Siem Reap

Angkor Wat is the common name for the Angkor complex of temples. It is one of Cambodia's landmarks as well as a representative symbol of the country. It is located 6km north of Siem Reap. Angkor Wat combines the two basic elements of Cambodia temple architecture—altars and corridors—in a highly regimented and symmetrical complex of buildings. There are more than 600 extant structures. Some of the most famous include the Angkor Temple, Angkor Thom, Bakheng, Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei.

Banteay Srei is located near Phnom Kulen in Northeast Angkor Thom. It is a unique and exquisite building among Angkor's monuments. It is famous for its bright colors and exquisite reliefs. It is known as the “Gem of Angkor Art”. The name Banteay Srei means “women's castle”, which is supposed to have been constructed and carved by women. Its Central Tower and large library contain a large number of statues. Its walls, columns and other architectural surfaces are full of reliefs, complex shapes and soft lines. Unlike the green sandstones used in most of the Angkor monuments, Banteay Srei was built using Khmer-specific red clay, which is extremely colorful and keeps the carvings intact.

Beng Mealea is a mysterious, hidden temple in the Angkor heritage complex, its name means “Lotus Pond”. On the dirt road in front of Beng Mealea, there is a multi-headed snake statue, and the river flower pond next to it has dried up. Beng Mealea's size and design style is similar to that of Angkor Wat. Today, there are only broken pillars, collapsed walls and ruins in the temple, leaving traces of war and earthquake. Surrounded by jungle, it appears to be in a state of even flux. Many well-known movies and TV series such as Tomb Raider have been filmed here.

Angkor Wat is a well-preserved temple among Angkor monuments. This is the location generally referred to when discussing "Angkor Wat". Angkor Wat is not only large in scale, but also perfectly symmetrical. The reliefs are exquisitely beautiful, reflecting the peak of Khmer classical architecture and are printed on the national flag as a symbol of Cambodia. The architecture of Angkor Wat follows the Five Pagoda Temple style. It consists of altars and cloisters and a moat on the periphery, symbolizing the mountains and lakes of Indian mythology. The walls are covered with beautiful reliefs that tell a variety of Hindu myths. In addition to the architecture itself, stunning sunrise and sunset scenes attract many photographers.