Viking Cruises

viking.com | 25 Explore the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, the 12th-century temple of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat UNESCO SPOTLIGHT Location: Cambodia Built: 12th century How to experience it with Viking: 15-day Magnificent Mekong® voyage Angkor Wat is located in Angkor Archaeological Park in northwestern Cambodia, just north of the city of Siem Reap. Built for King Suryavarman II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. A DEEPER STORY Angkor Wat pays tribute to the Khmer Empire's vast power and wealth, which at its peak was larger than Europe's Byzantine Empire. The Khmer were known for their construction skills and ability to establish economic links with societies across the continent, trading in rice, fish and other goods via the Mekong River. The Khmer civilisation was deeply embedded with Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, which are reflected in much of Cambodia's ancient architecture. WHAT YOU WILL SEE Angkor Wat is encircled by a broad moat, with visitors entering across a wide stone causeway. Inside, courtyards, galleries and steep stairways lead through the vast temple complex. Its walls are covered in intricate bas-relief carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, royal processions and Khmer history. From the central sanctuary, visitors can appreciate the temple's immense scale and take in views across the surrounding forest and archaeological park. DID YOU KNOW? PACKING CHECKLIST • Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees to meet temple dress requirements. • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for uneven stone paths. • A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle. • Insect repellent, especially for early morning or late afternoon visits. • A small backpack or crossbody bag for all your essentials. • A light rain jacket or compact umbrella during the wet season. Angkor Wat is the world's largest religious structure, covering over 160 hectares. Clockwise, from left: Angkor Wat, archaeological ruins; monk in Buddhist temple

• Cover