Tours of the grand temples of Cambodia

• Tours of the grand temples of Cambodia

If the French national symbol of architectural (a such a cliché) is the Eiffel Tower, for Germany - Brandenburg Gate, and for Russia - the Kremlin, in Cambodia - it ruins remaining from several capitals of the Khmer Empire IX-XV centuries. The monumental temple complex of Angkor Wat, located five kilometers from the city of Siem Reap, is a symbol of national pride, and from the nineteenth century is depicted on the flag of Cambodia. It is the largest preserved religious building in the world.

Rouge believed that Angkor Wat living gods, and access to the central part was available only to a very narrow circle of the elect. Now the temple is accessible for $ 20, and in the circle of the elect for an additional 5 ...

Angkor Archaeological Park at Siem Reap (Siem-Reap, as Siem Reap, Siem Reap, Simrip) standing under the protection of UNESCO, it is situated on the territory of 400 square kilometers and includes two main campus: Angkor Wat temple (Angkor Wat) and the temple Bayon in Angkor Thom.

Angkor Wat - a Hindu temple. It was originally dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Parapet with a sculpture of seven-headed serpent that surrounds the road leading to the temple.

The crowds of tourists come here at 5-6 o'clock in the morning to see a miracle - the first rays of the rising sun over Angkor Wat. This magical moment Ritual imprint here:

Assuming that a miracle does not happen, I immediately went inside the temple.

The ruins, yet tourists are grandiose.

For an additional $ 5 paid guard (Cambodian can live on them a few days), I climbed to the top of the central part of the temple.

The miracle did not happen.

Beautiful views.

It is said that the temple was built in an unusual way - from the top down.

Behold the surface of the temple are covered with carvings. Numerous reliefs reflect scenes of Indian literature.

Around Angkor Vata moat.

From the air the whole complex looks like

And this is another complex next door to the Angkor Thom

From Siemriapa to the temples, I pedaled. A few photos from the road:

Flooded forest.

And this is a very Siem Reap.