There’s no point of coming to Cambodia without visiting this marvel. The Archeological complex is close to Siem Reap. The temple complex was made by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and served as both capital city and royal temple; this explains the temples name (Angkor means city, and Wat or Vat means temple in Khmer).
At the decline of the Great Khmer Kingdom following the death of King Suryavarman II, Angkor was sacked and pillaged by the kingdom of Champa.
When emperor Srindravarman, a prince and ordained monk, ascended to throne, he converted Angkor Wat into a Theravada Buddhist temple.
The Angkor Wat is an archeological complex with outer walls shelter the 820,000 square metres complex. The temples represent Mount Meru, the heaven of devas (Hindu gods), and is a grand example of ancient Khmer architecture. There are three kinds of non-transferable tourist passes: a day pass (US$ 20), 3-day pass valid for a week (US$ 40), and 7-day pass valid for one month (US$ 60). Remember to always have your entry pass with you because the complex guardians or Apsara Authorities occasionally check admittance tickets.
Avoid frustration and disorientation by hiring an official guide. For US$ 20 a day, they will help you find the somewhat hard to find temples and explain its historical values and it is easy to find a guide in Siem Reap.
There are four main temple groups in Angkor complex: Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom (the mother temple and the ancient capital), the Little Circuit at the east of the ancient capital, the Big Circuit at north and further east areas, Outlying temples at about 20 Km away from Angkor Wat, Roluos ruins of the ancient capital of Hariharalaya which located 15 Km away from Siem Reap.
When you’re on the circuits, beware of police officers who offer you some “quick tours” and ask a small amount of “donations” for the monks and incense, just politely say “no thanks”, smile and walk away. Scams and rip offs are fairly common in the complex. Refusing peddlers, though it could be difficult at times, is necessary to make your Angkor visit worthwhile.
The Angkor and Angkor Thom is the prettiest at sunrise and at sunset, so make sure you wake up bright and early ahead of tourist bus rush. To find a good hotel in Siem Reap, follow the link.
