Angkor Wat is not just a temple, it is the symbol of pride for the Khmer’s and links their culture and heritage. Angkor Wat served as both a capital and as a religious centre during the reign of King Suryavarman II. The complex was built over a 30 to 40-year period at the start of the 12th century and is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu. The Angkor Wat

temple is a classical example of the temple mountain of Mt. Meru, central in Hindu cosmology. The five towers symbolize the five mountain peaks Three of its five central towers adorn the flag of the Kingdom. The epic battles and events are depicted on the walls of this temple, tells in great detail about the history of the various Khmer empires and their rulers. The walls of the temple also have beautiful carvings of apsaras and celestial dancers.

Angkor Thom, literally “big Angkor”, is the walled royal city built at the end of the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. The city was built as a quadrangle and bordered by a 100m-wide moat and an 8m high wall. The walls of Angkor Thom are oriented to the compass points with four magnificent gates in the centre of each wall and a fifth victory gate in the east wall, used as the palace entrances. There are many temples within this city’ confines.

The Bayon is perhaps the most enigmatic of the temple built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. The Bayon underwent a series of changes before evolving into its present form. More than 200 stone heads gaze the 4 directors. This is the next favorite temple for most visitor’s after the Angkor Wat.

Prasat Baphuon is a vast temple-mountain near the centre of Angkor Thom. Some fabulous animal carvings adorn the walkway and there is a huge reclining Buddha on the west side that.

Another pyramidal temple set on a square base, phimeanakas was a royal temple. Its great height provides a panorama of the surrounding. A legendary serpent woman was reputed to dwell in the temple tower.

The Elephant Terrace, situated in the heart of the Angkor Thom, faces the former Royal Grounds. It is about 350meters long and 3m high with a stone floor and stairs. This is the place where the Angkorian kings viewed military parades, military exercises and celebrations. It was also the place where royal guests were received.

Preah Khan is a huge, highly explicable monastic complex. Full of carving, it was also the residence of king Jayavarman VII during the reconstruction of his permanent home in Angkor Thom. Preah Khan ‘means’ sacred sword. Preah Khan is dedicated to his father.

Ta Prohm is a temple where nature embraces architecture, making it very photogenic. Ta Prohm has superior carvings. In its prime, Ta Prohm boasted a fabulous wealth of precious stones and gold. It was constructed by jayavarman VII’s and was dedicated to his mother.

Banteay Kdei is a mysterious temple. There is no record of why it was built, or by whom as no marker stones or steles have ever been found. Its name means “The citadel of the monks’ cells”, but that does not necessarily indicate its function.

A large basin (the Royal Bath), 700m by 300m, on the axis of Banteay Kdei, bordered by stone steps. Originally excavated during the mid 10th century, it has an elegant terrace and a small island near its centre on which there are some sandstone remains. Used for ceremonies and royal baths, the local children now cavort and dive there in the hot season.

This small tower has three sanctuaries with unique brick bas-reliefs. Carvings on the southern wall represent Visnu with his right foot resting on a lotus flower held by his wife Laksmi, the Goddess of Beauty born from the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. The western wall sees Vishnu riding a crocodile and on the northern wall Vishnu is riding his traditional mode of transport, the Garuda: the eagle of the supernatural sun.

This temple is built on a hill top at a height of 67m. This was the first significant temple at Angkor.When you get to the top of this mountain , you can get a perfect view of Angkor wat. Do not miss the breathtaking view of Angkor wat during sunset from this temple.