Angkor Wat--The Jewel of Cambodia
On Sunday we set off for the "Small Tour". It includes the major temples in the Angkor area. I guess it is called the small tour because there is less driving, the temples are all centrally located. This is the tour that people do when they just have one day.
We left the hotel at 9 AM in a tuk tuk driven by Grahm (?), the driver we had had for the sunset tour to Phnom Bakheng and who would be our driver for the next two days.
West gate entrance to Angkor Thom, which once would have housed a population of over one million. This was used as a filming location for Tomb Raider. We were let out of the tuk tuk and walked through the gate. The men on either side are pulling a giant snake, symbolic of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (a creation story). We were to pass through this gate many more times but we did not walk through again.
Bayon
A collection of 54 gothic towers decorated with 216 coldly smiling enormous faces of Avalokiteshvara in the image of King Jayavarman VII, who had it built. Decorated with 1.2 km of bas-reliefs incorporating more than 11,000 figures.
Baphuon
A pyramid structure of mythical Mt. Meru, completed in the 12th century. In its heyday it would have been the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples. The temple had been taken apart piece by piece by the French when war erupted in 1975. The records were destroyed and after the war archeologists were left with a huge jigsaw puzzle. A ten year reconstruction project started in 1995 and in 2005 the temple was reopened to the public. 
The 350m long Terrace of Elephants was used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall. 
Ta Keo
A stark undecorated temple left unfinished. It was built in the late 10th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The summit of the central tower is almost 50 m high. 
Ta Prohm
The most atmospheric ruin at Angkor—unlike the other monuments it has been left to be swallowed by the jungle, and looks very much the way most of the monuments of Angkor appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. It was built in 1186, and was a Buddhist temple dedicated to the king’s mother. 
Banteay Kdei
A massive Buddhist monastery from the latter part of the 12th century. 
Prasat Kravan These five brick towers are oriented north to south, face west, and were constructed for Hindu worship in the tenth century.
Angkor Wat
The largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor. It is the best preserved, as it was never abandoned to the elements and has an active monastery behind it. Built as a funerary temple for Survayavarman II in the 12th century. It was built to honor Vishnu. It is oriented to the west, symbolic of death. It is famous for its beguiling aspara (heavenly nymphs)—more than 3000 are carved into the temple walls. It is surrounded by a moat, 190 m wide, which forms a giant rectangle measuring 1.5 km by 1.3 km.
It was very hot and late in the day when we arrived at Angkor Wat. We were already pretty tired from all the climbing. I was very excited to visit this temple, filled with anticipation as we walked the long bridge over the moat.
Right after entering the main entry (with the three spires) we encountered a series of stone corridors with big steps every twenty or so feet. It made walking difficult.
Up a flight a stairs and we found what looked like pools.
Depictions of the many nymphs that were everywhere.
This may be an example of the botched cleaning process that the Cambodians attempted several years ago. They abaonded this corrosive process and have started a less damaging technique.
A Buddhist monastery can be found behind Angkor Wat. This is the only temple that has been in continuous use since it was built. The other temples had a monk or two praying in the main sanctuary, but Angkor Wat had several monks throughout.
The five central towers (called a quincunx) are in the shape of a closed lotus blossom.
The entrance to the third level was via an extremely steep stairway. Below I am making my way to the top, and above you can see me looking from the top.
The way down was somewhat easier, as they had installed a metal rail.
Visiting Angkor Wat was really an incredible experience. I knew that it was big, but didn't realize it is the largest religious structure in the world.
Angkor Wat
The largest and most breathtaking monument at Angkor. It is the best preserved, as it was never abandoned to the elements and has an active monastery behind it. Built as a funerary temple for Survayavarman II in the 12th century. It was built to honor Vishnu. It is oriented to the west, symbolic of death. It is famous for its beguiling aspara (heavenly nymphs)—more than 3000 are carved into the temple walls. It is surrounded by a moat, 190 m wide, which forms a giant rectangle measuring 1.5 km by 1.3 km.
It was very hot and late in the day when we arrived at Angkor Wat. We were already pretty tired from all the climbing. I was very excited to visit this temple, filled with anticipation as we walked the long bridge over the moat.
Right after entering the main entry (with the three spires) we encountered a series of stone corridors with big steps every twenty or so feet. It made walking difficult.
Up a flight a stairs and we found what looked like pools.
Depictions of the many nymphs that were everywhere.
This may be an example of the botched cleaning process that the Cambodians attempted several years ago. They abaonded this corrosive process and have started a less damaging technique.
A Buddhist monastery can be found behind Angkor Wat. This is the only temple that has been in continuous use since it was built. The other temples had a monk or two praying in the main sanctuary, but Angkor Wat had several monks throughout.
The five central towers (called a quincunx) are in the shape of a closed lotus blossom.
The entrance to the third level was via an extremely steep stairway. Below I am making my way to the top, and above you can see me looking from the top.
The way down was somewhat easier, as they had installed a metal rail.
Visiting Angkor Wat was really an incredible experience. I knew that it was big, but didn't realize it is the largest religious structure in the world.
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