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The temples of Angkor, Cambodia

The temples of Angkor are probably the main reason tourists go to Cambodia.  On my tour of Cambodia only saw four temples which is a shame.  I think if I ever went back  I would base myself in Siem Reap for about five days and do two days templing, take a day off and another one or two templing again.  It does get overwhelming like all those cathedrals in Europe that start to get old after a while. 

Grab a tea or wine...this is a LONG post but I hope you enjoy it. 

Angkor was once the centre of the Khmer empire from 802AD to 1432.  When London was a city of a mere 50,000 Angkor boasted close to a million people.  Many temples were made of wood and did not survive.  What is still here is just a small portion of what once was....can you imagine how beautiful it must have been? 

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world by land area.  This Buddhist temple was built in the early 12th century.  If you come to Cambodia and don't see this were you really here?  


This is the back entrance to Angkor Wat which is quieter than the front. We were given a background history on the temple and while I was listening this happened...a fellow tour member took this photo.  I felt something pulling on my back and there it was!!!  It was after my water bottle.  The monkeys have an obsession with them!  They were even on the motorbikes in the background trying to get at anything they could get their paws on! 







As you can see the detail on the walls was amazing. 

No, I did not climb this!! Too many people!  The original steps are no longer in use after a Korean woman fell to her death in 2006. 








Ta Prohm

Next up was the most dramatic temple, Ta Prohm. In the 15th century the Khmer rule ended in Siem Reap and the temples were abandoned.  This temple was disccovered in 1860 by Henri Mouhot, a French explorer.  The jungle had taken over this temple and while a lot of trees have been cut back the largest are still here.   If you have seen Lara Croft: Tomb Raider this temple is featured. 











Banteay Srei

After a break for lunch we visited Banteay Srei which was further afield.  It is known as the Temple of Women as it is thought that women built this as the carvings are too fine for mens' hands.  This Hindu temple is smaller than the other temples but has some of the finest stone carvings seen anywhere on earth and is known as Angkor's art gallery.  It was exquisite!!! 









We had a little longer at this temple than anticipated as our bus broke down!!! 

The next morning we rose early to see the sunrise at the main Angkor Wat temple complex.  Well the best laid plans and all...that's the worst sunrise I've ever seen in my life...it was cloudy and very underrwhelming.  Ah well...it's one of the things you "must do" when in Siem Reap.  






Angkor Thom

We then headed over to our last temple,  Angkor Thom which means "Great City".  It was the last capital of the Khmer empire and is a huge complex of almost 10 square km.  




This is the grand entrance to the complex. 


I have no clue why I made this photo b/w way back but here it is.  You can ride an elephant into the complex but Intrepid did not recommend it as they are an ehtical company and said the elephants are mistreated.  So sad. 














This is the beautfiful terrace of elephants.  Elephants played a very important role in Khmer culture. Yes, I'm wearing an elephant t-shirt - I love elephants!!! 



I hope you enjoyed our trip to these four beautiful temples?  Which one was your favourite?  











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