The Temples of Angkor

One of the world’s most iconic destinations, the temples of Angkor regularly take the number one spot on lists of the world’s top sights. The most iconic structures here are Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building, and the Bayon, one of the world’s most unique temples, with its enigmatic collection of carved stone faces. Then there’s Ta Prohm, where wild nature has run riot over ancient carved masonry.

The ancient Khmers packed the equivalent of all Europe’s cathedrals into an area the size of Los Angeles, so it pays to take time to explore. There are plenty of outlying temple sites that see smaller crowds, including exquisitely carved Banteay Srei, the overgrown ruins of Beng Mealea and the Mayan-style pyramid temple of Prasat Thom at Koh Ker.