7 Reasons to Visit Angkor Wat ...

By Avantika

There are so many reasons why you should visit Angkor Wat that it’s difficult to know where to start. The one thing I do know for certain is that a trip to Cambodia to visit this magnificent monument should be on everyone’s bucket list. Here are 7 reasons (to start with) why you should visit Angkor Wat.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

It’s Part of the World’s Largest Temple Complex

Angkor Wat is part of the world’s largest Hindu temple complex and is the largest and easily most stunning temple there. It covers an area of 500 acres and the name literally translates into ‘Temple City’.

2

Deep Symbolism

Angkor Wat (built sometime in the early 12th century) is said to represent Mt. Meru, a legendary abode of the Gods in Hindu mythology. It has a 65 mt tall central tower that is surrounded by four smaller ones and an enclosure wall, all of it protected by a vast moat. The towers are symbolic of the peaks of Mt. Meru, the wall represents mountains at the edge of the world and the moat stands for the oceans.

UPD:

The intricate carvings and bas-reliefs that adorn the walls of Angkor Wat further deepen its symbolic significance, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata - epic tales that are integral to Hindu philosophy and cosmology. Each gallery and corner seems to whisper tales from ancient times, inviting you to reflect on the mystical and spiritual world that once revolved around this sacred temple.

3

Brilliant Architecture

If you see an aerial photo of the Angkor Wat complex you’ll be stunned at the perfect symmetry with which the monument is constructed. And remember this was all done nearly a thousand years earlier. And it’s even more striking when viewed in person when you can see the detailed structuring of chambers, corridors, porches, elevated towers etc.

4

Intricate Reliefs

All through Angkor Wat are detailed and complex reliefs depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. You really have to see to believe the absolute beauty of these bas-reliefs. The walls literally come alive and speak to you through the stonework.

5

Sunrise and Sunset at Angkor Wat

The world’s best sunrise and sunset can be witnessed at the Angkor Wat. Seriously, there is very little in the world to beat the view of this magnificent monument being silhouetted by a rising sun – unless it is the same monument in front of a setting sun. And do not miss the reflection in the lotus pond. It’s like the earth and skies are one.

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since 1992, Angkor Wat has been a world heritage site as defined by UNESCO. And if you’re into historical monuments and heritage structures, Angkor Wat has everything to please you.

7

Ta Prohm

This is another temple complex close to Angkor Wat that has been left almost untouched and as close to the original state as possible to show visitors the state in which these temples were originally discovered. The entire complex is literally taken over by giant tree roots that seem like living breathing creatures. An extremely photogenic locale, this is another reason to visit the Angkor temple complex.

The temple complex of Angkor Wat is proof of the brilliance of mankind. And how often can you visit a temple complex that was constructed as a Hindu temple and over the centuries became Buddhist?! So get your planners out and chalk out a trip to Cambodia soon because now you have enough reasons to visit Angkor Wat. Have you already visited Angkor? What did you think?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Been here!!

I've heard theories that it's also very haunted after dark.

Been there it's huge

Actually there are more reasons to see Angkor Wat. The people, the food, the culture, the history and much more.

#5 WOw that is so cool I would like to see it sometime in my future life.

Related Topics

grand canyon world heritage site popular places in nova scotia dessert food truck attractions in santorini greece best cities in the world alligators in san antonio riverwalk antigua island things to do rembrandts most famous paintings cafes around the world sights to see in milwaukee

Popular Now