The Astonishing Angkor Wat Temple – A Must-Visit Tourist Destination During Cambodia Tours
If you are planning to travel to Southeast Asia you should not miss out on experiencing the breathtaking charm of Cambodia and its stunning attractions that frequently attract tourists. Although Cambodia has a treasure of truly exciting and adventurous destinations, the legendary sacred shrines of Angkor Wat tend to stand out to those who embark on Cambodia tours. The Angkor Wat temple is featured on the Cambodian flag, making them a national symbol of the country. Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple from the 12th century, included in the Angkor World Heritage Site, and is one Southeast Asia's most iconic structures.
Angkor Wat in the Cambodia of Today
Over the centuries ever since its construction, several structural changes have been made to the Angkor Wat temple. In the 13th century, the central shrine, which was once open, was converted into a walled Buddhist shrine and remains unchanged. Most of the changes have got more to do with the ritualistic use of the temple, for instance, if you visit the temple today you will see orange-robed monks and a lot of Buddhist devotees. Although it is a topmost destination among Cambodia tours, the Angkor Wat temple is far more important as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
What to See at Angkor Wat Temple
Indian ideas served as a strong influence for the architecture of the Angkor Wat temple. It is believed that this temple was conceived according to Hindu cosmology to be a symbolic universal structure. There central shrines of the temple are surrounded by galleries and a moat. All of the galleries have Apsaras, female spirits in Buddhist and Hindu mythology, on the walls. A number of staircases on the outside of the shrines connect their three levels to each other. The end point of the temple is in the sanctuary, a massive pyramid-like central tower. Many of the flat surfaces of the temple display Khmer decoration, which is harmonious yet lavish, comprising mainly of the images of animals, gods and humans. The borders are decorated with floral motifs.
Visitors on Cambodia tours take home a variety of impressions of this remarkable temple. Some gain an insight into archaeology or Buddhism, and other are able to find a special spiritual connection with the otherworldly aura and energy of Angkor Wat. However, one common experience that is shared between most of tourists who visit Angkor Wat is viewing the sunrise and sunset from the temple.
Other Hot Spots in Siem Reap
If you decide to specifically travel to Siem Reap to see the Angkor Wat temple, there are several other activities and attractions in the province that you would not want to miss out. One of Siem Reap's newest attractions is the Cambodian Cultural Village. If you want to get a taste of Cambodian culture, then you should also stop and watch traditional Cambodian dancers perform the Khmer dance. Southeast Asia's largest fresh water lake, Tonle Sap Lake, is also situated in the Siem Reap province. The exotic dishes in Cambodia might shock you, but if you are adventurous and not faint-hearted, you may want to give them a try too.
Taking one of the many guided Cambodia tours to go see Angkor Wat is a good idea if you will be visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia for the first time. The Angkor Wat temple is one of the very few historical and heritage sites in the world that have remained preserved for centuries. So if you intend to plan a vacation to Cambodia, add the Angkor Wat temple to your list of places to visit.
Angkor Wat in the Cambodia of Today
Over the centuries ever since its construction, several structural changes have been made to the Angkor Wat temple. In the 13th century, the central shrine, which was once open, was converted into a walled Buddhist shrine and remains unchanged. Most of the changes have got more to do with the ritualistic use of the temple, for instance, if you visit the temple today you will see orange-robed monks and a lot of Buddhist devotees. Although it is a topmost destination among Cambodia tours, the Angkor Wat temple is far more important as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.
What to See at Angkor Wat Temple
Indian ideas served as a strong influence for the architecture of the Angkor Wat temple. It is believed that this temple was conceived according to Hindu cosmology to be a symbolic universal structure. There central shrines of the temple are surrounded by galleries and a moat. All of the galleries have Apsaras, female spirits in Buddhist and Hindu mythology, on the walls. A number of staircases on the outside of the shrines connect their three levels to each other. The end point of the temple is in the sanctuary, a massive pyramid-like central tower. Many of the flat surfaces of the temple display Khmer decoration, which is harmonious yet lavish, comprising mainly of the images of animals, gods and humans. The borders are decorated with floral motifs.
Visitors on Cambodia tours take home a variety of impressions of this remarkable temple. Some gain an insight into archaeology or Buddhism, and other are able to find a special spiritual connection with the otherworldly aura and energy of Angkor Wat. However, one common experience that is shared between most of tourists who visit Angkor Wat is viewing the sunrise and sunset from the temple.
Other Hot Spots in Siem Reap
If you decide to specifically travel to Siem Reap to see the Angkor Wat temple, there are several other activities and attractions in the province that you would not want to miss out. One of Siem Reap's newest attractions is the Cambodian Cultural Village. If you want to get a taste of Cambodian culture, then you should also stop and watch traditional Cambodian dancers perform the Khmer dance. Southeast Asia's largest fresh water lake, Tonle Sap Lake, is also situated in the Siem Reap province. The exotic dishes in Cambodia might shock you, but if you are adventurous and not faint-hearted, you may want to give them a try too.
Taking one of the many guided Cambodia tours to go see Angkor Wat is a good idea if you will be visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia for the first time. The Angkor Wat temple is one of the very few historical and heritage sites in the world that have remained preserved for centuries. So if you intend to plan a vacation to Cambodia, add the Angkor Wat temple to your list of places to visit.