Angkor Wat

Today, after 4 days in Siem Reap, we finally visited the great temples of Angkor Wat. The most impressive things were a) the size of the structures, Angkor Wat itself is the largest religious building on earth, and b) just how many of those great temples there are on the site.

So we did as lot's of other tourists do and got up at 4.30 in the morning to try and see yet another sunrise. But quite like Borobudur it was cloudy and it even rained a bit. So, no luck there. But the rising sun managed to push some of the clouds away, so we were able to come away with some nice shots.

We left the sunrise viewing a bit early to get a head start on the tourist masses which turned out to be a good idea as we were able to see most temples in relative quiet. The first significant chunk of time we spent in Angkor Wat where not a single pillar in this massive structure is left without carvings and the bas-reliefs truly are magnificent. Here, a guide might have come in handy, but we were too scrooge to get one. We managed to get bits and pieces of information by eavesdropping on tours in English, French and German though ;).

We won't talk you through all the temples we visited (name dropping: Angkor Wat, Phnom Bakheng, Bayon, elephant terrace, Phimenkas, Preah Palilay, Preah Khan, the gates of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Banteay Keri, Pre Rup). But some highlights to be mentioned were the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm.

Claire's favorite was probably the Bayon which we were lucky enough to visit when the light fell perfectly upon the gargantuan faces of some God that were built to more than slightly resemble the king at that time, Jayavarman VII. Karsten's favourite was the Preah Khan (thanks for the tip, Jen and Alex!) which is in some parts covered by very peculiar trees! Ta Prohm was a highlight aswell with the Tomb Raider tree, but that was pretty much the only temple which a bit overrun by tourists in our presence. Really great to see are also the bridges leading up to Angkor Thom with gods and demons holding the handrails of either side. Just be aware that if you visit the temples, be prepared to climb some really steep stairs.

All in all it we a great and exhausting day. Angkor Wat is absolutely worth the visit! So if you ever visit the area...

We finished it off with a well deserved foot massage...which was mediocre at best ;).

Also, we have wayyyyy too many pictures to post them all or just one of every temple...Sorry.Read more