Deep in the heart of Cambodia stands a structure so grand, so awe-inspiring, that it has rightfully earned its place in the Guinness World Records. Welcome to Angkor Wat—the largest religious monument on Earth and a powerful symbol of Cambodia’s spiritual and cultural soul.
Covering an astonishing 162.6 hectares (401 acres), Angkor Wat is more than a temple—it’s a legacy of divine ambition, visionary engineering, and unmatched artistry. Built in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu by Khmer King Suryavarman IIbetween 1113 and 1150, the temple complex is a crown jewel of Khmer architecture, reflecting the grandeur of a civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia.
Surrounded by a 1,280-meter (4,200-foot) curtain wall and once bustling with over 80,000 inhabitants, Angkor Wat was part of a vast sacred city. Today, it remains the centerpiece of an archaeological wonderland that includes 72 major monuments, all spread across 24.8 km² (15.4 miles²). The temple itself spans an incredible 1,626,000 square meters (17.5 million ft²)—a scale that boggles the mind and continues to captivate the imagination.
But it’s not just about size. Angkor Wat’s brilliance lies in its perfect alignment with celestial movements, its sweeping moat, and its intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures carved with devotion and detail. Every tower, gallery, and corridor is a tribute to the spiritual and artistic heights of the Khmer Empire.
Far more than a record-holder, Angkor Wat is a living monument—one that connects the past to the present. It attracts millions of visitors each year, not just for its scale, but for the story it tells about Cambodia’s resilience, creativity, and enduring pride.
Its recognition in the Guinness World Records is a celebration not only of ancient genius but of a heritage that continues to inspire and teach. Angkor Wat isn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to feel, to reflect, and to stand in awe of what humanity is capable of creating.