Angkor

Above: Buddhist monks at Angkor Wat (by Jonathan Lewis) and tree roots at Ta Prohm (by alickmighall).

The ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom, Angkor is a spectacular landscape of crumbling stone reliefs, great towers, encroaching jungle roots, orange-clad monks and spectacular sunset reflections.

Angkor is the most popular destination in Cambodia by far, and one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sacred sites in the world. Its central attraction, Angkor Wat, is proudly featured on the Cambodian flag and it is a major boost to the economy of the recovering country.

Stretching over some 400 sq km, including forests and jungles, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat, is believed to be the largest religious structure in the world, and there are many other fascinating temples to explore as well. Allow more than one day to see Angkor — preferably several days to a week. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants and transportation to Angkor in the nearby city of Siem Reap.

	Angkor Satellite Map A high-resolution, interactive satellite map of Angkor, allowing you to find your bearings and get a clear view of Angkor's sacred geometry.
	Angkor Site Maps & Floor Plans Maps, plans and diagrams of Angkor temples and sights.
	Angkor Timeline A chronology of the god-kings and their magnificent temples.
	Avoiding the Crowds Here's how to find some peace and solitude in this popular tourist destination.
	Angkor Tours & Transfers Choose one of several sightseeing tours in Angkor or book an airport transfer from Siem Reap.
	Siem Reap Hotels From budget or luxury, you can book your Siem Reap hotel at Expedia.
	Siem Reap Hotel Reviews Read unbiased reviews and compare prices on hotels in Siem Reap.
	Siem Reap/Angkor Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on travel in Siem Reap and Angkor from fellow travelers.

	Angkor Thom Angkor Thom means "the great city" in Khmer. The 12th-century royal Buddhist city is especially famed for its grand Bayon Temple, but has several other sights of interest as well.
	Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is the star of Angkor and indeed all of Cambodia. Reckoned to be the largest religious structure in the world, the Hindu temple is designed to be a microcosm of the universe.
	Banteay Kdei This massive Buddhist monastery dates from the late 12th century and is surrounded by four concentric walls. Each entrance is decorated with garuda holding aloft the four faces of Avalokiteshvara.
	Banteay Samre Dating from the same period as Angkor Wat (1100s AD), this restored Hindu temple is enclosed by two concentric walls and contains two libraries.
	Banteay Srei Although out of the way, true temple buffs won't want to miss Banteay Srei, a beautiful 10th-century Hindu temple complex carved with intricate in deep red sandstone.
	Baphuon Temple North of Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, Baphuon is a pyramid-shaped symbol of the mythical Mt. Meru. It marked the center of the city before Angkor Thom was founded.
	Bayon Temple In the exact center of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple represents the intersection of heaven and earth. Built around 1190, the Buddhist temple is famed for its enigmatic faces.
	Beng Melea An hour from Angkor Wat, this temple is perhaps the best place to feel like Lara Croft or Indiana Jones. Long a secret enclave for temple buffs, Beng Melea is now attracting more visitors.
	East Mabon This pyramid-shaped Hindu temple was built c.950 AD and is guarded at the corners by beautifully-preserved, stone-carved harnessed elephants.
	Pre Rup South of East Mabon, 10th-century Pre Rup consists of a pyramidical temple-mountain with five square shrines on the top tier. This was probably a royal crematorium.
	Ta Prohm Aside from sunset at the Wat, this is easily the most atmospheric site at Angkor. This 12th-century Buddhist temple is fighting a losing battle with the mighty roots of the thriving jungle.