The jewel in Cambodia's crown, this is the largest temple compex in the world, which was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is estimated that it took 30 years to build. Built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th-century as the capital of his Khmer Empire, his state temple and his intended mausoleum. Hence it faces West unlike all of the other temples in the complex, towards the waning sun. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition Angkor Wat was dedicated to Vishnu.

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While it faces west and the sunset, Angkor Wat is famous for its sunrise. The sun rises behind the temple, creating a back light on Angkor Wat, which reflects in the pond in front of it. Get there early at 4.30am to see its full glory. The silhouette of Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia's flag and is a must see for all tourists with its well preserved, beautiful carvings. It has 5 towers, symbolosing Mount Meru, where Shiva resides. If you are prepared to queue you can climb almost to the top of the central tower for great views out towards its libraries and beyond. That view includes some of the 108 lotus bud shaped towers, a sacred number to both Hindi and Buddhists.