ANGKOR WAT??

                                 Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure on the planet.

Built about a thousand years ago, it is Cambodia's greatest tourist attraction. And for good reason.
Also one of the highlights of SE Asia.

The Angkor Empire ruled over a large area of Asia from about 700 AD to 1400 AD & then for some reason, still not completely understood yet, the empire disappeared.  And the temple city some how became abandoned & forgotten, hidden in the jungle for about 400 years. Not until French occupation during rhe 1800's, did it become popularised. Henri Mouhot claimed that Angkor Wat was still in such perfect preservation, that it felt like the inhabitants had just left the building. He stated that the
temple , "Was a rival to Solomon, erected by an ancient Michelangelo.

Unlike Ta Prohm, commonly refered to as the Angelina Jullie temple, as it was the location of the filming of the Tomb Raider movie. Ta Prohm is spectacular in its destruction, as the strangler fig &  other jungle creepers are slowly overtaking & almost crushing the temple. Archeologists from all over the world are working to conserve, prop up & support the magnificent structure. But it is photogenically stunning.

The ancient ruins were declared a UNESCO site in 1992 & lie a few miles outside of the town of Siem Reap. A day trip costs about $15 by tuk tuk with a $20 entrance fee. But one day is not enough & a $40/ 3 day pass is better value. The outter temples are just as spectacular & well worth the extra time & expense. Every temple is unique in its beauty. It can be hot & sweaty work climbing up & down & over the ruins. But it is breath takingly beautiful. And some of the temples have a didtinct lndiana jones feel about them. Some penny pinching backpackers choose to view the temples by bicycle. Not recommended, it is exhausting in the relentless heat & humidity.

Angkor Wat is beyond words, whether you are into archeology, architecture or art. It is the pride of Cambodia & is represented on everything from its beer to its national flag. And walking up the long, wide, stone path towards the entrance, it's impossible not to be gob smacked.

Best hostel in Siem Reap is Australian owned & managed , SIEM REAP HOSTEL.  Staff are friendly   & knowledgeable, great pool for cooling off after the temples & 50c beers at happy hour.


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