Angkor Wat

This is the big one, honouring the Hindu God Vishnu. The enclosure is a large rectangle which is about 1.6 km by 1.3 km, surrounded by a very wide moat and approached across a very wide causeway. Even in the dry season the moat never goes dry, so somehow the water beneath the way manages to support the foundation. This is the best preserved of them all and is the most restored.  Here is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. When Angkor was at its height, it is believed that this was the largest city in the world with a population on 1.6 million people.

The Outer Wall

Just inside the first gate we find this beautiful carving.

We did not approach along the central pathway.

From the side the towers are reflected in a calm pool of water.

Another great spot for Jim and Deb.

The workers using this lawnmower were having a little break.

After climbing a few step to the first level, we soon found a very long wall of very detailed and very complex bas relief. A rope kept us back a few feet.

In the past, many years of touching had given some sections a shine.

Carved dancers (Apsara) appear everywhere.

More steps took us to a courtyard on the second level

To approach the central tower, a long and very steep set of stairs had to be mastered.

From here we could look down on the interior of the second level.

Beyond were the expanses of Level One.

This fellow was working very intently at something.

Straight Down the Central Road, from the Central Tower