Just as the mighty roots and branches of the trees entwine themselves around Cambodia’s historic ruins of Angkor, there are also many myths and legends that circulate around the ancient kingdom of Kambuja that for centuries dominated huge areas of South East Asia.

Angkor Wat is a temple complex of monumental proportion. Measuring a thousand by eight hundred metres it is not only the largest sanctuary of the ancient Khmer realm but also the largest sacred building in the world.

Monumental stone figures announce the last great capital of the ancient realm of Kambuja, the legendary Angkor Thom that was built in around 1200 A.D. The nine square kilometre metropolis is the most well-preserved example of Angkorian city architecture.

The ancient Khmer temple of Banteay Srei is thought to possess magical powers. Demons guard the entrance to this sanctuary that was discovered in 1914 by a French lieutenant.

It was not only plundering by the Siamese that damaged Angkor’s majestic temple complex and its unique works of art but also the elements, as well as the tropical vegetation. Today it is the atmospheric ruins that give the old temples of the Khmer their magical allure.