Friday, August 3, 2012

Magnificent Angkor Wat

The primary purpose of our trip to Cambodia was to see the famous Angkor Wat - the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. Needless to say, the temples of Angkor are very impressive and deserve several well-thought through posts. As right now I'm busy relaxing and having fun, I decided to write detailed posts upon my return to San Francisco later this year.

I wouldn't dare to leave you with nothing though. So, if you want to get a little preview of what's to come on the blog, below are illustrative photos of what we saw and experienced during the three days we recently spent in Siem Reap/Angkor Wat area.

Angkor Wat - the largest and, at the same time, the best preserved temple.
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
The central temple of Angkor Wat

Fortifications around Angkor Wat

The walls of Angkor Wat are lined with beautiful frescoes with scenes from Hindu mythology

Detail from the fresco "Battle of Lanka"

Aspera - a very common motif both at Angkor Wat and other temples

Bayon and its 216 peaceful faces.
A mysterious face of Bayon
The beautiful temple of Bayon


Hidden Passage at the Leper King's Terrace.
Hidden Passage


Ta Prohm - the "Jungle Temple"
Ta Prohm - the "Jungle Temple"

Another example of the jungle taking over the temple


And a few other random shots.
Rain, rain, rain...

"Brothers in Arms."

Another temple claimed by the jungle.