Angkor is, quite simply, one of the most splendid attractions in all of Southeast Asia. Long considered "lost", the ruins of Angkor were never really lost to the Khmers, who, throughout their history have used the monuments as a religious site.

The myth of "The Lost Ruins of Angkor" is more suitable to an Angelina Jolie film that the history books. The story more or less begins with their being "rediscovered" by western explorers in the mid to late 19th century, beginning with the French botanist Henri Mouhot who stumbled across Angkor Wat in 1860. Few remember though that Mouhot was led to the site by a Khmer guide and that when he arrived, he found a flourishing Buddhist monastery within the temple grounds...

During the Khmer Rouge period, the ruins were largely left to their own devices, yet like most Khmers, even Pol Pot was unable to shake the power of the site, saying in October 1977, "If our people can make Angkor, they can make anything."

Never lost, lost then found, found then lost then found again -- today it doesn't really matter. With thousands of people visiting the site every day, the sprawling Angkor Wat Historical Park remains an "absolute must see at least once in a lifetime" destination.

Your closest option for accommodation is Siem Reap, so please see our Siem Reap hotel and guesthouse listing for more information.

For food and drinks, most of the main sites in Angkor will have some snack stalls set up. They'll offer basics like baguettes and noodle-soup -- don't expect haute cuisine, and you will not be disappointed. In the middle of the day, you're best to head back to Siem Reap for a rest and a meal -- please see our restaurant listings in Siem Reap for some suggestions -- Siem Reap has some outstanding restaurants.