Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia’s Angkor province. That was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (reigned 1113–c. 1150). Near the town of Simréab. It is a massive religious complex in Cambodia that contains more than a thousand buildings. And is considered to be one of the world’s great cultural wonders. At 400 acres (160 hectares), Angkor Wat is the world’s biggest sacred monument. As well as the pinnacle of Khmer design. It is also the most visited site in the world.
The city of Angkor, which is home to the world-renowned temple of Angkor Wat. Served as the capital of the Khmer Empire b. Between the ninth and fifteenth centuries.
Ta Prohm, made famous by Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider film. It is one of the most stunning temples in the world. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple. And Angkor Thom are just a few of the majestic temples that formerly stood on the Angkor plateau. We now know that it was not just the center of a city the size of Berlin. But it was also the beating heart of the largest empire the world had ever known.
Angkor Wat is located around 5.5 kilometers north of the modern town of Siem Reap. Siem Reap is a bustling metropolis with lively bars, tranquil hotels. And vibrant marketplaces. It’s the ideal starting point for discovering the ancient world of Angkor.
The Rich History
Angkor Wat is an architectural masterpiece and the world’s biggest religious monument. Encompassing an area four times the size of the Vatican City. It is the most visited attraction in Cambodia. This was constructed by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the first half of the 12th century. Roughly between the years 1110 and 1150. Making it nearly 900 years old.
Approximately 30 years were spent constructing the temple complex in Phnom Penh,. The former capital of the Khmer Empire. It was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. But by the end of the 12th century. It had converted into a Buddhist temple..
Antonio de Madalena, a Portuguese monk who visited the temple in 1586. It credited as being one of the temple’s earliest Western visitors. In the 1840s, the French explorer Henri Mouhot made an important contribution. To the re-discovery of Angkor Wat. As noted by Mouhot, Angkor Wat was “grander than anything bequeathed to us. By Greece or Rome,” and he was instrumental. In spreading awareness of this amazing masterpiece around the world.
Explore Angkor Wat
Many people’s bucket lists include a visit to Cambodia’s Temples of Angkor. Which are located in the country’s southwest. Incredibly detailed and vast in scale. Angkor Wat is one of the most impressive temples on the planet.
Join everyone on a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we tour Angkor Wat’s ruins. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the setting. For two outstanding charity challenges. Both of which conclude outside the beautiful site.
Ascend Kulen Mountain and continue on to the world-famous temple. For a 5-day hiking challenge across Cambodia on our Trek to Angkor Wat. Along the way, you’ll see incredible views and the ruins of an ancient civilization.
Alternatively, if cycling is more your thing, come and join Vietnam to Cambodia Cycle Challenge. Which combines two amazing Asian nations into one incredible experience. From Ho Chi Minh City to Angkor Wat, we’ll be cycling 370 kilometers!