Angkor Wat

The temple is surrounded by a huge moat that is almost 1 mile wide. Tall stone towers rise in the center, shaped like mountains. These towers were meant to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The walls are covered in long stone carvings that show stories about gods, kings, battles, and daily life.

The temple is surrounded by a huge moat that is almost 1 mile wide. Tall stone towers rise in the center, shaped like mountains. These towers were meant to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The walls are covered in long stone carvings that show stories about gods, kings, battles, and daily life.

Angkor Wat was so impressive that it inspired other temples and buildings in Thailand and nearby regions. Thai temples copied the tower shapes, layouts, and carvings, showing how Khmer ideas spread across Southeast Asia.

Even after the Khmer Empire declined, Angkor Wat was never fully abandoned. It continued to be used as a religious site and is still standing today. It remains a powerful symbol of Cambodia and one of the greatest building achievements in world history.