But a visitor needs no knowledge of Hindu cosmology to appreciate the craftsmanship and sheer hard labor represented by these monuments from an age centuries before the Incas built the temples at Machu Pichu or the Aztec empire flourished in Mexico. Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, scattered over nearly 60 square miles, have long been on the short list of wonders of the ancient world. Later, as Cambodia's transportation network improved, budget travelers made the trek from the capital by bus or highway taxi. Those on more expansive budgets arrived by air. For most of the past 20 years, however, war and political upheaval have placed Angkor off limits for casual travel.
Accommodations are spare.
Plans must be made far in advance and may have to be changed or canceled at the last minute. A Cambodian soldier stands guard on the road between Angkor Wat and the Bayon. Cambodia is plagued by a simmering civil war , and for security reasons, visits to Angkor are now limited to day trips. If they have any doubts about security, they are more likely to cancel or postpone a visit than risk spoiling their safety record. Nonetheless, they hope that overnight trips will be possible soon.