Travelling to new locations may prove tricky in the coming months.
But, thanks to this handy tool, you can still take in the wondrous sights of our planet. The stunning temples of Angkor lie in wait for you.
You can view the 1,000-year-old Cambodian temples all from your own home, thanks to this Google Street View tour. You’ll be guided through a path of history going back to lost kingdoms of the Khmer empire. Here’s what’s in store at these glorious temples:
Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument in the world hardly needs any introductions. Angkor Wat once stood as a Hindu worship point to the god Vishnu, but it later became a Buddhist temple at the close of the 12th-century. Angkor Wat was built by Khmer King Suryavarman II and is the only temple in the area to maintain its religious foundation since it opened. It has become greatly significant to Cambodian heritage and appears on its national flag. Marvel at Angkor Wat here.
Banteay Srei
A 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Its red sandstone walls sit among the beautiful shrubbery and water. Banteay Srei also happens to be the only major Angkor temple not built by a monarch. Have a virtual wander around here.
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom was the headline act of King Jayavarman VII’s mass 12th-century building project. It’s not just another temple, but an entire city filled with many temples and historical sites. Perched on the west bank of the Siem Reap River, a virtual wander will take you to the grandiose east gate which features in Tomb Raider, the beautiful Bayon Temple, and the Terrace of the Elephants, to name just a few sites. Angkor Thom is certainly one to marvel at, and you can do that right here.
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is another creation owed to King Jayavarman VII as part of his construction project. It was completed in 1187 AD, and its site was once home to 12,500 inhabitants. Ta Prohm was abandoned for centuries after the fall of the Khmer empire in the 1400s. Visit the structure virtually right here.
Beng Mealea
Beng Mealea sits 40km east of the main group of temples. Little is known of its origin, but it is believed to have been built in the same period as Angkor Wat. It resembles the same style as the 12th-century giant, but its sandstone material lies mostly unrestored. Beng Mealea claimed its spot as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1992. Visit the temple here.