Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers ...
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.
Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate.
Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art.
Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.
Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks.
It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. The bas-reliefs, designed for viewing from left to right in the order of Hindu funereal ritual, support this function.
Angkor Wat (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត or "Capital Temple") is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres).[1] It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (Khmer: យសោធរបុរៈ, present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia,[4] appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.
Angkor Wat lies 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) north of the modern town of Siem Reap, and a short distance south and slightly east of the previous capital, which was centred at Baphuon. In an area of Cambodia where there is an important group of ancient structures, it is the southernmost of Angkor's main sites.
According to legend, the construction of Angkor Wat was ordered by Indra to act as a palace for his son Precha Ket Mealea. According to the 13th century Chinese traveler Daguan Zhou, it was believed by some that the temple was constructed in a single night by a divine architect.
The initial design and construction of the temple took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1113 – c. 1150). Dedicated to Vishnu, it was built as the king's state temple and capital city. As neither the foundation stela nor any contemporary inscriptions referring to the temple have been found, its original name is unknown, but it may have been known as "Varah Vishnu-lok" after the presiding deity. Work seems to have ended shortly after the king's death, leaving some of the bas-relief decoration unfinished.[9] In 1177, approximately 27 years after the death of Suryavarman II, Angkor was sacked by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Thereafter the empire was restored by a new king, Jayavarman VII, who established a new capital and state temple (Angkor Thom and the Bayon respectively) a few kilometers to the north.
Toward the end of the 12th century, Angkor Wat gradually transformed from a Hindu center of worship to Buddhism, which continues to the present day. Angkor Wat is unusual among the Angkor temples in that although it was somewhat neglected after the 16th century it was never completely abandoned, its preservation being due in part to the fact that its moat also provided some protection from encroachment by the jungle.
One of the first Western visitors to the temple was António da Madalena, a Portuguese monk who visited in 1586 and said that it "is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of."
By the 17th century, Angkor Wat was not completely abandoned and functioned as a Buddhist temple. Fourteen inscriptions dated from the 17th century discovered in Angkor area testify to Japanese Buddhist pilgrims that had established small settlements alongside Khmer locals. At that time, the temple was thought by the Japanese visitors as the famed Jetavana garden of the Buddha, which originally located in the kingdom of Magadha, India. The best-known inscription tells of Ukondafu Kazufusa, who celebrated the Khmer New Year at Angkor Wat in 1632.
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National Road No. 6, Khum Sror Nge, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
Opened in end-2011, the luxurious 5-star Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort features tastefully furnished rooms bordering a large free-form pool with an island pool bar. Spread across sprawling landscaped grounds, it has a spa and fitness facilities.
Cambodian silks, fine wood fittings and a private balcony are some of the comforts offered. Featuring marble bathrooms, the spacious rooms have a flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi.
Sokhalay Angkor Villa Resort is a 5-minute drive from Siem Reap Airport. It is about a 15-minute drive from Pub Street and the UNESCO site of Angkor Wat.
Guests can enjoy a leisurely jog around the lotus ponds or rent a bike to explore the grounds. Other leisure options include an indoor pool, library and day trips.
Featuring high wood-beamed ceilings and lovely garden views, Green restaurant serves local and Western dishes. The hotel also has 2 bars, room service and barbecue facilities.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.2 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Road 6 (Next to Royal Residence), Siem Reap 17257, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located right next to the Royal Palace and across from the Royal Gardens, J7 Hotel offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It features an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Staff are able to converse in Chinese, English and Japanese.
The vibrant Pub Street and Angkor Night Market is 900 m from J7 Hotel, while Angkor Wat is 6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 7 km from the property. The property offers complimentary return transfers from the airport or bus station..
Every air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers, toothbrushes and a hairdryer.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area. A fitness centre is available. Alternatively, guests can also indulge in massage treatments at Moringa Wellness Spa or have a soak in the hot tub facilities. Union Pay is accepted at the property.
The All Day Dining serves up a variety of cuisines, from authentic Khmer dishes to Asian and Western delights.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
This property also has one of the best-rated locations in Siem Reap! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Svay Dangkum Village, Siem Reap, Siem Reap Province Cambodia, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap!
Featuring free WiFi access in all areas, Le Chanthou Boutique offers accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. It has an outdoor swimming pool and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant or have a drink at the bar.
It is 1.8 km to the vibrant Pub Street and Old Market. Cambodian Cultural Village is 3.3 km away, while Angkor Wat is 7.4 km from the property. Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport is 7.5 km away. The property offers a complimentary one-way transfer to the airport or bus station.
Air-conditioned rooms come with a TV. Certain rooms include views of the pool or garden. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for tour arrangements, currency exchange and ticketing services. Free use of bicycle is offered, while bike and car rentals are available upon request.
The in-house restaurant serves up a range of authentic Khmer cuisine and Western delights.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.3 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Road to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located on the main road to Angkor Wat, 6 km away, Regency Angkor Hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness centre. Free WiFi is offered in rooms. The property is 2.5 km from the Siem Reap Old Market area.
Featuring a balcony with views of the garden, the air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, minibar and desk.
Guests at Regency Angkor Hotel can enjoy a breakfast buffet at White Orchid Restaurant. The restaurant serves both Asian and Western cuisine. Other food and beverage options include the Earl's Café Shop and Crystal Pool Bar. There is a hot tub and a steam and sauna room located next to the swimming pool.
Guests can approach the 24-hour front desk for currency exchange, tour arrangements, ticketing and concierge services. Alternatively, guests enjoy access to the property's hot tub, steam and sauna room.
The nearest airport, Siem Reap International Airport is 12 km from the property. Regency Angkor Hotel offers complimentary pickup services from the airport.
This is our guests' favourite part of Siem Reap, according to independent reviews.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
We speak your language!
Sfpda Road, Phum Krous, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Best Value!
One of our bestsellers in Siem Reap! Located in Siem Reap, Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa features a garden. This 5-star hotel offers a terrace. King's Road Angkor is 4 km away and Pub Street is a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
All units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom fitted with a hair dryer, rooms at Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa also feature free WiFi, while some rooms have pool view. Guest rooms at the accommodation come with a seating area.
Breakfast is available every morning, and includes continental and à la carte options. The in-house restaurant specialises in European cuisine.
The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at Sabara Angkor Resort & Spa.
There is a tour desk and car rentals are available, while the business centre has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier. Staff at reception can lend a hand around the clock with guidance on the area.
Angkor Wat is 7 km from the hotel. The nearest airport is Siem Reap - Angkor International Airport, 5.6 km from the property.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.6 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Siem Reap! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Phum Kruos, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Breakfast Included
One of our top picks in Siem Reap.Angkor Palace Suite & Villa is a 5-star property located in Siem Reap. This 5-star resort offers an outdoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves Seafood cuisine.
Guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a hot tub, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a bath and a hair dryer. The rooms at the resort are equipped with a seating area.
Angkor Palace Suite & Villa offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
The accommodation has a playground. You can play tennis at Angkor Palace Suite & Villa.
A gym and ironing facilities are available at the resort. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can give tips on the area.
Pub Street is 3.9 km from Angkor Palace Suite & Villa, while King's Road Angkor is 4.3 km away. The nearest airport is Angkor International, 9.7 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
We speak your language!
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Ms. Morgane
Country: United Kingdom
City: Singapore
N.of Person: 2 pax
Travel date:
Booked: Beng Mealea Motorbike Discovery
Tour Style: Adventure Tours
Duration: Full-Day
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