Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a temple at Angkor, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. It is simply unique, a stunning blend of spirituality and symmetry, an enduring example of man's devotion to his gods.

Angkor Wat the largest and best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre — first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist since its foundation. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

It is famous for its beguiling Apsara (Heavenly Nymphs). There are altogether more than 3,000 carved into the walls of the temple from north to south and east to west.

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat, 190m wide, which forms a giant rectangle measuring 1.5km by 1.3km. The rectangular outer wall, which measures 1025m by 800m, has a gate on each side, but the main entrance, a 235m wide portch richly decorated with carvings and sculptures, is on the western side.