Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex of Angkor and the most emblematic monument of Cambodge. Built in the early 12th century, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992 and featured at the center of the national flag, it concentrates the essence of classical Khmer art across 1.9 km² of walls, galleries and lotus towers. The site is located 5.5 km north of Siem Reap, southeast of Angkor Thom and near the Tonlé Sap.

Why visit Angkor Wat

• The world's largest religious monument, preserved in its original Khmer architecture.
• Over 1,200 m² of carved bas-reliefs and more than 2,000 figures of apsaras, devatas and rishis.
• An atypical westward orientation, linked to the cult of Vishnu to whom the temple was dedicated.
• A living site, still frequented by Buddhist pilgrims.
• An ideal starting point for exploring the entire Angkor archaeological park.

History of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century under the reign of Suryavarman II. Unlike most Khmer temples, it was dedicated to Vishnu, which explains its westward orientation, atypical in Angkorian architecture. Vishnu is one of the three great gods of the Hindu pantheon, alongside Shiva and Brahma.

By the late 14th century, the temple had been converted to Theravada Buddhism, the religion still practiced today in Cambodge. Monks continue to visit it as a pilgrimage site, and several sanctuaries retain an active religious function.

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992, Angkor Wat was long threatened by looting, vegetation and the consequences of civil war. A conservation program launched at the initiative of King Norodom Sihanouk paved the way for international cooperation. In 2004, UNESCO called on the international community to support the site's preservation; France, Japan and China are among the major contributors to restoration work.

What to see at Angkor Wat

The overall layout

The temple extends over 1.9 km² and reproduces Hindu cosmology: it represents Mount Meru, the abode of the gods. An enclosure wall of 3.6 km surrounds the complex, preceded by a moat 190 m wide that symbolizes the primordial ocean. Inside, three concentric rectangular galleries lead to the central sanctuary, dominated by five lotus towers (prasats). The central tower rises to more than 65 m in height.

The bas-reliefs

The first gallery, approximately 800 m long, is lined with square pillars and displays the most extensive sculptural program on the site. The walls feature more than 1,200 m² of bas-reliefs, including:

• West wall: the royal army of Suryavarman II fighting the Chams.
• South wall: the scene of heaven and hell, judgment of souls according to Hindu mythology.
• Episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Apsaras and sculptures

The interior and exterior walls are home to more than 2,000 sculptures of apsaras, devatas and rishis, finely detailed in classical Angkorian style. The lintels and pediments feature Vishnu and Krishna. The temple is built from sandstone of various colors and laterite, which explains the variations in hue throughout the galleries.

The Buddhist heritage

When the temple was converted to Buddhism, the central sanctuary received four Buddha images oriented toward the four cardinal directions. Each gallery still houses statues. The south gallery once contained the gallery of a thousand Buddhas, where Khmer pilgrims deposited small votive statues. Most of these works were destroyed during the civil war.

A national icon

Angkor Wat appears at the center of the Cambodge flag, something no other country in the world does with a monument. The Independence Monument in Phnom Penh is directly inspired by its towers.

Practical information

• Ticket: visiting requires an Angkor Pass, valid for all temples in the archaeological park. Several durations are available (1 day, 3 days, 7 days).
• Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered to access the third level, which remains an active religious space.
• Duration of visit: allow a minimum of half a day for Angkor Wat alone, longer if you wish to study the bas-reliefs in detail.
• Tip: bring water, a hat and good walking shoes; the steps of the central sanctuary are steep.

When to visit Angkor Wat

The dry season, from November to March, offers the most comfortable conditions: cooler temperatures and low probability of rain. April and May are very hot, while the rainy season (June to October) makes vegetation lush but can complicate movement within the park.

The sunrise behind the towers is one of the most sought-after moments, due to the temple's westward orientation: the silhouette stands out against the light, reflected in the northern basin. Late afternoon, which is quieter, highlights the golden light on the bas-reliefs.

How to get to Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is located 5.5 km north of central Siem Reap, accessible via Charles de Gaulle Road. Several options are available:

• Tuk-tuk: the most common solution, negotiable for the day to visit multiple temples.
• Bicycle: pleasant in the dry season, the terrain is flat.
• Car with driver: recommended in extreme heat or for a longer circuit.

Around the area

Angkor Wat is part of a vast archaeological complex. In the immediate vicinity:

• Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery with discrete galleries, often less crowded.
• Banteay Samre, a well-preserved Hindu temple located east of the park.
• Bakong, the first Khmer temple-mountain of the Roluos group.
• Banteay Chhmar, an isolated complex in the northwest, to extend the experience off the beaten path.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Angkor Wat is the heart of any circuit in Cambodge. To integrate the visit into a complete itinerary including Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or the south coast, consult our custom trips to Cambodge.