A huge (16.2 Km2) archeological site in the Jungle near Siem Reap. It was originally constructed around 1150 CE, becoming a huge city that was at its peak was home to more than 1,000,000 Khmers before it was abandon in the 1431 after a terrible 3-year war. The Park has over forty different archeological sites, many of them temples. Many of the original building were made of wood and have been reabsorbed into the Cambodian jungle. Given our somewhat limited time in Siem Reap, the intense heat and because we have already seen “a lot of temples” we elected to buy the one-day pass to the Archeological site (amazed that our pictures printed out on the tickets, which were checked regularly). We took the “short tour” (approximately 5 hours in the intense heat), visiting the Famous Angkor Wat and three other temples and the famous Gates. We were very grateful for our pleasant Tuk-Tuk driver who transported us between sites. There are many more amazing archeological sites throughout Cambodia.
The famous Angkor Wat, originally a Hindu temple built to honor the god, Vishnu. It is the largest religious archeological site in the world, its famous image depicted on the Cambodian Flag. It is surrounded by a vast moat. It is awe inspiring to see, it is incredible to see how it has stood the test of time and the amazing detail that went into the construction and carvings, including the almost 2,000 Apsras (heavenly nymphs). The 520 m series of bas-reliefs on the outer walls documenting famous Hindu stories including: Churning of the sea of milk, the Kurukshetra, Victory of Vishnu over Asuras, the 32 hells and 37 heavens of Hindu…
Angkor Thom, another huge complex with its famous Bayon temple, with enigmatic 54 towers, decorated with gigantic smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. It makes a statement about the change from Hinduism to Buddhism around the time of its construction late 12th or early 13th century. It would be easy to get lost in the maze like passage ways. At this site, a monkey tried to jump Aiden, another stole a Ladies drink from her hands. Another pyramid shaped temple Baphoun, where you ascent steep steps, for amazing views of the surrounding site. A long corridor road takes you through about 10 different archeological sites including the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Ta Prohm, amazing to see the power of nature, with jungle and temple merging. This temple was made famous in the Tomb Raider movie. Silk-cotton trees and strangler fig trees seem to grow right out of the temples.
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