Saturday 19th October 2019

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Today we were heading to Angkor Wat.

Ankor Wat Temple is one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world and was built in between the 9th-13th Century.

As one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, this 159sq mile UNESCO site is not only the largest religious complex in the world but also arguably the most spectacular.

Angkor Wat is Cambodias national symbol, built by Khmer King Suryavarman II as his State Temple and Capital City.

Dedicated to Vishna, the Hindu god, it is surrounded by a 190m-wide moat and took 300,000 labourers and 6,000 elephants approximately 37 years to create.

Angkor Wat is indeed the largest and most well-preserved temple, its also a UNESCO protected world cultural heritage site and is the largest religious monument built before the industrial period.

The grandeur and detail of this massive complex is overwhelming.

The park includes the remains of the Khmer Empire, which dates as far back as the 9th century.

Its compelling moving through the 39 restricted towers.

We then proceed to Angkor Thom, meaning Big (Thom) City (Angkor).

Angkor Thom Area houses Angkor Thom Temple South Gate, Bayon Temple, Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace & Leper King terrace, Royal Palace, Woman and Man Pond to name but a few.

It is huge.

We ate some lunch then continued our journey to visit Ta-Prom Temple.

Ta Prohm is part of the Angkor complex that warrants special attention.

Unlike many of the archaeological park’s restored temples, Ta Promh has been left to endure the harmful effects of jungle vines, trees, other plants and the environment….it has been swallowed by the jungle.

This is undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor.

Ta Prohm appeared in the Hollywood movie ‘Tomb Raider’, starring Angelina Jolie.

Ta Prohm is a 12th century Mahayana Buddhist temple, dedicated to the mother of King Jayavarma VII.

The trees that now tower above it, their roots strangling the stone structures and impassible paths show its age, it has all been but devoured by nature.

A couple getting married where having their wedding photos taken here

Tae Prohm has raw beauty…it is by far my favourite part here for sure! I love it!

The trees are spectacular and it really feels like we have travelled back in time.

As you roam around the compound you can see the ancient carvings, walls, statues being swallowed by the giant creeper fig trees. Nature is just so amazing.

Ta Prohm’s state of ruin is a state of beauty, we investigated it with delight and left with regret!

It is so beautiful and serene.

The awe-inspiring Temple of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm are the most iconic ruins you will ever see and you can find loads more if you just keep wandering through the jungle, it is unbelievable!