Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the most iconic temple in Cambodia and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II as a Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu and later becoming a Buddhist site. Its grand scale, intricate bas-reliefs, and symbolic design representing Mount Meru make it the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over recent decades, Angkor Wat has become a major global tourism draw — receiving millions of visitors annually — which has helped fund conservation efforts even as it presents challenges from heavy foot traffic.
Today, visitors explore not just Angkor Wat but the vast Angkor Archaeological Park, home to hundreds of temples set in lush forests near Siem Reap, Cambodia. The park is open daily from about 5:00 AM to 5:30 PM (some sources note until 6:00 PM), allowing spectacular sunrise and late-afternoon visits. To enter you must purchase an Angkor Pass — typically USD 37 for 1 day, USD 62 for 3 days, and USD 72 for 7 days — which grants access to Angkor Wat and most temples (children under 12 often enter free with ID). For tickets, you can visit the official ticket seller, Angkor Enterprise, located on Apsara Road in Siem Reap; tickets are also available online. Security checks occur at major temples, so keep your pass with you at all times. is the most iconic temple in Cambodia and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture, built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II as a Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu and later becoming a Buddhist site. Its grand scale, intricate bas-reliefs, and symbolic design representing Mount Meru make it the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over recent decades, Angkor Wat has become a major global tourism draw — receiving millions of visitors annually — which has helped fund conservation efforts even as it presents challenges from heavy foot traffic.
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