The Angkor Wat temple is so symbolic of Cambodia that it adorns the country's national flag - the only building in the world to do so.
Built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple in what was then Khmer's capital city, Angkor.
Many of the first Westerners to see it couldn't believe such a beautiful building could have been build by Khmers and wrongly dated it to Roman times.
One of its earliest visitors from Europe, a Portuguese monk called Antonio da Magdalena, wrote in 1586 that it "is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen", while the 19th century French explorer, Henri Mouhot, wrote that "one of these temples—a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michelangelo—is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome."
The splendour and beauty of Angkor Wat is not lost on visitors today either. Indeed the sheer scale of the temple and the other monumnents in its grounds can be overwhelming, but if you take your time you will get the most from your visit.
Tickets are on sale at the front gate for one to seven days (US$20-US$60 as of March 2008) and must be used consecutively. Cambodians can enter for free so you will not have to pay for your driver if you have one. If you buy a pass on the evening before the first day of the pass, you can enter the park after 5pm to view the sunset, after which the park closes. The passes are non-transferable and include a photograph of the owner.
The temple itself is surrounded by a moat and as you walk towards it you will pass the towers and libraries on both sides of the walkway.
You will then begin to see
the famous bas reliefs depicting scenes from various mythological stories and historic events including battles of both man and myth. You will then gain access to the second and third tiers of this magnificent building via steps.
As this is still regarded as a religious temple by many Cambodians, it is important to dress appropriately. An official guide can be employed for about US$20 and is well worth the money, but otherwise feel free to wander around. Drinks and snacks are sold by various vendors - remember bartering is a way of life here!
The temple is located four miles north of Siem Reap, a town that is perhaps surprisingly modern given the poverty of the country in general. It boasts its own airport, five star hotels and well as hostels, a fully equipped private hospital and its fair share of restaurants and eateries.
