exploring the ancient temple complexes around angkor, cambodia was an amazing experience! angkor is said to be the largest religious monument/complex in the entire world as there are hundreds of temples surrounding angkor wat, covering something like 1000 square miles! the pictures i share here are spread throughout the temple complexes that we explored over three days!
the ankorian period of khmer rule started in the 9th century A.D. by the khmer hindu monarch, jayavarman II. the main temples began construction in the 1100's and the khmer ruled the region until the mid 1400's when the thai forces conquered, forcing the khmer to move their capitol to the present location of phnom pehn.
[sorry if this takes a while to load, i added the big pictures to show the details...]
must start the day with a solid cambodian breakfast!
the most famous temple of the bunch: angkor wat (with monks!).
a huge statue of buddha as you enter angkor wat.
monkey crossing.
the traditional peacock hats were fantastic!
the tourists were sometimes goofy ;)
conservationists have struggled to decide whether to restore all the temples to their original forms or let the trees continue to grow throughout. i'm glad they left some trees!
i love the details of the carvings, even though these structures are SO old!! i cant imagine what they looked like in their prime! the colors of the stones are amazing as well.
a decorated elephant!
some temples required serious(ly sweaty) climbs up steep stairs!
i loved the temple of faces, bayon!!
peace out!
more photos here!!
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