Angkor Wat: A Timeless Beauty of Cambodia
The climate in Cambodia is quite similar to Vietnam, with two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. Therefore, the best time to explore Angkor Wat is during the dry season, from December to May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, allowing you to experience comfortable and memorable days of travel.
Especially if you visit during the hot dry season, from March to May, you can experience the unique cultural festivals of this country such as the traditional Khmer New Year Chaul Chnam Thmey (April 13th - 15th), the Bom Chaul Chnam water festival (April 13th - 15th), the Meak Bochea festival (March in lunar calendar),...
The Angkor temple complex is also a beautiful spot for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts. You should wake up early and line up before 5 a.m. to get the best position to admire the picturesque scene as the first rays of sunlight illuminate each temple and reflect on the water's surface.
5 Stunning Temples You Must Visit at Angkor Wat
In the Angkor archaeological site, there are over 1000 temples of various sizes scattered around, each possessing a unique structure and mystical beauty that leaves visitors in awe. The five temples below are highlights at Angkor Wat that you should definitely visit. Let's explore them!
1. Angkor Wat Temple
This is the cultural center and the most important temple in the Angkor temple complex. When visiting Angkor Wat temple, you can see the distinctive architecture featuring harmonious combinations of lotus-shaped towers, cross-shaped stairways, and nearly 400 rooms along the main axes connected by narrow corridors up to 1,500 meters long.
The Angkor temple is a complex of five towers symbolizing the five peaks of the sacred Mount Meru, the homeland of the gods in Indian mythology. It includes the tallest central tower at 65 meters and four subsidiary towers forming four square corners.
Unlike most other temples, the main entrance of Angkor Wat temple faces west, which according to Indian culture, is considered inauspicious. There are many theories about this characteristic, but to this day, it remains a mystery at Angkor.
2. Angkor Thom Temple
Angkor Thom is an ancient walled city area comprising many remarkable architectural structures, second only to Angkor Wat. Exploring the Angkor Thom temple area, visitors will be mesmerized by a series of large stone gates with peculiar shapes on all four sides, stone lion statues, and majestic moats.
Notably, the most beautiful temple in the complex is Bayon temple. As the centerpiece of Angkor Thom, Bayon spans 9 square kilometers, consisting of three levels and 54 towers containing 216 mysterious faces carved on white stone. The unique architectural artistry has made Angkor Thom temple an irresistible destination in the marvelous exploration journey of Angkor Wat.
3. Ta Prohm Temple (Tomb Raider)
Ta Prohm temple, famous after appearing in the movie 'Tomb Raider,' is an intriguing destination in the Angkor complex. The highlight of Ta Prohm is the majestic trees and tree roots covering the architectural structures, creating a mysterious and romantic scenery.
Entering Ta Prohm feels like stepping into a mysterious world, where nature and architecture harmonize splendidly. Exploring Ta Prohm, visitors can relax in a peaceful space and enjoy the characteristic ancient beauty.
4. Roluos Group of Temples
Roluos Group of Temples, comprising three main temples Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, lies outside the western gateway of Angkor Wat. These are structures belonging to the ancient city of Hariharalaya, the first stone maps opening up the cultural center of Angkor.
The Roluos Group of Temples is an ideal destination to learn about the origins of Angkor Wat architecture and experience the development of Khmer culture in ancient times.
5. Banteay Srei in the Outskirts of the Temple Complex
Banteay Srei, also known as the 'Citadel of Women,' is one of the temples located outside the central area of Angkor Wat.
Built in the 10th century, Banteay Srei temple is considered a masterpiece of red sandstone artistry, incredibly prominent and intricate. Visitors to Banteay Srei will be captivated by the ancient architectural beauty, exquisite stone statues, and the cultural influence honoring women.
