Angkor Temples

Getting to know Angkor Temples

The Angkor temples started to deteriorate in the late 13th century, but the temple complex remains as the ancient capital of the old Khmer empire that began in the 9th century till the 15th century. The biggest pre-industrial metropolis in the world, Angkor was residence to more than a million residents and approximately a thousand temples. The temples were originally constructed to memorialize the Khmer gods, with several turned into Buddhist sites years later.

Nowadays, the temples vary from stunning ruins in the middle of a rice field, to the majestic Angkor Wat, which is the biggest religious structure in the world. Several of the bigger temples have been successfully restored, and are well maintained by groups of experts from all over the world.

It is quite possible that the Angkor ruins are, in various ways, more impressive today compared to its heyday. Throughout the centuries, the effects of rain, winds, and the sun have deteriorated the carvings and blocks, which would have been gaudy when brightly painted and freshly cut. Most of the ruins are situated in the middle of farmlands and forests north of Tonle Sap Lake near Siem Reap. The group of ruins is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our qualified and experienced guides understand the significance of minimizing the effect of crowds during a tour. All guides are skilled at assuring minimal crowds at destinations. They access the temples through lesser known areas and quieter segments of the day. This makes sure that you have a memorable experience during your trip sans the huge crowds commonly seen at popular tourist destinations.

It is highly recommended to spend two to three days, although many visitors opt to extend their holiday. It is wise to consider time away from visiting the temples during your holiday, to avoid the inevitable ‘templed out’ syndrome. Siem Reap is one of the most reachable cities in the country, so it is a recommended stopover to enjoy and experience some of its attractions.