We like to talk about the biggest and best here at River Voyages, and they don’t come much bigger than Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the entire world. It’s an undoubted major highlight of any cruise on the Mekong River, and is ranked as one of the most incredible structures to have ever existed.
It’s importance is well stated – the temple if the main attraction for anyone visiting Cambodia, and it has become the symbol of the country, even appearing on the national flag. It’s the only temple at the site to still be in use as a religious centre.
It was first built in the 12th century, overseen by the Khmer King Suryavarman II. Initially it was dedicated to Vishnu as a Hindu temple, but towards the end of the 13th century it moved towards being used as a Buddhist centre, which it still is today.
All of this was pieced together from inscriptions and markings left within the temple itself. Indeed some of the first western visitors to the temple were unable to believe it had been built by the Khmers, and instead they thought it was built during the Roman era. However it stands as a testament to the skill of the Khmer.
One of the main reasons the temple is believed to have survived in such a good state was the layout, including a protective moat which kept it secluded from the jungle. Also it has never been abandoned for any period of time, helping to keep it safe and maintained.
It’s had to undergo restoration in the 20th century but that’s helped it to stay one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole Far East, with over half a million visitors each year. It’s now the focal point for a whole Angkor Tourist City, with the determination of UNESCO ensuring that Cambodian culture is preserved.
