Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, probably needs no introduction because it is well-known as the largest religious monument in the world, covering an area of 162 hectares.

Angkor Wat means simply “City Temple” and it was not the name given to the temple when it was built in the 12th century. Historians are unsure of the original name as it was never documented. Some believe it didn’t have a name as it was so well-known in the local area.

Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu and marking the high point of Khmer architecture, it was converted to a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12^th century.