Angkor - Woke up early at 3.45am to catch the 4.30am sunrise tour of Angkor wat. This massive temple complex in Cambodia and is the largest religious monument in the world, on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres). Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century; as such, it is also described as a "Hindu-Buddhist" temple.
The early civilisation of the Khmer kingdom following the belief of their King were Hindus but gradually move to the religion of Buddhism. I watched and read about the wonders of Angkor wat but nothing can replaced actually seeing it in front of me.
The city of Angkor is spread out over an area of about 40 x 40 miles and was the capital of the Khmer empire from AD 800 to 1200 and was abandoned in 1431.
Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west.
It was a short 7km drive to Angkor wat and had to stop at a ticket station to pay the US$ 37 for entrance fee, Cambodia accepts US$ as their transactional currency and will return the loose change of US$ or US$5 in their Cambodian rial at an exchange rate of US$1 to 4,000 Riel. Cambodia has de-dollarization the small US notes of $1, $2 and $5 out of circulation.
The Angkor entrance fee counter staff will reject US$ if they are ripped, torn, or slight stain; although you can expect to see filthy riel in circulation. Old-style US bills are also not welcome, so make sure that the cash you bring is fairly new.
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| A group pic taken at 6.40am in the morning |
At the entrance to Angkor wat, the drive dropped us off in the dark and had to walk following person in front of you - there were many official tour guides in uniform and badges. We chose one pleasant tour guide and he spoke good English. I think a tour guide is very important was he is able to explain the best location to take a shot, providing a good history lesson to the significance of a particular carvings.
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| Perfect pic at the Angkor Library |
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| Cool pic of the 4 of us |
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| Balustrade ruin of Naga |
Naga is an mythical figure in Cambodia which takes the form of a seven-headed snake, often carved as a balustrade and found on causeways leading to temples or palace buildings.
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| Restoration work on the balustrade |
There are many restoration work being done at Angkor wat as it is a huge temple complex, mostly restored by France and Germany. The restoration of cement quite evident in the difference in colour and texture to the original.
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| Right Balustrand |
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| Left of the Balustrand |
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| The causeway to Angkor wat |
Angkor wat had 12 towers and these 3 is the icon of the Cambodia flag. Currently, only 9 left with 3 towers collapsed in ruins.
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| On the wooden steps of Angkor temple |
The restoration includes wooden ramps and steps as the original steps carved from strones lay in ruins and too dangerous to be step on.
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| Sunken bathing pool |
The King and priest to cleanse themself before entering the inner Angkor temple.
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| One of the tower of Angkor wat |
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| In front of the Temple steps |
These steps was constructed for tourist as the original steps were steep and slippery. Today is Buddha's holiday in Cambodia so no tourist allowed to climb the steps to the top of the temple.
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| Hindu inspiration on the walls of Angkor Wat |
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| Us and our Cambodian tour guide |
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| The original causeway across the moat under restoration |
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| The floating temporary causeway |
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