22 Angkor Wat Facts That Will Surprise You

The five corncob towers that crown the top of the temple are an iconic image of Cambodia, standing proud against the sky and most famously pictured at sunrise. During the mid-12th century, the empire stretched from modern-day Myanmar to Vietnam and was under the rule of Suryavarman II (1113–50), who commissioned the building of Angkor Wat. Popular tags include car games, Minecraft, 2-player games, match 3 games, and mahjong.

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the World.
The entire stone city was constructed without cranes and cement.
Devotees travel from far and wide to pay their respects, seek blessings, and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred site.
The central tower represents the mythical mountain peak, surrounded by concentric galleries and moats that depict the oceans and continents.
Yes, visitors are allowed to climb to the top of Angkor Wat.
The temple was built orientated westwards, which is unusual for Southeast Asian architecture.
This will now allow for quarantine-free travel to and within the Kingdom, but what exactly is in the fine print?

Fact 11: Thailand Once Occupied the Preah Vihear Temple

A french Explorer Henri Mouhot visited Angkor Wat sometime in the middle of the 19th century. It managed the entire complex and made profits by promoting tourism towards it. You cannot enter the temple complex without maintaining a proper dress code. The Bayon temple is peculiar because it consists of 200 smiling faces built with stone. Today a small part of the paint remained on the temple.

Angkor Wat was previously known as Pisnulok

It takes several days to properly explore the entirety of the complex. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the World. Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back! Check below the detailed information for our different destinations, our plans by travel theme or time frame to learn more before moving forward... Fortunately, with a little timing, you can take advantage of the best times to visit Angkor Wat.

The price of Angkor Wat ticket are based on the duration of the traveling.
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According to the rules, the 3-day pass is good for use within 10 days from the issue date.
Constructed at a time of religious change, the Bayon aimed to embrace all the religions of the kingdom, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
The outer wall axis around the complex is precisely equal to the solar years in days, and its perimeter is equal to the lunar year in days.
This heritage site is the main reason why 50% of foreign tourists visit Cambodia.

Cambodian people think that it is vital to wear properly, especially in religious sites, since it reflects their respect towards tradition and etiquette. Unlike other tourist attractions, there are listed some dress codes you better follow when visiting Angkor Wat. Preah Vihear Temple is an Royalspinia Casino ancient temple located between Cambodia and Thailand, and is also one of the disputed areas. At the end of the 13th century, Angkor Wat gradually became a place for Buddhist temples. It was originally built for Hinduism, because the five towers of Angkor Wat symbolizes the peaks of Mount Meru, which according to Hindu mytholody is the dwelling place of gods. For those who like to take pictures or simply relax, the moat is very attractive for both domestic and foreign visitors.

How Long to Spend at Angkor Wat

What’s more, Preah Khan Temple alone was said to have been filled worth 60 tonnes of gold which would be worth billions in todays money. As the heart of Angkor Thom, some legend even has it that Bayon Temple was once covered entirely by gold at that time. Due to its symmetrical circle in religious rites or witchcraft, it represents the idea of promoting equality in Buddhism and Hinduism. Mandala, as a religious term, is a symbol of the universe that collects wise and ford. She now writes full time whilst traveling and exploring new countries and cultures across the globe. Its name means the Great City, and it housed the royal palace and several temples, including the famous Bayon and Phimeanakas temple. Constructed at a time of religious change, the Bayon aimed to embrace all the religions of the kingdom, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. The design of the temple is unique, and it features dozens of towers decorated with giant half-smiling faces. It was built as the state temple of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Some of the temples were built by local dignitaries, the best example of which is Banteay Srei. Different in design from the state temples, such as Angkor Wat, monastic complexes are known as flat temples as they lack the grand height of those designed as funerary temples. This was the religion of the Angkorian kings and many of the temples at Angkor were built to worship gods—most notably Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Mouhot’s diaries were published posthumously in 1864 and the world became fascinated by the ancient civilization and its temples.

Typically Related to Death in Hinduism

According to Cambodian history, the Bayon temple was probably used as a palace and temple at its peak and the living place of the king. Over 300,000 people were conscripted to work in the temple. The temple complex was constructed during the height of the Khmer Empire's power and took over 35 years to complete. At the heart of this dichotomy is Angkor Wat, a temple complex that symbolizes Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and aspirations for a bright future. Nowadays, when you walk on the stone paths of Angkor Wat, you'll feel the magic of the "underground city". I know 3 days is not nearly enough for Paris and I will be barely scratching the surface but I cannot extend the number of days. Copyright © 2026 Indochinatour.com — Private & Luxury journeys in Indochina! Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or religion, Angkor Wat is a destination that will leave you in awe of its grandeur and majesty. The price of Angkor Wat ticket are based on the duration of the traveling.