Angkor Wat

12th Century construction as a Hindu temple, dedicated to Vishnu

Cambodia is 95% Buddhist and, as in Thailand, most of the young boys spend at least several weeks as a monk. These fellows spoke some English and we had a little chat. Angkor Wat is the symbol of the country itself and appears on the national flag, but it is also a working temple.

The region of Angkor covers 77 square miles; Angkor Wat is only one of hundreds of buildings in the area. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire from the 9th to 15th century, when it was abandoned.

Angkor Wat was converted from Hindu to a Buddhist temple. It was also used as the mausoleum for the king.

It would be more accurate to call this a "sloped wall" than a stairway. There is a stairway on the other side where a metal bar has been installed to help you down. The upper level of Angkor Wat is an excellent spot to enjoy a sunset but you may be tempted to spend the night up there rather than find your way down in the dark

The wat itself is 213 feet to the top of the central tower. It occupies a territory of 500 acres, surrounded by a wall which in turn is surrounded by a moat.
Amy captured the definitive "Angkor Wat" picture. Thy, our guide, helped point us to where some of the best shots were, and knew which sites were best seen and photographed in the morning versus afternoon. Angkor Wat, which faces west, is best in the afternoon. This arrangement is great because it also means that you can come back in the morning and have the place almost to yourself.