Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia is the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor. The name Siem Reap means 'the flat defeat of Siam.' It is a reference to the centuries-old conflict between the Siamese and Khmer people.
The ancient ruins of Angkor near Siem Reap are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of South East Asia. Angkor was the centre of the Khmer empire which was powerful in South East Asia from the 9th - 13th century. At the height of its power, it ruled over/vassalized parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Burma and Malaysia.
In an area over 400 sq km, the Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of many temples, buildings, monuments and sculptures in the different capitals of the Khmer empire. The main and largest temple, the Angkor Wat, was built between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II who dedicated it to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world.
Getting there
Siem Reap is about 1hr 50 mins by flight away from Singapore.
Angkor Wat is 5.5 km north of the modern town of Siem Reap, 10-15 mins drive away.
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| Left the hotel early at 5.30am to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat..
The sun will rise behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of
Angkor’s distinctively shaped towers against a coluored sunrise sky. Some
of the best colors appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon.
Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day. Not much of a sunrise. |
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| Waiting at the northern reflecting pool to catch the sunrise. |
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| clouds obscured the sun |
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| Surrounded by a moat and an outer wall, the Angkor Wat comprises 5 towers rising 65 metres above ground level. The temple is 1km square and consists of a massive 3-tiered pyramid topped in the centre with a tower that represents Mount Meru, home of the Gods. |
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| view of the extensive grounds from near the entrance |
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| The exterior walls of the lower level show beautifully carved bas reliefs depicting stories and characters from Hindu mythology. |
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| detailed bas relief carvings wrap around the exterior walls - one of the longest in the world. |
For more information about the bas reliefs, I found this site helpful.
http://www.holiday-in-angkor-wat.com/angkor-wat-bas.html
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| steep steps leading to interior of temple |
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| well-preserved apsaras |
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| Apsaras are beautiful supernatural females skilled in the art of dancing. |
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| Buddhist monk in Angkor Wat. After the 13th century, Theravada Buddhism became the state religion of Cambodia. |
