The archaeological park is not just Angkor Wat, but includes many other temple complexes spread over about 400 square kilometers (over 150 square miles). Each temple site is different. Some (like Angkor Wat) cover a very large area; others are smaller (only 5-10 acres in size). Some are mostly restored while others remain mostly as they were found other than basic measures to stabilize structures for safety. Restoration work is ongoing at many of the sites.
Most of the temples date from the 10th through 13th centuries, during the height of Khmer culture. The scale of work completed: bringing the large stones from a distant quarry, building the structures, carving the stone decorations and sculptures, is incredible.
 |
| Bayon temple |
Most of the Buddha statues are headless. The Khmer Rouge worked to eradicate Buddhist culture in Cambodia during their time in power, and facilitated the destruction and looting of the Angkor Wat area.
The Angkor Wat temple, is a huge complex surrounded by a large constructed moat. It is incredible that the whole complex was built in 37 years.
 |
| Classic view of the east gate |
 |
| Large trees in one of the interior sections |
 |
| Stairs to the upper section. Yes, they are that steep |
 |
| Looking over a western section. Moat is beyond the far tower. |
On our last day in Sim Reap, our expat friends there (Dave, Scott, and Jess) gave us some great advice about our next destination, Kampot. Next day we took a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (all the way to Kampot is too many transit hours for us). We enjoyed a very nice dinner with nephew Adam and a few of his friends, then took another bus next day for the remaining 3.5 hours to Kampot.
No comments:
Post a Comment