The Cambodian temple complex known as the world’s largest religious monument is Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat was commissioned by Khmer king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, during the height of the Khmer Empire. Construction began around 1122 and continued until about 1150 at the imperial capital of Angkor, near present-day Siem Reap. It was originally a Hindu state temple dedicated to Vishnu and was later gradually adapted for Theravada Buddhist worship.
The monument covers about 162.6 hectares and is surrounded by a broad moat and outer enclosure. Its three rising galleries lead toward a central group of towers, often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Unlike most Khmer temples, Angkor Wat faces west, a feature associated with its religious symbolism and possible funerary purpose.
Bagan in Myanmar, Prambanan in Indonesia, and Borobudur in Java are also major religious sites, but they are distinct monuments. Angkor Wat remains an active Buddhist sacred place, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, and a national symbol of Cambodia depicted on the country’s flag.