We have just finished visiting the Bayon temple, it is time to end our tour with Angkor Wat, a strong symbol of this country, it is the silhouette of this temple which appears on the national flag all the same (the only building to appear on the national flag of a country).
Built in steps on an artificial mound symbolizing the summits where gods and monarchs delight, the temple-mountain of Angkor Wat is the masterpiece of Khmer architecture (12th century). Oriented towards the west because it was dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu divinity) at its foundation.
Built by King Suryavarman II as a temple and base for his capital. Typical architecture of Khmer civilization, it is the most visited tourist spot in the country, including many bas-reliefs.
It is also the best preserved temple, thanks in particular to significant restoration efforts in the 90s. The complex occupies a total area of 1 meters by 500 meters, composed of moats and 1 galleries encircling the central sanctuary.
We are going to enter a place full of history...
Millions of people have walked this ground long before me...
Bullet holes from the civil war when the Khmer Rouge took control of the country.
This is only the enclosure surrounding the temple complex.
Angkor Wat has remained an important religious center.
Gallery surrounding the enclosure.
At the end of this same gallery there was a hole, curious like other tourists we crossed to arrive inside the enclosure, obviously it is not made to pass through there... out of respect for the monument it would be better to avoid doing the same as me...
We are approaching.
Smiling with teeth, probably a personal touch of the artist because it is unique.
Another bike for sale?
A classic souvenir photo!
Shadow play.
One of the two libraries is located on each side of the central aisle.
“Parked” in the shade.
Another great classic, but it's so much better to see it when you've taken the photo yourself.
Reflections.
An excerpt from one of the frescoes surrounding the temple.
Detail of a bas-relief, an elephant used during the war.
General view in front of the temple.
Monks walking past a towering tree.
3 floors, representation of the afterlife, of “on earth” and of hell.
There's no smoke without fire?
We feel very small…
A view from the second floor.
The setting sun offers a beautiful spectacle of color and shadows.
Towards the top.
The central sanctuary is composed of four small towers and a larger one in the center, all forming the well-known silhouette of Angkor Wat. Unfortunately for us, it was under renovation, so we were unable to access the top which would have allowed us to watch a beautiful sunset from this location.
The central shrine was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but his golden statue was removed and today each shrine has statues of Buddhas instead...
Little girl collecting plastic water bottles to make some money…
Many monks come to Angkor Wat.
The sun is getting low.
No one in sight, a little "authenticity" is nice (too bad about the blue plastic bag..)
In pain of admiration?
Series of Buddha statues.
In the inner courtyard, there are basins, once filled with water.
With style!
Even the monks take souvenir photos.
Or rub shoulders with tourists.
