The Traveling Taylors

With hundreds of meters of carvings, Angkor Wat’s bas reliefs can be a little overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to fit everything into one visit. But don’t worry—we’ve narrowed it down. These five standout panels offer the most vivid storytelling and impressive detail, giving you a powerful glimpse into Khmer mythology, history, and culture. Here’s what to look for, where to find it, and why it matters. To have a guide bring these carvings to life, you can take a full-day guided tour of Angkor Wat.

1. The Churning of the Ocean of Milk (East Gallery)

Why it’s a must-see: This is Angkor Wat’s most iconic bas relief, and for good reason. It depicts gods and demons working together to churn the ocean and release the elixir of immortality—a central myth in Hindu cosmology.

What to look for:

• Vishnu standing calmly atop Mount Mandara
• The serpent Vasuki being pulled in opposite directions
• Rows of celestial dancers and mythical sea creatures emerging from the waves

It’s the perfect combination of drama, movement, and symbolism. For travelers who want high-quality photos and videos of Angkor Wat’s Bas Relief panels during their trip, a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one is a popular choice among content creators and travel photographers.

2. Battle of Kurukshetra (Northwest Gallery)

Why it’s a must-see: This intense battle scene from the Mahabharata shows the epic clash between two royal families. The detail in the warriors, horses, and elephants is stunning.

What to look for:

• Bhishma, the grand warrior, lying on a bed of arrows
• The chaos of hand-to-hand combat, spears, and chariots
• The structured, disciplined formations of ancient Khmer warfare

It’s a great example of how the Khmer empire visualized power and order. If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage of Angkor Wat’s Bas Relief panels.

3. Battle of Lanka (Southwest Gallery)

Why it’s a must-see: This panel from the Ramayana features the heroic monkey god Hanuman and his army fighting the demon king Ravana. It’s dynamic, wild, and packed with movement.

What to look for:

• Monkey warriors climbing trees and flinging rocks
• Ravana with multiple heads and arms, commanding his army
• The swirling energy of a true mythic showdown

If you love action and mythology, this one’s for you.

4. Historical Procession of King Suryavarman II (South Gallery)

Why it’s a must-see: This panel shows the Khmer king in all his glory, presiding over troops and court life. It’s one of the few bas reliefs believed to depict real historical events.

What to look for:

• Suryavarman II sitting under a parasol, calm and in control
• Rows of soldiers, horses, elephants, and officials
• Scenes of judgment, with both justice and punishment shown

It offers a rare, human glimpse into Khmer royal life. When visiting famous landmarks like Angkor Wat, many travelers like bringing a compact selfie stick tripod like this one so they can easily capture photos without asking strangers.

5. Heaven and Hell (South Gallery)

Why it’s a must-see: This powerful scene depicts what happens after death—souls are judged and sent to heaven or hell. It’s haunting, vivid, and surprisingly graphic.

What to look for:

• Yama, the god of death, seated on his buffalo
• Souls ascending to paradise or dragged to punishment
• Stark contrasts between peace and torment carved side by side

It’s a gripping visual that reflects deep Khmer spiritual beliefs. Some travelers memorialize their experience at Angkor Wat with a keepsake journal like this one thoughtfully designed for travelers who love capturing memories, documenting adventures, and preserving the fun of every trip.

Angkor Wat’s Bas Reliefs Must See

Angkor Wat’s bas reliefs are an unforgettable part of the temple experience—but you don’t need to see them all to be amazed. These five panels offer a perfect mix of myth, history, and raw artistry. If you only have an hour or two to explore, make these your priority.