North Gate of Angkor Thom, Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

© Amazing Travel Lifestyle/Shutterstoc

A city within a city. Angkor, Cambodia

Towering ancient temples, moss-covered ruins and enchanting forests can all be found in the ancient site of Angkor in Cambodia. In the 12th century, it was the bustling capital of the Khmer Empire, ruled by King Jayavarman VII. A gem within Angkor is Angkor Thom (pictured here is its North Gate), the 'Great City.' Strolling through Angkor Thom's intricate ruins, gates and the iconic Bayon Temple—with its 216 gigantic smiling stone faces—is like stepping into an adventure movie. Angkor's star attraction, Angkor Wat, is the world's largest religious monument—spread across 163 hectares—and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It was initially constructed as a Hindu temple before becoming a Buddhist site. So, if you're looking for a blend of history, art and nature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site guarantees an unforgettable journey into the past.