Built between 800 and 1200 AD, the temples of Angkor, which cover an area of 60 sq miles, are all that remain of the old capital of the Khmer empire. Angkor was discovered for the western world by Henri Mouhot in 1861, his diaries caused a sensation in Paris when published a year later.

Ever since, this temple complex has captured the imagination of all travellers. Some temples have been left as they were found with giant tree roots entwined around pillars and through doorways, while others have been preserved and partially rebuilt through foreign aid.

Angkor is recognised internationally as a World Heritage Site and from a visitors perspective it remains one of the greatest monuments left on Earth. If one has a list of places to visit in a lifetime, then surely this must be one of them. There is now a full range of hotels to choose from, ranging from sophisticated luxury to something a little more simple.