Visiting Angkor Wat was high on my list of things to do in Cambodia. I wanted to really learn about the ancient temples so I decided to hire us a guide for the day. We found a tour company and I specifically requested a guide who spoke English and would be good with kids. So needless to say I was frustrated when we ended up with one who barely spoke English and basically ignored the kids. (Yes, the company heard about it later!) Despite our disappointment with our tour guide, the temples themselves were amazing to visit. There are many temples in Angkor Archaeological Park and Angkor Wat is the name of the most well known and largest of them. We actually got several pictures with all of us so I guess our guide was good for something! Since I can't tell you a lot about what we learned that day, I will just include a bunch of photos so you can see how neat this place is.
These photos are of Angkor Wat. It was originally built as a Hindu Temple and then later converted to a Buddhist Temple. On the top level there is a statue of Buddah and it is still activity used as a Buddhist temple. To get to the top level we had to climb some rather steep steps. However, only those 12 and older were allowed up to that level so Joe and Jenna got to sit in the shade and wait while the rest of us climbed up and looked around.
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| And of course there was scaffolding on the front! |
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| This is the view from the back with no scaffolding |
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| Walking on the path to Angkor Wat. We had fun watching the monkeys. |
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| Sam on the top level. |
This next set of photos were taken in Ta Prohm. This temple certainly had an "Indiana Jones" feel to it as there were passageways and giant tree roots covering parts of the temple.
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| I was impressed with all the stonework. Most of it has been pieced together. |
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| The kids had fun looking out of windows and doors. |
Angkor Thom was quite crowded first thing in the morning, but we were able to get some photos.
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| There are faces carved on all four sides. |
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| Terrace of Elephannts |
We ended the day at Phnom Bakheng to watch the sunset. We hiked up a hill to the temple at the top. We were certainly not the only people there!
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| Waiting for sunset at Phnom Bakheng |
You are going to have so many interesting things to tell us when you get here. You have been to places I have never heard of. Mom Hull
ReplyDeleteI have never even heard of (or even immagined) these temples. And those tree roots--amazing! Are all of these temples now just ancient ruins?--any modern temple? and what were they used for? (Of course, as a history major in college, you have a real advantage over me for things of the past.) We are soooo excited to have you come! Love, Dad
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