Breathtaking and Enchanting Angkor Wat, Siem Reep Province, Cambodia
Khmer architecture, also known as Angkorian architecture is on full display all over Cambodia and parts of neighboring countries at Hindu and Buddhist temples, schools and palaces during the Angkor period of the Khmer Empire from the later-half of the 8th century to the first half of the 15th century CE. There are dozens of noteworthy structures all over Cambodia, but chief of them all is the 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex close to the city of Siem Reep. Much is written describing this architecture and the 402 acre (163 ha) Hindu temple site, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, mainly built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII. It is worth reading whether you are planning on going, have been or just want to be amazed.
Angkor Wat, for our family. has been a “bucket list” destination for years. So, ten days in Cambodia with Angkor Wat as the centerpiece was a dream. Our day at the temple complex started at 4:30 AM for a sunrise viewing (along with another 2,000 tourists) and then rain, haze and mist – not great for photography (sigh) but great for experiencing the actual “being there” feeling and looking, touching, smelling and taking-in the ancient complex. Before you know it, four hours have gone by. I will say for me, the stone sculpted bas-reliefs of the epic battles fought by these kings and commemorated on the walls of four galleries that line the square of the internal temple were mesmerizing along with the omnipresent architectural details and the myriad of other sculptures. We also enjoyed a personal tour of some of the reconstruction/restoration going on at the temple by German archeologists. Also clear - one day was not enough to visit and appreciate this complex.
Breathtaking and Enchanting Angkor Wat, Siem Reep Province, Cambodia
Khmer architecture, also known as Angkorian architecture is on full display all over Cambodia and parts of neighboring countries at Hindu and Buddhist temples, schools and palaces during the Angkor period of the Khmer Empire from the later-half of the 8th century to the first half of the 15th century CE. There are dozens of noteworthy structures all over Cambodia, but chief of them all is the 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex close to the city of Siem Reep. Much is written describing this architecture and the 402 acre (163 ha) Hindu temple site, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, mainly built during the reign of Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII. It is worth reading whether you are planning on going, have been or just want to be amazed.
Angkor Wat, for our family. has been a “bucket list” destination for years. So, ten days in Cambodia with Angkor Wat as the centerpiece was a dream. Our day at the temple complex started at 4:30 AM for a sunrise viewing (along with another 2,000 tourists) and then rain, haze and mist – not great for photography (sigh) but great for experiencing the actual “being there” feeling and looking, touching, smelling and taking-in the ancient complex. Before you know it, four hours have gone by. I will say for me, the stone sculpted bas-reliefs of the epic battles fought by these kings and commemorated on the walls of four galleries that line the square of the internal temple were mesmerizing along with the omnipresent architectural details and the myriad of other sculptures. We also enjoyed a personal tour of some of the reconstruction/restoration going on at the temple by German archeologists. Also clear - one day was not enough to visit and appreciate this complex.