This is the most popular of all the temples and the most famous amongst tourists. It can get busy but is still well worth the effort for the sheer scale of it all. The detail of the temple carvings is phenomenal and it leaves you filled with awe. Angkor Wat is surrounded by a huge perimeter wall and you approach the temple along a 350 metre long path, having crossed the moat first. Inside the lower gallery you are greeted immediately by intricate carvings (bas reliefs) in the gallery walls. They depict the teachings of Hindu god Vishnu and also show scenes of war and every day life. The climb to the upper level is incredibly difficult and hard work in the heat of the Cambodian sun. It should only be attempted on the one staircase that has a hand rail and should be approached with extreme caution, especially coming down, as the steps are on about a 75 degree incline!!! But once you get to the top, it's all worth it. You can walk around the galleries, where once only the King was allowed, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area...breathtaking.
