This is the big one - the 12th century Hindu/Buddhist/Hindu-again/Buddhist-again-and-let's-all-get-along-now temple/city complex at the heart of the Angkor Archaeological Park, with its five distinctive towers that have worked their way into all non-harrowing imagery of Cambodia in recent years (it's not that one with the big faces though, that's another one).
It wasn't my favourite temple in Cambodia - not by a long way - but it was a great starting point. Even if my tour group's actual starting point (arriving around 9AM) was possibly the worst time for taking photos. I hope you like blindingly bright backgrounds and obscured details.
It wasn't my favourite temple in Cambodia - not by a long way - but it was a great starting point. Even if my tour group's actual starting point (arriving around 9AM) was possibly the worst time for taking photos. I hope you like blindingly bright backgrounds and obscured details.
Prasat Angkor Wat,
Angkor Archaeological Park
Outer and inner enclosures
Outer causeway (250 metres).
That's right, you're getting facts instead of sarcasm. I have a lot of temples to get through
Inner causeway (350 m)
Defaced (literally) lion on duty. It looks like a feeble attempt's been made to repair it by etching some 2D human features. UNESCO's restoration efforts aren't what they used to be
First tier
This place is pretty immaculately maintained.
I wonder how it stands up to Cambodia's modern cities, where people actually live
Bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other things. Or something
I was too preoccupied with taking trippy pictures of corridors to pay much attention
At least we didn't spend literally all the time taking photos of each other, like the Asian tour groups seemed to. I wonder if they fit as much in? Or if the day is extended to account for it?
Second tier
There are practically no rambling restrictions in these temples - you're free to stray and deface the ancient masonry as you see fit.
Enjoy Angkor Wat while it lasts, because your kids won't get the chance
Enjoy Angkor Wat while it lasts, because your kids won't get the chance
Another nice library
A nice bath.
(Note: Do not bathe here. There is no water. You won't get clean)
Central courtyard
East wall and upper gallery
Spoilsports don't let you climb these steps and risk certain injury.
It is political correctness slash health and safety gone mad
Don't worry about this guy - he's 'armless! ('Arm less' - oh wait, that doesn't work for heads)
Yeah, I know - phwoar!
If my patient and creative camera angling is successful, you should be under the delusion that this entire place was not completely swarming with people
There they are. Look at all the feckless dregs
Third tier
I had to work around scaffolding too. One day I'll do a blog about How Places Actually Look
North gate
Gopura: pretty close now
Perhaps you're not supposed to get this close though
Angkor Wat at balloon-set
