or worn-out shoes. The reason is for safety. One thing about the Angkor Wat's architecture is that the steps there ... more

... are high, really high. So if your footwear is poor, you may find yourself nursing a sprained ankle sooner or later. The fan is for comfort purposes, while the cap is to provide some shade. Bottled water should be bought and brought along but it is opt...more

Read Reviews for Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat - A Sight To Behold, An Experience To Remember (1874 words)
by spalsh - written on 06.06.07 (Very useful, 96 readings)
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--------------- Introduction --------------- Angkor, Cambodia, is a World Heritage Site containing numerous beautiful temples that is situated a 20 minute drive from the Cambodian town of Siem Reap. Some people mistake the Angkor Wat to be the name of the entire site. Actually, the Angkor Wat is one of the temples enclosed within the Angkor site. It is, however, one of the biggest and most beautifully constructed temples among the ruins there. -------------------- The Angkor Wat -------------------- Pretty much the main drawing point of this South East Asian nation. It was built in the early 12th century as a king's state temple ...

The 8th wonder of the world.... (1793 words)
by nickyturnill - written on 22.11.05 (Very useful, 753 readings)
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My partner and I spent about three weeks in Cambodia during a trip overland from Bangkok to Bejing in early 2003. I was worried about going to Cambodia and I only went because my boyfriend really wanted to go.... I was scared of landmines and of a country so recently torn apart by communism, war and disruption...... How wrong was I...... Although you need to be cautious in some parts of Cambodia, particularly the Capital at night and as long as you arn't going to be stupid enough to stray from the main roads into open fields then you will be fine. The people of Cambodia are the most friendly nation I have ever had the pleasure to come ...

Angkor Wat: Too many tourists now. (377 words)
by joncr - written on 05.08.02 (Very useful, 97 readings)
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When I went back in '99 it was all backpackers. Now theres far too many american and japanese tourists I found on March 2002 visit. It used to be quite a backpackers community. This has really impacted on local people who cant afford the rising land prices and increases the gap between the rich and poor that is very evident in Cambodia. I dont have a photo without a wide american ar3e in it! Luckily I have some photos from my previous visit and have some advice on missing the crowds. Your guide (bike driver or taxi driver) price varies on which hotel you are staying at. If your in a 5 star hotel expect to pay $15 a day and up. Your best bet is to ...

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