 Angkor Wat - this ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom is the cultural and spiritual heart of Cambodia. Although monumental in scale, it offers intimate glimpses into lives lived in a distant past. The vast number of temples waiting to be explored are the perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion as each ancient Cambodian god king strove to better their ancestors in size, scale and symmetry, culminating in the world's largest religious building. Angkor is the richest cultural site in South East Asia and one of the most important in the world, its archaeological magnitude and breathtaking impact puts it in a class with sites like the  Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Giza, and Machu Pichu. The hundreds of temples surviving today, spread out over an enormous area, are a beautiful reminder of the splendid Khmer civilization which reached its flamboyant zenith between the 9th and 14th centuries, stretching from present day Myanmar (Burma) in the west to Vietnam in the east, and Laos in the north. Today the temples of Angkor are still the heart and soul of the Kingdom of Cambodia, a source of inspiration and national pride to all Khmers, illustrated by the fact that Angkor Wat is featured on the nation’s flag.
The chief attraction is undoubtedly the magnificent Angkor Wat. This stunning temple complex is a staggering and unique architectural achievement. A giant causeway leads to exquisite, incomparable bas-reliefs, courtyards and majestic towers. The temple is a joy to explore and can even be clambered to its loftier levels. Angkor Wat is closely followed by the small ancient city of Angkor Thom, the highlight being the enigmatic Bayon,  giant carved faces smile contently at visitors exploring the nooks and crannies of this jumbled structure.Although these are the best known temples there are many more to discover that all have their own individual interest, beauty, and historic importance, such as jungle clad Ta Prohm, the delicate Banteay Srei; sunset favourite Phnom Bakheng; and mighty Preah Khan to name but just a few…
The possibilities of how to explore Angkor are nearly as varied as the temples themselves, you can choose between bicycle, tuk-tuk, elephant, car, helicopter, and even hot-air balloon! However, one thing is for sure, whichever methods you use the varying character, isolation, mystical romance, and extravagant beauty of the Angkor Wat temples will leave a strong and lasting impression - it is definitely worth the trip.
|
