Angkor
Cambodia ·
Description
Angkor is the dream of an empire that wanted to build heaven on earth. Angkor Wat emerges at dawn like a cosmic mountain, its towers reflected in lotus ponds. At Ta Prohm, tree roots embrace stones in a centuries-old dance. A thousand temples whisper stories of god-kings and epic battles carved in kilometers of bas-reliefs.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire (9th-15th centuries), the most powerful in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious monument, while the Bayon captivates with its smiling faces. The hydraulic system that fed a million inhabitants was an unparalleled engineering feat.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, with temples representing the pinnacle of Khmer art and architecture.
It was inscribed in 1992 under criteria (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).
Near Siem Reap, Cambodia, in a 400 km² area of tropical forest.
Minimum 3 days for main temples; 5-7 days to explore in depth.
Sunrise is magical but very crowded; sunset from Pre Rup is less crowded.