The temples were originally constructed in dedication to the god Vishnu and then converted into a Buddhist temple circa the 14th century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage that a lot of effort is spent on preserving for the future.
The Largest City in the World
Many guests that stay in Angkor Wat hotels and make sure to head over to see the ruins at sunrise. The city of Angkor was once the capital of the Khmer empire and contains hundreds of temples and was home to a population of over one million people.
The Architecture
Angkor Wat is 200 metres wide with a perimeter of about 3 miles. The moat is 4 metres deep and was probably constructed to make sure that the foundations of the temple remain strong.
Vishnu and King
Angkor Wat was built by Suryavarman II; a usurper who came to power after murdering his uncle. He venerated Vishnu and wanted to build the god a temple. Signs of devotion are all over the temple, some of them surviving till today.
Construction Techniques
If you are staying locally at a hotel like FCC Angkor Siem Reap, be sure to visit the temple at sunrise or sunset to get the best photos and really appreciate the construction techniques that were used centuries ago.