Leigh Travel Club

Rediscovered in the late 19th Century from beneath the overgrown jungle, the "lost city of Angkor" is one of the worlds most spectacular sights. Built some 800 years ago by the Khmer kings, Angkor boasts the greatest concentration of religious monuments in the world. It took 25,000 workers over thirty seven years to complete the construction. Angkor was the capital of thr Khmer Empire, and is in the Province of Siem Reap. The jungle setting enhances the mystery of this ancient civilisation.

There are over 100 magnificent temples, but the colourful, intricate complex of Angkor Wat is the most visited. Use Siem Reap as a base to visit Cambodias' biggest attraction.

ANGKOR WAT    The five, mighty pine-cone towers, of Angkor Wat itself - every inch adorned with superb carvings - are mirrored in the waters of wide moats: the effect is simply stunning - watching the sun rise or set over the ruins is unforgetable. As the worlds largest religious building, this is the mother of all temples. Built in the 12th century, the temple has unbelievable majesty and stunning architecture of carved sand stone walls.

ANGKOR THOM  Near to Angkor Wat, see the the grand ruins of the mighty walled city of Angkors' greatest king, King Jayavarman V11.

THE BAYON  Set in the centre of Angkor Thom is the enigmatic Bayon, with 54 towers, bearing 216 huge heads glaring down from every angle. These bear more than a passing resemblance to the great King Jayavarman V11.

TA PROHM  This is one of the most atmospheric of the temples of Angkor. It has vast trees growing over it and every year the jungle tightens its' grip on the temple of Ta Prohm.  Left as it was "when discovered" in 1860 tentacle-like tree roots are slowly strangling the surviving stones of this exotic temple.  Built in 1186 during the reign of Jayavarman V11, the temple once housed 12,640 people, according to a Sanskrit inscription discovered chiselled into one of the vast stones. Ta Prohm is a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on oblivious to the dramas of human history. This temple was featured in the TOMB RAIDER film.

Beyond the city of Angkor, lie hundreds more temples, forgotten in the forests of Cambodia for more than five centuries        STILL TO BE DISCOVERED!!!!!

Angkor videos below