Angkor Wat

Considered by many to be one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived it was built by Suryavarman II to honour Vishnu and for use as his funerary temple. The central temple complex consists of three storeys, each of which encloses a square surrounded by intricately interlinked galleries. Rising 31m above the third level and 55m above the ground is the central tower, which gives the whole ensemble its sublime unity. A vast moat surrounds the temple.

Stretching around the outside of the central temple complex is a series of extraordinary bas reliefs. The most famous scene, the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, is along the southern section of the east gallery. This brilliantly executed carving depicts 88 asuras (devils) on the left and 92 devas (gods) with crested helmets on the right, churning up the sea to extract the elixir of immortality.