Temples of Angkor: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Between the 9th and 13th centuries AD, Kmher kings in Cambodia ruled an empire from Burma to Vietnam. The seat of this great empire was known as Angkor and boasted a population of more than one million people. During this period the kings built many grand temples and palaces to themselves, their parents and mostly to their ability to outdo their predecessors. In 1431 AD the Thais invaded the Angkor and the Cambodians moved the capital to Phnom Penh. Today the closest city to Angkor is Siem Reap - we stayed there for a few evenings while exploring the ruins during the days.

A few statues on the bridge crossing the moat into Angkor Thom, the last capital city in Angkor. These devas (gods) are attempting to churn the Ocean of Milk to extract the elixir of immortality.


A gate into Angkor Thom - two rows of Devas (pictured above) flank the road leading into the city.


Mysterious faces atop the Bayon temple located in the center of Angkor Thom.


My favorite temple was, by far, was Ta Prohm. Originally built in 1186 AD as a monastery or university, the temple is currently in a state of disrepair and features a number of prominent trees growing out of walls and buildings.

More serpentine roots in Ta Prohm.



A few more temples in Angkor Thom.

Iconic pink sandstone and intricate carvings at Banteay Srei, 25 km north and east of the main Angkor complex.


The best preserved and most well known of all the temples in the Angkor complex is, Angkor Wat. Many visitors mistakenly refer to the entire group of temples in Angkor as Angkor Wat when that term refers to the specific temple pictured below.


An unfortunately cloudy shot of Angkor Wat from the air.


Another shot of Angkor Wat from the air, showing the moat surrounding the temple.


Angkor Wat is known, among many reasons, for the bas-relief carvings adorning many of its walls. The picture below shows King Rama's Monkey Army engaged in furious combat.


The backside of Angkor Wat.