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The Angkor Wat Temple In CambodiaMost people go to Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat temple, and rightly so. There are many beautiful pictures of Angkor out there, and for most of us, it was one of those pictures that inspired us to visit Angkor Wat. Pictures like this one.
Or this one.
Or this one
But, those pictures only show you how Angkor looks like from the outside. Have you seen the inside of the Angkor Wat temple? Have you seen the detailed bas relief and decorations that adorn almost every wall? Or the steep staircases that's made even more precarious by age? Have you seen how the world looks like from Angkor Wat after you climb those deathly stairs? If you haven't, I'd like to take you on a little visual 'tour'. Ready? First, you'll cross the moat to get into the temple complex. During the wet season, the moat will hold more water than in the dry season. The excitement starts here, and if you have your camera on at this point, no doubt you'd be taking pictures already.
As you enter the main causeway and start the long walk to the main temple, feast your eyes on the sight of the imposing structure. Historians have decided that Angkor Wat is both a temple and a mausoleum. But most visitors will not debate on that much, because just enjoying the sight is enough.. Symmetry has been long prized as one of Angkor's great feature. Walking the causeway is one of the best times to appreciate it.
Shortly, you'll see the reflecting pools, where some of the most beautiful Angkor Wat pictures were taken at. The pools make Angkor Wat an even more interesting photo objects, because then you'll have an addition of natural symmetry.
During the wet season the pool is usually completely filled with water, and you can take some great pictures. During the dry season, it only gets partially filled, so mirror images are harder to come by. Like this one:
Passing the pools, you'll be stepping onto the Cruciform terrace. The crucifix shape isn't that obvious, unless viewed from up above. Below, on your left and right side, you'll also see two 'smaller' buildings. These are the two libraries (symmetry again, you see?)
Gallery of 1000 Buddhas (Preah Pean)When you first enter the temple, you'll immediately be stepping into the Gallery of a Thousand Buddhas (Preah Pean).
As the name suggests, this area used to have hundreds of Buddha images. Now, only remnants of it is left; some were removed, and others stolen. There are 4 'pools' within the cloister, but none of them are filled with water any longer.
Standing within the cloister is a great experience. Your eyes will be busy taking in every detail - the size of the enclosure, the many Apsara dancer figures, and the airiness and ancient feeling of it. Being under the roof where its shady and cool, you can see how bright Cambodia sun is shining. The contrast made the stones and sculptures that are under the direct sun so bright, and the ones inside so still and calm. It was indescribable.
Shady on the inside, bright on the outside.
There's a large 'Buddha' statue at the opposite of the gallery entrance, towards the end. The statue is actually Vishnu, the Hindu God, but dressed up as Buddha. Many people came to pray and gave their offerings while visiting the Wat. It reminds you once again what the temple is about. It was a religious structure then, and it is still one now, though maybe not in the scale that it in the past.
When you are done taking in the sights, it's time to move into the central courtyard, where the main towers are. Angkor Wat Central TowersAs you emerge from the hallways, you'll be greeted with the grand sight of the towers..
You are now standing at the second level of the temple (the Thousand Buddha Gallery was the first). The third and final level, is located in the middle of these second level towers. It is a great idea to spend sometime here on this level. Some people sit at the ledge and just take in the sights of the main towers. It is also a good place to rest after the long walk if the sun is particularly hot that day, When you are 'done' with the courtyard and ready to go up, be careful when climbing up the stairs to the third level, because they are steep. It was deliberately designed to be steep, to illustrate how reaching the heaven is not an easy task.
There have been casualties before on these steps, so the Apsara authority made up some metal stairs with railings on the other side of the courtyard. Don't think less of yourself if you use these stairs, because really, safety comes first.
Top Level of Angkor WatAfter your climb up the stairs, you'll finally arrive at the top level. Here you'll be able to enjoy some really great views, because now you're now 50 meters up from the ground. There are many spots to just sit and take in the moment of being at the top of Angkor Wat.
Imagine that at one time, people actually lived and worked here.
With a view like this, you won't want to go down.
But you must, sooner or later. Later is better. Another reason to linger longer at the top is that it's better to limit your exposure to those deadly steps. Going down is even scarier than going up.
But if you think it's a cakewalk after your first try, then of course no one is going to stop you. Except maybe this sign that's posted as several places throughout the temple.
After coming down from the top (hopefully safely), you are by no means finished with the temple. Be prepared to be awed by the bas relief at the outer walls. The details and the magnitude of it will overwhelm you, to the point of remembering very little of what you saw after the whole affair ended. Once you've marveled at the detailed carvings, you can also take a walk on the grounds, venturing into less known areas. Such as the monastery, the south causeways, or the libraries.
Angkor Wat History - An Overview Angkor Wat Cambodia- A Quick Review Angkor Bas Relief? Astonishing! Return from Angkor Wat Temple to Holiday In Angkor Wat(homepage)
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