Cambodia contains Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument.
Angkor Wat stands near Siem Reap and was built in the early 12th century during the reign of Khmer king Suryavarman II. It was originally dedicated to Vishnu, making it distinctive among many earlier Khmer temples associated with Shaivism. The complex later became a Buddhist place of worship and remains an important religious site.
The temple’s galleries, towers and bas-reliefs illustrate stories from Hindu epics and Khmer history. Its central quincunx of towers represents Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. A wide moat and long causeway reinforce the temple’s symbolic and architectural plan.
Angkor Wat is part of the larger Angkor archaeological area, which includes temples such as Bayon and Ta Prohm. It appears on Cambodia’s national flag, while the broader Angkor site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.