Cambodia | Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is truly a wonderful masterpiece. Its work of art, beauty, culture and religion represent the fortitude of the Cambodian people. And behind those breathtaking defensive walls and moats are the history and mythological figures that the world proudly uncovered.  For that, I'm listing down 7 interesting things you might want to know about Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, Cambodia

1. The Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and was built in the first half of the 12^th century.

2. Legend: According to the 13th century Chinese traveler Daguan Zhou, it was believed by some that the temple was constructed in a single night by a divine architect. Fact: It took almost 300,000 workers and about 35 years to build this masterpiece. The temple’s moat is so big that is can be seen from space.

Entrance fee for all the temples in Siem Reap is $20.
Ticketing office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

3. It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II. It has also been nominated by some as the greatest expenditure of energy on a disposal of a corpse.

4. Angkor Wat is one of the finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World (2000-2007).
5. Unlike most Khmer temples, it is oriented to the west rather than the east. Some people believe its alignment was due to its dedication to Vishnu (Supreme God of Vaishnavism), who was associated with the west.

Visiting of temple starts at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:00 PM.

6. One of the causes for its fame is Angkor Wat’s provocative decorations which predominantly are sculptures of topless women.

7. Angkor Wat also features on the Cambodia’s most popular beer, Angkor.

Travel and discover history :-)