The term “Angkor Wat” translates to City Temple; and the original wall actually enclosed the temple, a city and a palace. The Angkor region itself is filled with ruins that actually stretch around 400 kilometres squared. Around 50% of travellers who visit Cambodia, actually do so specifically to see Angkor Wat. It’s believed to have been constructed in the early 12th Century but it wasn’t until the 1500s that it got its current name.Angkor Wat is believed to be the largest religious monument in the world and was built out of sandstone. Most temples in the area face the east, but Angkor Wat faces the west. It was originally built as a Hindu Temple and the decorations on the temple walls include fables and myths from the Hindu religion.The temple of Angkor Wat was actually built to represent Mount Meru, which is known as the home of the Lord of Brahma and the demi-god Devtas; part of Hindu Mythology. Angkor Thom is located nearby and is Cambodias world famous walled city. You can also visit the enchanted temple of Bayon, which was built around 1190 AD by King Jayavarman VII and is richly decorated with faces smiling out into the crowds.

Ten things you need to know about Angkor Wat