Stretching over some 400 square kilometres, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the largest pre-industrial city in the world. The most famous are the Temple of Angkor Wat Angkor Thom, and the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. Angkor Wat is the largest monument to religion ever built and is truly one of the seven wonders of the world. Kim provided us with lots of historical information and was able to interpret the stories told in the many detailed carvings. In fact, almost every stone has some kind of carving on it.
My description of these temples cannot do them justice. They are simply magnificent, awe inspiring and breath taking.
Even at 9 am it was very hot. By noon the thermometer reached a feel like temperature of 42 and we could feel every degree of it in the direct sunlight. Climbing the steep temple stairs was a chore, but simply not to be missed. Although there were huge crowds at Angkor Thom, by the time we recached Ta Phrom (now referred to as the Tomb Raider) the crowds had thinned out and we were able to explore without pushing through large tour groups.
Although it was a long, exhausting day, it was most enjoyable. We purchased 3 day passes for the Angkor temples and will explore some of the others on our own over the next few days. A brief, refreshing rain shower greeted us as we left Angkor Wat. However as soon as the rain stopped and the sun came out, the temperature again soared.
Back at the hotel we treated ourselves to banana spring rolls topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate. After showers, we walked to the market, stopped at a cafe for coffee and walked back to Frangipani Hotel. That's enough for one day.
1 comment:
As always, I am so enjoying following along! Love the pictures and the stories...glad you are enjoying the trip! It's an amazing place.
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