The first thing you see when you cross the border of Cambodia is an inscription, a welcome sign with the words «Welcome to Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder». You can add: «and the Kingdom of Temples». There are a lot of temples here, and each one impresses with its size and grandeur, despite its age and condition. Even the brown, crumbling stones and sculptures seem to mesmerize with some ancient magic. This is Angkor Wat.

Even one visit is enough to make you never forget this place. First of all, the ticket purchase process is very well lodged in memory. The ticket office is located a few kilometers from the center of Siem Reap, in a huge, temple-like complex made of white stone.

When the ticket is in your hands, you can hit the trail. Mentally prepare yourself for the fact that you may be speechlessly amazed by the beauty of Angkor Wat, and your feet may fail under you after all these kilometers. The complex is located about 7 kilometers from the center. It is better to go there at dawn or stay until sunset. Then you can feel the natural magic of this place and understand that it is not called the eighth wonder of the world for nothing. Against the background of the red Cambodian sun, the ancient temples look fantastic. Besides, there are fewer tourists in the early hours.

Angkor Wat was built in the XII century in honor of the god Vishnu. The size of the temple suggests that ancient Khmers worshipped this deity very much. Angkor Wat itself represented the Universe, the Garden of Eden, and the abode of the gods. And the complex is huge. Its territory covers 200 hectares. So be sure to take a rickshaw to see all the buildings.

The first thing to do in Angkor Wat is to cross an artificial moat filled with emerald water. On the bridge, there may be a traffic jam of surprised tourists who are struck by the beauty of the complex.

Then the miracle begins. Sculptures, bas-reliefs with beautiful dancers, carved windows and columns, tall towers, and steps green with time - all this without a single drop of cement.

Take a mango and other fruits with you and have a small picnic with a view of Angkor Wat, so that you will not be distracted from this incredible place for a second.