This is the Temples of Angkor chapter from Lonely Planet’s Cambodia guidebook.

The temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration and national pride to all Khmers as they struggle to rebuild their lives after years of terror and trauma. Today, the temples are a point of pilgrimage for all Cambodians, and no traveller to the region will want to miss their extravagant beauty. Angkor is one of the world’s foremost ancient sites, with the epic proportions of the Great Wall of China, the detail and intricacy of the Taj Mahal and the symbolism and symmetry of the pyramids, all rolled into one.

• Stare in wonder at the delicate carvings adorning Banteay Srei, the finest seen at Angkor
• Trek deep into the jungle to discover the River of a Thousand Lingas at Kbal Spean
• Watch the sun rise over the holiest of holies, Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building
• maps
• Contemplate the serenity and splendour of Bayon, its 216 enigmatic faces staring out into the jungle
• transport
• Witness nature reclaiming the stones at the mysterious ruin of Ta Prohm, the Tomb Raider temple
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Roluos Temples, Phnom Krom, Phnom Bok, Chau Srei Vibol, Banteay Srei, Kbal Spean, Phnom Kulen, Beng Mealea and Koh Ker.