The magnificent Hindu temples of Angkor Wat are the prime attractions on the shortlist of Cambodian tourist sights. Situated in the North Western part of Cambodia, about two hundred km from the border with Thailand, the temples are part of the ancient city of Angkor. The temples of Angkor Wat comprise of a huge complex, sprawling over an area of about 81 hectares and stand testament to the architectural achievements of the powerful Khmer empire. The main features of the complex are the five towers of Angkor Wat- an image which appears in the national flag of Cambodia.

Angkor Wat, and the temples which make up the entire complex, are probably one of the most splendid examples of ancient Hindu architecture- not just in Cambodia, not just in Asia, but in the whole world. The bas-relief along the outer gallery walls of the temples depicts scenes from Hindu mythology and is the longest continuous example of such work in the world.

Angkor Wat was at one time the gem of the Ancient Khmer Empire; with the fall of the empire, the temple too fell into a state of disrepair and came to light only centuries later, when an intrepid Frenchman stumbled upon them. Today they are on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, a national treasure for Cambodia and a definite crowd-puller.