What Wat is the Best Wat?

By TravelWiseAug 20, 2012 12:11 PMOther
Share:
What Wat is the Best Wat?
What Wat is the Best Wat?

For six centuries Angkor Wat temple and the area surrounding Siem Reap was home to the rulers of the Khmer Kingdom, one of the mightiest civilisations in South East Asia. Like Choquequirao or Borobudur temple, little of what they built has survived the test of time. The largest pre-industrial city in the world is now little more than a bookmark in history. Abandoned centuries ago it was left to the jungle as the empire imploded on itself.

This is the land famous for Angkor Wat temple, but it should be known for so much more. At its height the Khmer Empire was a true cultural melting point where the religion of the Indus met the Buddhists of China. Monuments in celebration of both religions are littered around this land. Here and there like oasis in a desert archaeologists have fought back to reclaim the past. Below is a list of four very different must see temples and palaces like Angkor Wat temple in the heartlands of the Khmer.

Angkor Thom Rarely have I walked through a temple complex and felt like I could be on a film set; think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In scope terms of grandeur it is easily the equal to Angkor Wat temple. Built in the 12 century, its construction marked a turning point for the empire. Angkor Thom is a very public monument to Buddhism, the religion of their greatest warrior king.

Much of Angkor Thom still lies in ruins, but it adds to the enchantment of the place. Small green ferns have made their homes in the gaps between the rocks, waiting for their chance to reclaim the land. Weathered faces of Buddha made from a patchwork of stones look out serenely over the temple complex.

Angkor Wat Angkor Wat temple is the most famous of Cambodia’s historical monuments, it also receives the lion’s share of visitors. You will need at least an hour to explore this enormous Hindu temple complex, an experience you will be sharing with hundreds of tourists.

Unlike some of the other temples surrounding Siem Reap, lots of time and money have been spent on restoring the Angkor Wat temple and its grounds. This has made a real difference to the experience. Unfortunately when I visited, the front of the temple was under a web of green netting, which rather ruined the view.

Preah Khan

Whether for the ambience or lack of funds, archaeologists have decided to accommodate the jungle in the grounds of Preah Khan temple. Trees grow in and on the temple buildings. Roots push up the ground tilting the foundations of the buildings and the large walls. Wooden support struts precariously fight a battle against gravity, while a tropical climate and termites undermine the foundations.

My overall feeling was that Preah Khan temple is like a giant 3D puzzle made from thousands of stones, where pieces still need to be fitted together. There is still a lot of reconstruction work that needs to be done to get this place looking as good as Angkor Wat temple. However, this also creates a bit of the temples magic.

East Mebon Elephants were the Khmer equivalent of a JCB, or a tank depending on what you needed them for. While their thick hides and sheer size made them perfect for war, their strength could be used to clear forests. It is perhaps no surprise that they became associated with gods and are celebrated at East Mebon temple.

The other interesting thing about East Mebon is that it gives you an idea about the different temple designs used in the region of which there are two; the step pyramids and the large temple complexes. East Mebon is a great example of the step pyramid design while Angkor Wat temple is the best example of the large temple complex.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Train crossing a bridge surrounded by nature

New Rail Partnership Expands Easy Access to European Train Travel

Apr 25, 2025 03:22 AM
A Norwegian Air plane flying under a blue sky with white clouds

New Flight Route Expands Winter Travel Possibilities Between Munich and Tromsø

Apr 25, 2025 01:39 AM

Vienna's Historic Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel Reopens After Renovation

Apr 24, 2025 23:52 PM

Daily Flights from Manila to Doha Expand Travel Options

Apr 24, 2025 20:46 PM
KLM airplane flying over a mountain range with clear blue skies

KLM Revives Direct Flights to Barbados, Connecting Europe to the Caribbean

Apr 24, 2025 17:56 PM
Interior of Heathrow Airport showing check-in counters and flight information boards

Heathrow Strikes Set to Disrupt Travel for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Apr 24, 2025 15:58 PM
Aerial view of a wide Paris avenue with traffic and pedestrians under dramatic clouds

Paris Carpool Lane Brings New Travel Rules for Drivers and Visitors

Apr 24, 2025 11:33 AM
Train tracks stretching through a quiet landscape

May Rail Closures to Impact Travel Across Gloucestershire and Beyond

Apr 24, 2025 09:44 AM
Aerial view of the Hudson River with fall foliage and a small riverside area

Hudson Valley Welcomes New Destination for Food and Wellness

Apr 24, 2025 07:27 AM

May Bus Strikes in West Scotland to Disrupt Travel Plans for Tourists

Apr 24, 2025 05:31 AM

Travelers Face Risk From AirAsia Identity Scam

Apr 23, 2025 19:29 PM
Lufthansa airplane on runway at sunset

Lufthansa Group Rolls Out Easier Payment for Travelers

Apr 23, 2025 17:54 PM
Passengers seated inside a bus

Planning a Bus Journey in Wales Just Got Simpler

Apr 23, 2025 07:42 AM
Travelers with suitcases walking through a modern airport terminal

Rovaniemi Airport Prepares for Winter Tourist Surge

Apr 23, 2025 05:28 AM
Rail worker using a sledgehammer during track maintenance

Temporary Rail Closure to Impact South Wales Travel

Apr 23, 2025 03:35 AM

Simplified Travel for Fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Apr 22, 2025 23:34 PM

More Direct Canada Flights Make Cross-Country and European Travel Easier

Apr 22, 2025 21:28 PM
View of Zürich city from the lake

Zürich Gains Popularity as Compact City Break Destination

Apr 22, 2025 18:41 PM
Dog sitting in the back of a car among travel bags

Flying with Large Dogs Brings Extra Rules and Planning for Travelers

Apr 22, 2025 16:36 PM
Luxury yacht docked on calm water at sunset

New Ritz-Carlton Campaign Embraces Travel With Purpose

Apr 21, 2025 23:56 PM
Airbnb search results showing total nightly prices for various listings in California

No More Surprises: Airbnb Reveals Full Prices in Search

Apr 21, 2025 21:32 PM
Empty bus interior with blue seats

Stagecoach Enhances Travel Links Across Northern Highlands

Apr 21, 2025 19:25 PM

Rail Upgrades Reconnect Key Coastal Destinations

Apr 21, 2025 17:47 PM

AirAsia Promo Unlocks Cheaper Long-Haul Travel

Apr 21, 2025 14:33 PM
Coastal view of St Peter Port in Guernsey with historic buildings overlooking the waterfront

Liberation Day Closures to Disrupt Visitor Transport in Guernsey

Apr 20, 2025 23:45 PM
Empty seats with aircraft visible through windows

New Long-Haul Comforts from Riyadh Air

Apr 20, 2025 21:57 PM