hkskyline's 2013 in ANGKOR WAT

[hkskyline]

Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site stretching some 400 square kilometres near Siem Reap. It consists of remains from different capitals of the Khmer Empire, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Today, the park is a major tourist site. After paying USD $40 for a 3-day pass, visitors have almost unrestricted access to the monuments. There were few barriers at the sites, even those in a ruinous state, so watch your step!

My 3.5 day visit begins with Beng Mealea, which is a bit out of the way from the main group, but worth a trip since it remains unrestored.







































Ta Prohm was also originally left in its ruinous state on purpose to reflect what Angkor looked like when it was rediscovered in the 19th century. However, the site is now covered by modern equipment for restoration. Hard to imagine there was once a city wrapped around it but all that is left now are vegetation and emptiness.



















Climbing up the East Mebon was great exercise but if you are afraid of heights, you might want to stay at ground level or not look back and down!













































There are many ways to sightsee the various temples and buildings around Angkor Wat. Walking is definitely not an option as the distances are huge and dry season heat is quite intense. Some bike and use tuk-tuk, but have to cope with intense dust on the dirt roads. I chose a more comfortable A/C car with driver, costing only USD 25 a day, taking me in comfort between temples with a short cool-down break in between each attraction. Next stop : Pre Rup















































More in the next part or you can visit my website at : http://www.globalphotos.org/angkorwat.htm

[R.C113]

I absolutely loved, this thread. Great work and amazing photos!

[hkskyline]

Angkor Thom was part of the old royal city but was abandoned in the early 17th century.

Gates such as this one mark the grand entrance into Angkor Thom.



















A row of 12 identical towers line the east side of the royal square. However, it is uncertain what they were used for.







The Elephant Terrace stretches 300 m along the west side of the royal square. This was the place to watch royal receptions.













An entrance from the Elephant Terrace leads to the Phimeanakas, or the royal palace. Dating from as early as the late 10th century, the pyramid structure rises 3 levels of 12m each.























Being dry season, the ponds were a bit dried up.











The Leper King Terrace is carved with many mythological scenes. Some of these are hidden so you need to access the trench via a narrow entrance.



































Angkor is a historical attraction. This market next to the terrace is one of very few shopping areas in the whole archaeological park.

[hkskyline]

Many tourists hire drivers to explore Angkor's sights, so the Roluos Group's temples are easily accessible via a 15-minute drive from Siem Reap.

Lolei used to be an island temple and dates from the 9th century. The water is gone and the temples are in a precarious state.













A bit further down the road, Preah Ko is a small temple with 6 towers that also dates from the 9th century.







These outlying temples are small and less busy than the main sights, so it is actually possible to enjoy the architecture in serenity.



































A water feature leads the way to Bakong, a huge temple-mountain.

[Surrealplaces]

Amazing to think this was once the world's most populous city. It's on my bucket list for sure.

[hkskyline]

Preah Khan - it appears to have been a huge Buddhist university city.







After passing the entrance causeway with boundary stones and the naga bridge, we enter the city.

[hkskyline]

Neak Pean - this temple is accessible via a bridge across the water.









Dating from the late 12th century, the tower is set on a circular island in a pond. It is believed to symbolize a sacred Himalayan lake that had healing properties.







Ta Som - is a miniature version of Ta Prohm. With 3 concentric enclosures, the temple is famous for a tree that has enclosed one of the buildings.

[hkskyline]

Sunrise at Angkor Wat is very popular and we were recommended to arrive at an excessively early time to catch the first glimpse of the sun pass above the horizon.







We positioned in front of the little pool of water that reflected Angkor Wat's towers. This is the world's largest religious monument. Patterned after the Hindu universe, it dates from the early 12th century.













The bas-reliefs in the temple extend some 600m and depict various Hindu epics and even an Angkor military procession.

[Little A]

Great photos hkskyline! I visited Angkor Wat and the surrounds last October. It's nice to see it from your perspective!

[Dr Awesomesauce]

I'll be there next week. Thanks for whetting my appetite!

[SHiRO]

These are amazing!

[hkskyline]

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Just got back from Angkor Wat. Truly amazing.

Disappointing to learn that some of the missing heads are a very recent occurrence. Apparently they fetch a pretty penny on the Black Market.

[mrnyc]

absolutely stunning beauty. the vast amount of architectural ruins in the ruins is eye opening. i am surprized it all hasn't been carted off and sold piece by piece for courtyard water fountains and gardens around the world.