Angkor Wat

Today, I would like to introduce you to a truly special place in Cambodia that captivated me from the very first moment. The famous temple complex Angkor, with its largest and most well-known temple Angkor Wat, is one of the most popular sightseeing hotspots in Cambodia.

Those who have seen photos of the Angkor Wat temple complex at sunrise surely understand why I am so fascinated by the mystical surroundings. The sandstone figures and structures appear like a single work of art in the jungle, belonging to some of the largest religious buildings in the world. Today, I will take you on a little journey through the magical world of the temples - wanderlust guaranteed!

The first temples were built as early as the year 850, and it wasn't until around 1200 that the final touches were completed. Only the temple Angkor Wat is well-known, and it is also the most popular photo motif. However, when you try to overview the entire area, you won't know where to look first. Approximately a thousand temples and buildings of the jungle city have now been documented and partly restored. In the 400km² area of Angkor, there is so much to discover that one day quickly becomes too short to appreciate the full beauty of the many temple complexes. Did you know that one of the Lara Croft films with Angelina Jolie was also shot here?

Anyone planning a visit to Angkor can either travel by bus or by plane to Siem Reap. This is the city closest to the temple complexes. Siem Reap has its own airport, but unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the United States.

A layover and a total travel time of about 20 hours await you if you are traveling from the U.S. It sounds like a long journey, but it's definitely worth it, and it's best to combine your trip with a tour through fascinating Cambodia. Once you arrive in Siem Reap, you can choose from one of the many hotels in the region. Since Angkor is one of the most famous sights in Southeast Asia, many large and small hotels have now settled around the ancient temple complex. I was particularly taken by the Resort Phum Baitang, where you can relax in the fantastic pool after a long day among the ruins. The resort is sequestered in greenery and offers plenty of luxury. A perfect starting point for your exploration of Angkor Wat!

The archaeological park of Angkor has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years. To preserve the porous substance of the city, the German Cultural Preservation Program was established by the Foreign Office. The many small and large details on the sandstone buildings are to be conserved and restored. In collaboration with specialists from the German Apsara Conservation Project, a total of 25 temples have been restored in the region so far. Hans Leisen, the German project leader from the University of Cologne, is regularly on-site, and sometimes his students are also present. Various Cambodian conservators work here every day, as the vast temple city has been exposed to the elements for more than 800 years. A year ago, researchers even discovered more sunken cities near Angkor Wat that still remain hidden under the forests of Cambodia.

The entire area is so large that it's almost impossible to view all the amazing temple complexes in detail. If you have very little time, a one-day ticket for around $33 is a good option. There are also tickets for three or seven days, costing $56 and $65 respectively. A photo will be taken of you at the entrance, so the ticket is non-transferable. But I am sure you will not want to give up your admission ticket once you have set foot on the archaeological site. Angkor is open every day from 5 AM to 5:30 PM.

It's best to set out very early in the morning to experience the sunrise up close. Although you won't be the only ones there, it doesn't alter the beauty of that moment when the sky turns red and yellow with the sun behind the temple - magical, I tell you! As you stroll through the city, you will hardly be able to grasp how imposing all the buildings are. The significance of the temples can be roughly compared to our holiest church. Just imagine if every major cathedral in the United States were located in a specially designated area, and we could stroll through it and visit each one individually. To have so much extraordinary and unique architecture in one place is hard to believe. And not everything is visible to visitors, as parts of the city still lie hidden beneath the ground.

There is a short and a long route across the grounds, and it's best to explore both by bicycle. This way, you'll see much more of the sites in a shorter amount of time. If you prefer to start small, you can begin with the 16-kilometer path.

Here you will also see the unique scenery at the Ta Prohm temple, which true fans of Lara Croft and Angelina Jolie will recognize. One of the Tomb Raider films was indeed shot here. The merging of the old, venerable ruins with nature is particularly impressive, as the ruins have since been reclaimed by trees and strong roots. If you have time, don't shy away from the long route. Very few visitors come here now, so if you're lucky, you can explore parts of the area all alone and enjoy the tranquility that lies over the ruins. The temple Preah Khan located on the way is especially beautiful.

I hope I have sparked your curiosity about Cambodia and its beautiful World Heritage site Angkor, and that you are excited to visit these unique and magical places yourselves. There are still so many fantastic and extraordinary locations for each of us to discover that we would actually need to travel to a different place every month to see all the noteworthy spots on Earth. The good news: You can always find the right offer in my booking section. Be sure to check it out!