The region of Angkor is home to a complex of over one hundred stone temples, along with shrines, pagodas and other sacred places. 

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire between around 800 and 1200 AD and the remains seen today are relics of this civilisation. The majority of these stunning buildings are religious in nature, echoing the Khmer rulers' desires to create monuments to their gods. These are the only buildings still standing from that era as all other buildings, such as administrative centres, palaces and the homes of its inhabitants were built of wood and have not stood the passage of time.

Historians propose two theories to explain the choice of the Khmer rulers to settle in the Angkor region (Angkor translates as "capital city") The more prosaic being that it was a good choice strategically and the more esoteric being that it was based on astronomical calculations.

The temples of Angkor are scattered throughout the Angkor Arhaelogocial Park, which is easily accessed from the town of Siem Reap.

Visitors will find over 100 stone temples,  from immense pyramid-like structures in locally made bricks, laterite or dark grey sandstone, to small buildings, delicately carved in pink sandstone, from the beautifully restored to barely recognisable mounds of rubble. Each temple complex has its own beauty, its own secrets and its own atmosphere.

A thorough renovation project started in the early twentieth century and now falls under the auspices of a joint committee headed by UNESCO. 

Angkor Wat

Undoubtedly the most important religious building in Cambodia and recognised as an exquisite example of Khmer architecture, this temple was built in honour of the god Vishnu and is said to represent, with its attendant moat and towers, an element of Hindu cosmology. 

It is a massive pyramid of sandstone blocks, intricately carved in bas-relief and is still in very good condition. 

It is not only the focus of many foreign tourists to the region, but still attracts pilgrims from across Cambodia.

Ta Prohm

A very early temple complex, probably built for the Royal Family. 

It is said that the carved faces were modelled on the family members of King Jayavarman VII, who commisioned the original structure.

Following the demise of the Khmer empire this temple fell into disrepair and has been largely overtaken by the jungle in which it sits.

The site has not been reconstructed or restored in any way, but it has been made safe for visitors and further decay arrested where feasible.

Other temples in the area:

Prea Khan
Well preserved with excellent carvings, this temple was built in the 12th century.

The Baphuon
This large pyramid with beautiful carvings is particularly worth visiting for the 131 foot reclining Buddha in its grounds.

Banteai Srei
A small, delicate temple, comprising several temples within one complex, it is noteworthy for its exquisite carvings in pink sandstone.