The Majestic temples of Angkor in northwest Cambodia belong to the classic period of Khmer art and civilization. Today, a millennium after they were built, they awe visitors with their perfection and enormity. 

The temples are the creation of a succession of dominated most of Khmer Kings who presided over an empire that dominated most of present-day Southeast Asia from 800 to 1430, reaching its peak in the 12^th century. The period began with the ascension to the throne by King Jayavarman II.

From the 15^th century, the temples were abandoned by the kings and subsequently forgotten until their rediscovery" in 1861 by the French naturalist Henri Mouhot. 

The jungle setting and silence enhance the mystery of the temples. One early discoverer's reaction upon seeing Angkor Wat more than 130 years ago may not be so different from what travelers can experience today.

ANGKOR WAT (TOP)

Angkor Wat is the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and it is inspired by 12^th century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag, conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took several decades to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well preserved. Intricate bas relief surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Sea of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it, the Naga mythical serpent is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life, The way the light glows on the ancient stones makes sunrise and sunset the best time to wander through Angkor Wat's 2 square kilometers, climb its tower. and ponder its creators.

ANGKOR THOM   (TOP)

The ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, literally "Great City, "built in the 12^th century by Jayavarman VII, contains the famous Bayon temple with its more than 200 enormous mysterious smiling faces. It also contains the 300 meter-long Elephant terrace with its large sculptured royal elephants and garudas, the mythical guard half-man, half-bird. Also within the walled area is the terrace of the Leper King. A sandstone replica of the Leper King is here.

TA PROHM  (TOP)

Ta Prohm is the temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its discovery by French archeologists. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive bayan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186. Historians have noted its mystical charm. Its close connection with nature makes it easy for the imagination to roam back to the days when it housed the Angkor kings in splendor.

BANTEAY SREI  (TOP)

This is the fabled pink temple of women, so called because it is made of pink sandstone and considered a tribute to the beauty of women. Its small size, delicate carving and remarkable state of preservation make Banteay Srei one of travelers' favorite temples. Its Apsara and male and female divinities represent the most skilled craftsmanship of sandstone carvings. Banteay Srei is located about 32 kilometers from Angkor. It was dedicated in 987, making it one of the oldest temple in the region, though it was not rediscovered until the 1900s.
 

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