Angkor, Cambodia

As a first generation Cambodian, I’ve only dreamed about going to the Angkor. The more I learned about this majestic place while I was growing up, the more I was motivated to go there one day. Angkor, also known as “The City of Temples”, is home to 900 year old ruins. It resides in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and attacts over two million tourists each year.

Not only is this historical landmark visually breathtaking, but the value and history makes an impact as well. Enjoy the pictures and I hope it inspires you to visit Cambodia someday!

Below I’ve gathered 10 facts/traveling tips I’ve learned from my trip to Angkor:

#1. Do not attempt to explore the entire city in one day. There are so many temples to explore. Be sure to purchase a one week pass, which is $60.

#2. Comfortable shoes are VERY important. The staircases in the temples are a very steep climb.

#3. Angkor is made up of 5 million tons of sandstone that had to be carried at least 25 miles to the site. If this is accurate, that would mean that there had to be over 1000 individuals working at one time. Elephants also assisted in the labor. Talk about man power!

#4. Angkor was once thriving as the largest city in the world. It is suspected to have been home to one million Cambodians during the 12th century. Now that’s a flourishing civilization!

 

#5. Angkor Wat is a replica of the universe. The central tower stands as the highest point in the monument and is meant to represent Mount Meru, a mystical mountain in Hindu religion that sits at the center of the universe. The surrounding five towers represents the peaks of Mount Meru.

#6. Prasat Ta Phrom is evidence of what happens to an abandoned temple that becomes engulfed by the surrounding jungle. Massive trees and roots are sprouting from the ruins, which gives the site a unique look. Restorative efforts are currently underway to prevent the ruins from completely surrendering to the jungle.

#7. Angkor is Hollywood famous! The motion picture, Tomb Raider, featuring Angelina Jolie was filmed in Prasat Ta Phrom.

#8. Angkor is surrounded by jungle wildlife, so keep your ears and eyes open at all times! While entering the kingdom, we saw a family of monkeys strolling along the road. So amazing!

#9. Angkor Wat is suspected to have been built for funeral purposes. The building is facing the West and the Bas-reliefs (carvings on the wall) proceed counterclockwise. Both are associated with death according to Hinduism.

#10. Not only are the Bas-reliefs beautifully intricate, the depictions of Aspara dancers (found in several temples) are astonishing as well. The flexing of the hands and the illusion of elongated fingers are what Cambodian classical dancers try to replicate during their dances.