Angkor Wat – the hugest religious monument in all over the world - is a “must-come” destination when taking a Cambodia tour. Once coming by it, it is unable for you to forget mysterious legend stories behind the ruins.
Angkor Wat is recognized as “the seventh Wonder of the World that has still remained. Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, about 240 kilometers far from Phnom Penh, this globally largest religious monument has the total area of 162.2 hectares. It was built in the early 12th century.
Aerial view of Angkor Wat monument
Angkor Wat, translated from Khmer (the official language of Cambodia) literally means “City Temple.” It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, who is one of the three principal gods in the Hindu pantheon (Shiva and Brahma are the others). Among them, he is known as the “Protector.” The major patron of Angkor Wat was King Suryavarman II, whose name is translated as the “protector of the sun.” It is believed that Angkor Wat was not only a temple dedicated to Vishnu but it was also intended to serve as the king’s mausoleum.
An ancient corner of Angkor Wat
The site is built entirely out of sandstone. As the greatest pride of Cambodia, Angkor Wat monument reflected the fantastic art of engraving in a typical Hindu temple with the total of 3000 glyphs of Asaparas at 37 different styles. Other than narrative glyphs like those, the Ancient Khmer’s art of engraving is demonstrated in every corner of 398 rooms, from ceilings, corridors to handrails.
Asaparas - female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist culture
The temple complex simulates the Mount Meru, the center of Hindu cosmology. It consisted of five prasats or sanctuary towers representing the peaks of the sacred mountain at three different attitudes. The first level is the Hell, while the second and third one is the Earth and the Heaven respectively. Its layout is a bit confusing for those who visit it for the first time.
There levels representing for the Hell, the Earth and the Heaven
From November to the following February is the most appropriate period to visit Angkor Wat monument. If you join in a Cambodia tour in this season, not only is the weather supportive, but you also get various chances to enjoy awesome Khmer’s festivals, especially Water Festival (Bonn Om Touk).
In order to tour this unique architectural complex, there are 3 options of ticket for you to select:
One-day ticket: 37USD per one
Three-day ticket: 62USD per one
Seven-day ticket: 72USD per one
Commonly, the three-day ticket is the best option since one day ticket cannot help you cover Angkor Wat entirely. The prices apply only to foreign visitors. There is no discount for students, but for children younger than 12 is free (with showing their passport). For Cambodians, a visit to the Angkor temples is still free, which is very good!
The opening hour is from 5 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. It is essentially recommended for you to keep the ticket by your side and at good conditions.
Sunset in Angkor Wat is an impressive experience
