Many people travel to Cambodia each year to visit the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat. This is one of the most impressive temples on the planet dating back to the 12th century. The Khmer Empire built it over decades and since the country has opened up in the 1990′s people from all over the world have been visiting temples in increasing numbers each year.
Situated on 500 acres of land, it now attracts over a half a million tourists each year. A few short years ago it was completely abandoned and many people hadn’t even heard of this great ruin. Bandits were stealing statues and artifacts and the jungle was overtaking the complex. It has undergone massive restoration and it is open and ready for viewing at $20 per person.
Mother nature has done her work well reclaiming the land once ruled by a great empire. The jungle had almost swallowed up the temples of Angkor, until great efforts were made in restoration. In recent years many temples have been restored to their original grandeur. The Main Temple of Angkor Wat is well preserved and a breathtaking sight. Its five main towers jut into the air as high as 66 meters (215 ft) from its 1.6 km (1 mile) long base.