Angkor Wat was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It’s one of the few temples in Cambodia that faces west, which some believe means it was also meant to serve as the king’s tomb. Later on, as Buddhism became more common in the region, Angkor Wat gradually became a Buddhist site, and it remains one today. The temple is huge, covering more than 400 acres, and is known for its five towers shaped like lotus buds. These towers are meant to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Around the outer galleries, you’ll find long stone carvings that tell stories from ancient Hindu texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The walls are also covered with carvings of apsaras, or celestial dancers, each one slightly different from the next. A visit to Angkor Wat starts with a walk across a wide stone causeway over a moat. Once inside, you’ll see ponds, libraries, courtyards, and staircases that lead up to the central sanctuary. In the early morning, the temple is bathed in soft light, and many people come to see the sunrise reflected in the pools. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, especially in the upper levels, where the stone feels cool and the views stretch far beyond the temple walls. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, Angkor Wat leaves a lasting impression through its size, detail, and sense of calm.