Angkor Wat is an enormous Buddhist temple complex located in northern Cambodia. It is the largest religious structure in the world by land area. It is built in the 12th century.

The word 'Angkor' means 'capital city' in the Khmer language, while the word 'Wat' means 'temple'.

The temple was built at the behest of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yasodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as the state temple for the empire.

It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and the world. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.

It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. Originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.

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Angkor Wat