

Year Built
Early 12th century CE
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences
Built By
King Suryavarman II
Material Used
Sandstone, Laterite, Lime Mortar, Metal, Wood
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Angkor Wat, majestically rising from the Cambodian jungle near Siem Reap, represents the world's largest religious monument and one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in human history, constructed in the early 12th century CE during the reign of King Suryavarman II as a vast temple complex originally dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver deity of the Hindu Trimurti, creating a breathtaking testament to the profound transmission of Indian Hindu religious and architectural traditions to Southeast Asia. The temple complex, spanning over 162 hectares and surrounded by a massive moat that represents the cosmic ocean, features a sophisticated architectural design that symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical five-peaked mountain that serves as the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology according to ancient Indian texts including the Puranas and Mahabharata, while the temple's unique westward orientation, unusual for Hindu temples which typically face east, has been interpreted by scholars as reflecting its function as both a temple and a funerary monument for the king. The temple's extraordinary bas-relief galleries, extending for over 800 meters and executed with remarkable artistic sophistication, depict elaborate scenes from Hindu epics including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with depictions of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan), the Battle of Kurukshetra, and scenes from the life of Vishnu, demonstrating the direct transmission of Indian Hindu iconographic programs and narrative traditions from the great artistic centers of India to Cambodia. The temple's architectural layout, with its central quincunx of towers representing the five peaks of Mount Meru, surrounded by concentric galleries and courtyards, follows sophisticated Indian Hindu temple planning principles that were systematically transmitted from the great temple complexes of India including those of the Pallava, Chola, and Chalukya dynasties, while the temple's extensive decorative programs including over 1,860 apsaras (celestial dancers) and numerous devatas (deities) carved into the sandstone walls demonstrate the sophisticated understanding of Indian Hindu iconography possessed by Khmer artists and architects. Archaeological evidence reveals that the temple served as both a major center of Hindu worship and the state temple of the Khmer Empire, while the discovery of numerous Sanskrit inscriptions provides crucial evidence of the site's role in the transmission of Indian religious texts and practices to Southeast Asia, demonstrating the sophisticated understanding of Indian Hindu traditions possessed by the Khmer court and religious establishment. The temple's construction employed sophisticated engineering techniques including the use of sandstone blocks fitted together without mortar, sophisticated corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian temple architecture, and extensive hydraulic engineering including the massive moat and sophisticated water management systems that reflect the transmission of Indian knowledge systems to Cambodia. Today, Angkor Wat stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the most important archaeological monuments in Southeast Asia, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Hindu culture and architecture to Southeast Asia, while ongoing archaeological research, conservation efforts, and international preservation initiatives continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Southeast Asian religious and artistic traditions. ([1][2])
Angkor Wat was constructed in the early 12th century CE by King Suryavarman II. The temple originally served as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. The temple later transitioned to Buddhist use. The site was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Ongoing restoration and conservation efforts continue. ([1][2])
Henri Mouhot, French École Française d'Extrême-Orient, UNESCO, APSARA Authority


Extensive archaeological excavations, documentation, structural analysis, and conservation work.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; restoration of damaged sections; ongoing conservation. ([1][2])
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Construction utilized sandstone blocks fitted together without mortar using sophisticated interlocking techniques. The temple employed corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian temple architecture. The foundation system utilized compacted earth platforms. Decorative elements including bas-reliefs and sculptures were carved directly into sandstone using techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs sandstone block construction with corbelled vaulting adapted from Indian architecture. The distinctive Khmer tower form utilizes tiered pyramidal roofs. The foundation system consists of compacted earth platforms. ([1][2])
13.412500, 103.867000
{"notes":"Extensive complex; wear appropriate footwear; respect religious site; sunrise viewing popular; photography allowed.","restrooms":"Available at visitor facilities.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to steps and uneven terrain."}
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Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) for sunrise and fewer crowds; late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) for sunset; dry season (November-March) for comfortable weather.
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Respect religious site; do not climb on structures; follow designated pathways; photography allowed; modest clothing recommended.
6
Yes
Yes
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2025-11-09T09:26:20.120401+00:00
Medieval Period
Siem Reap
Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences
UNESCO Site
Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia is a historic Temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This Khmer Hindu Temple Architecture with Indian Hindu Architectural and Iconographic Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Cambodia. Angkor Wat, majestically rising from the Cambodian jungle near Siem Reap, represents the world's largest religious monument and one of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in human histor...
| ៛Entry Fee | 1-day pass: USD 37; 3-day pass: USD 62; 7-day pass: USD 72; Cambodian nationals: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia is located in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, Siem Reap. The nearest major city is Angkor Wat. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 13.4125, 103.867.
Entry fee: 1-day pass: USD 37; 3-day pass: USD 62; 7-day pass: USD 72; Cambodian nationals: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Angkor Wat Siem Reap Cambodia by King Suryavarman II
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO World Heritage Site
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation