Enter the universe of the Ancient Khmer civilization, long gone and yet so vividly present in the stones and layouts of so many Angkorian temples, palaces, roads or bridges, but also in the traditions, beliefs and art forms of modern Cambodia.

Everyday, new discoveries are made, updated studies published, groundbreaking approaches added to the everlasting work of the first Angkor explorers.

Developed since 2016, Angkor Database is now the largest, most comprehensive online resource for researchers, Cambodian new generations, discerning travelers, first-time visitors and, all in all, Angkor lovers.

A unique online resource

• Do you want to know more about one specific, lesser-known temple you visited one day or some friends mentioned to you after a trip to the vast area once influenced by ancient Khmer civilization?
• Are you fascinated with some particular aspect of the architectural, sculptural or scriptural creativity in the Angkorean era? Browse by keyword, tag or theme.
• Are you looking for the latest findings and studies on timeless cultural or social topics such as music and performing arts, ethnic minorities, medicine and healthcare, the evolution of religious and mystical concepts? Browse by theme.
• Puzzled by some technical term or the etymology of a specific word? Check our built-in glossary.
• Do you want to browse rich collections of period photographs or art reproductions? Enjoy our partnered online iconographic collections.

A dedicated, growing section of maps and plans from all time periods is also available. 

Using the latest resources in web development, Angkor Database online platform remains ad-free and accessible without login thanks to the generous support of its sponsors.

The library at Templation Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Print and Digital Documents

From 19^th-century pioneer studies to novel publications, from rare printed documents to literary and art works reflecting Angkor, close to 1,500 books are available in the ever-developing ADB library at Templation Angkor Resort, Siem Reap.

We are digitizing rare books for preservation in accordance with copyright laws, and encouraging the translation of major texts into Khmer and English languages. The library, along our online platform, reflects our main endeavor: in collaboration with researchers, historians, artists, creators, illustrate the scope of Angkor impact on present-day culture and mores of modern Cambodia.

Angkor Database contribution also involves:

• facilitate access to rare or out-of-print studies on Angkor and Khmer civilization;
• offer a stimulating environment for researchers so they can comment our posts and debate online;
• build an ever-growing database of original, updated bio-bibliographies of researchers and artists (close to 1,000 bioprofiles as of June 2025).

This is an ongoing labor of love and respect dedicated to Cambodia, its history, its people and its perceptive visitors. 

ADB Music Selection

Timeless Khmer traditional music, with its Royal Court legacy, the influence of native peoples’ dances and ceremonies, the derivations from neighboring cultures…and, always, Angkorian civilization in the background.

Our musical selection is now available on YouTube. Suscribe to Angkor Database Musical Library.

About AI

As this online platform intends to be a reliable tool for carefully sourced research references, making rare text and iconographic documents accessible situating them in a long-term history context and without taking them out of their context, we are staying away from the spreading and reckless use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in content creation. The history we explore here was made by complex human beings, not greedy technocrats and their robots, and that is how it should be considered.

We do believe in primary source reading, for accuracy and from the conviction that we shouldn’t separate form from content, as AI is trained to do: after all, the history of ancient, pre-modern and even present Cambodia lays both in oral traditions and scriptuary evidence, and that is also the beauty of it.

Whenever we use AI online tools — mostly for translations of lengthy texts that are not literary creations -, we’re adding a specific note. And like a growing number of reference websites, Angkor Database doesn’t accept AI-generated content in our visual library.

Hosted Collections

In partnership with independent researchers, Angkor Database hosts their valuable image collections to be easily browsed on this platform:

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