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Built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

The largest temple in the world

Siem Reap, 309km (192miles) from Phnom Penh

Flights are available to Phnom Penh's Pochemong Airport from Bangkok, Hanoi, Saigon, Vietiane and Moscow

'The Lost City'

The vast, majestic temples at Angkor, the Lost City, were discovered in 1860 spread across a 64km (40mile) site surrounding the modern village of Siem Reap.

Map Cambodia

Originally built between the eight and thirteenth century the temples range from a single brick tower to vast stone complexes such as Angkor Wat, the largest single religious monument in the world. Angkor Wat was built for King Suryavarman II in the early twelfth century.

The Khmer temples are located in two main sites. The first at Roluos, 15kmm (10miles) south-east of modern day Siem Reap, this is where a select few of the early temples were constructed. This was home to the first Khmer capital in the Angkor area but in the late ninth century Yasovarman I created his new capital at Angkor itself and it is at this much larger site that the majority of the bigger Khmer temples are located.

Storm over Angkor Wat Temple

Some of the most impressive temples of the City of Angkor include Bakong, Banteai Srei, the Baphuon, the Bayon and Ta Prohn. Bakong, the centre temple, a large pyramid built in the ninth century measures 55m (180ft) along each side of the base. Banteai Srei, a small delicate temple is a particularly fine example of a multi-building temple complex and has intricate well-preserved pink sandstone carvings. The Bapuon a large pyramid temple built by Udayadityavarman II between in 1050 and 1066 features beautiful carvings including a 40m (130ft) reclining Buddha. The Bayon is a massive complex with incredible 1,200m (3,936ft) bas-relief carvings including a series of mysterious Buddha faces on the third level. Ta Prohm on of the larger complexes enclosed by a moat, is also one of the most beautiful. Built by Jayavarman VII in the late twelfth century, Ta Prohm has not been restored and its location in the lush jungle gives it a romantic and mysterious aura.

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