2nd day in Siem Reap

We had a long day at the Temples today.  First stop was the famous Angkor Wat Temple, then on to one of the famous tree temples the Ta Promh Temple and then to the Banyon Temple.  There are more than 600 separate temples in the Angkor complex.

 Angkor Wat is the best preserved temple in the Angkor complex and built in the 12th century.  It took 380,000 people 27 years to build.  This great temple spans 195 hectares, has a moat all round and has walls approx 1 kilometre long on all four sides. The detail inside the buildings is incredible as are the stone carvings throughout.  It is still in the process of being restored to preserve the structure for future generations to appreciate (being paid for by India).

The level of water in the moat around Angkor Wat temple is maintained to ensure the moisture content under the buildings is stable.  This is an attempt to prevent the foundations from drying out, shrinking and causing cracking and further collapse of the temple.

Originally the stupas were covered in gold and the interiors and statues were elaborately decorated with gold and precious jewels.   After Angkor was abandoned in the 13 century, the temples were stripped of their valuables (probably by the Siamese).   Many of the precious stones ended up in Burma.

Our first view of Angkor Wat looking across the moat.

Climbing the steep steps to the upper level of Angkor Wat.

Inside the temple.

View from the top.

Tree roots holding the stone work of the temple Ta Prohm.  When Angkor was abandoned, nature took over!  

More trees holding the temple together.

Amazing sight.  Temple cannot be restored as the tree roots are holding the structure together.

Walls collapsing and little money for restoration.

The carved faces in this temple are outstanding.

The photos do not do justice to this magnificent ancient man-made creation.