The city of Angkor is an archaeological site of hundreds of temples, ruins, hydraulic installations of all kinds (basin, canals, reservoirs, dikes), lost in a lush jungle. Built between the 9th and 15th centuries, the city was one of the largest capitals of the Khmer Empire. It extends over more than 400 square kilometers. More recent theories, however, suggest that the city was already inhabited before the 9th century.

The first temples, including Preak Ko, were built around 879. Just before the year 1000, other ones were built as Phnom Bakheng, Mebon Oriental or Pre Rup. It was around 1130 that Sūryavarman II built the most famous temples of the Khmer city: Angkor Wat. From the 12th century, the famous temples of Bayon, Ta Prohm or Preah Khan were finally erected. This was the pinnacle of Angkor.

Buddhist and Hindu religions alternate between the 12th and the 14th century. From that time, the Khmer city was in decline, mainly due to neighboring wars with the kingdom of Ayutthaya (Thailand) but also to difficult weather conditions. Several theories expresses the idea that the kingdom would have lost control over the water resource during a major drought.

From 1431, the Khmer city was abandoned in favor of the city of Phnom Penh. The site is listed since 1992 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the revenue of this gigantic site is donated to help the preservation of the temples, renovation and ongoing archaeological excavations in the area. Today archaeologists (thanks to lidar technology) still find vestiges of the ancient city.

1. Angkor Wat

True emblem of the country, this Buddhist temple is the main source of tourism in the region. Since 1992, Angkor Wat, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage and is considered the eighth wonder of the world. Symbol of Cambodia, it took place within the national flag itself. This temple, built in the 12th century is relatively well preserved. From the top you have a breathtaking view of the whole Angkor site. This city was once the capital of the Khmer Empire that ruled southeast Asia from the 9h century to the 15th century. The sight of these remains nestled in the jungle is simply grandiose.

2. Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom means the "Great City". It was the last great capital of the Angkorian Empire and is the largest site in the archaeological park of Angkor. To enter this site, one must pass through one of the five large entrance gates that are topped by four giant faces. The bridges leading to the gates are lined with statues. Inside, Angkor Thom has several most impressive temples of the Angkorian period: 
●    Bayon Temple
●    The Baphuon
●    Terrace of the elephants
●    Terrasse of the leper king

3. Takeo

Ta Keo is the first temple-mountain to be built entirely in sandstone, between late 10th century and early 11th century, started under the reign of Jayavarman V then under Jayaviravarman’s. It is a 22m high pyramid with five sanctuary towers arranged in a quincunx. According to legend, this temple stayed unfinished because it was struck by lightning, which was considered a bad omen. It is more likely that the king’s premature death was the real reason. There are almost no decorations, giving it an amazing geometric look.

4. Banteay Srei  

Located more than 30 km from Angkor Thom, you have to cross the countryside to get there. This journey will let you take a closer look at the locals’ way of life. Here and there, you’ll find rice paddies with roaming buffaloes, Khmer dwellings built on stilts, hammocks, coconuts and other groceries sold by the roadside, some proud and vigorous roosters wandering among sleeping dogs, etc. Nicknamed the "Women's Temple", Banteay Srei is renowned for the finesse and beauty of its sculptures. You can’t find this level of detail and precision anywhere else. The temple is very small but consider going on a stroll on the meandering path surrounding the site, going along rice fields, green vegetation and streams filled with water lilies.

5. Ta Prohm

Attracting thousands of tourists after the Tomb Raider movie that made it famous, Ta Prohm Temple is one of the most popular on the site of Angkor. Its authenticity and original appearance preserves.The temple is nestled in the jungle of Siem Reap a few kilometers east of Angkor Wat. If you plan to visit Angkor Wat, do not leave without visiting Ta Prohm Temple.
As the temple was left intentionally in its original state with a ruined part, you will find a photogenic setting of great tree roots growing out of the ruins. The Tomb Raider movie strengthened the temple's celebrity as a site of adventure and discovery. The temple of Ta Prohm represents today a mixture of great authenticity, reality but also fiction.

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