Ankor wat Travel Guide

Angkor Wat, meaning 'City of Temples' in Khmer, is a sprawling temple complex located near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was first dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a Buddhist temple by the end of the century. The temple is designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Hindu mythology.Covering over 400 acres, Angkor Wat is enclosed by a 3.6-kilometer outer wall and a moat more than 5 kilometers long. The complex features three rectangular galleries, each elevated above the previous one, and a quincunx of towers at its center. The intricate carvings and detailed bas-reliefs depict scenes from Hindu epics and Khmer history, showcasing the empire's wealth and artistic prowess.Despite being sacked by the Chams in 1177, Angkor Wat was never truly abandoned and remained an important religious site. Rediscovered by the French explorer Henri Mouhot in the 19th century, he proclaimed it as grander than anything left by Greece or Rome, sparking global interest in the site. Today, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Khmer civilization, drawing millions of visitors each year.