Temples of Siem Reap -- Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat (吴哥窟)! It is one of the most iconic sites in human civilizations, like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Egypt, or the Taj Mahal. To most people, it is synonymous to Siem Reap, or even Cambodia. Built in the 12th century, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is the crown jewel of Khmer architecture.
We got up early on one day to see sunrise at Angkor Wat. It gets very crowded in the morning; we opted to wait for the sunrise across the moat.
Ta Prohm
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
Angkor Wat Sunrise
Angkor Wat is among the best preserved of Khmer temples. Inside the temple complex, there are two nearly intact library buildings.
We entered the temple-mountain. Inside, there are several courtyards.
Angkor Wat consists of several high towers, in the Khmer temple-mountain style, symbolizing the sacred mountains in Hindu religion.
Inside, Buddhist statues are also in display. Angkor Wat had undergone transformation from a Hindu temple to a Buddhist one, and the influences of both are visible.
A view of the backside of Angkor Wat.
On the walls of the temple are many bas-reliefs and carvings of Hindu mythologies.
On another day, after we came back from Tonle Sap Lake, we revisited Angkor Wat in the afternoon. A few Buddhist monks were enjoying their simple fare across the moat from the temple.
It was a cloudy afternoon, but the sun peered out of the clouds just before it set. We were fortunately to catch our last glimpse of Angkor Wat in the glorious light.
Library at Angkor Wat
Courtyard at Angkor Wat
Courtyard at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Angkor Wat Carving
Buddhist monks at Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat at sunset
Angkor Wat at sunset
Angkor Wat at sunset
Angkor Wat at sunset
