ANGKOR

ANGKOR

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Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 meters x 1500 meters. The temple
itself is 1 km square and consists of three levels surmounted by a central tower. The walls of the temple are covered
inside and out with bas-reliefs and carvings. Nearly 2000 distinctively rendered apsara carvings adorn the
walls throughout the temple and represent some of the finest examples of apsara carvings in Angkorian-era art.
But it is the exterior walls of the lower level that display the most extraordinary bas-reliefs, depicting stories and
characters from Hindu mythology and the historical wars of Suryavarman II. It is in the viewing of the bas-reliefs
that a tour guide can be very helpful.
The first level of is the most artistically interesting. Most visitors begin their exploration with the bas-reliefs that cover the exterior wall of the first level, following the bas-reliefs counterclockwise around the temple. Bas-relief highlights include the mythological Battle of Kuru on the west wall; the historical march of the army of Suryavarman II, builder of Angkor Wat, against the Cham, followed by scenes from Heaven and Hell on the south wall; and the classic ‘Churning of the Ocean Milk’ on the east wall. The temple interior is not as densely carved as the first level exterior, but still sports hundreds of fine carvings of apsaras and scenes from Hindu mythology. A guide can be quite helpful in explaining the stories of the various chambers, statues and architectural forms to be found in the interior. At the upper-most of your tour of the temple,
the central tower on the third level houses four Buddha images, each facing a different cardinal point, highlighting the fact that though Angkor Wat was constructed as a Hindu temple, it has served as a Buddhist temple since Buddhism became Cambodia’s dominant religion in the 14th century. Some say that it is good luck to pay homage to all four Buddha images before departing Angkor.
The northern reflecting pool in front of Angkor Wat is the most popular (and crowded) sunrise location. The sun rises behind Angkor Wat providing a silhouette of the temple’s distinctively shaped towers against a colored sky. Some of the best colors appear just before the sun breaks over the horizon. The visual impact of Angkor Wat, particularly on one's first visit, is awesome. As you pass through the outer gate and get your first glimpse, its size and architecture make it appear two dimensional, like a giant postcard photo against the sky. After you cross through the gate and approach the temple along the walkway it slowly gains depth and complexity. To maximize this effect you should make your first visit in optimal lighting conditions, after
2:00PM when the sun is on the face of the temple. Do not make your first visit to Angkor Wat in the morning
when the back lighting obscures the view.

T here are dozens of ruins in the Siem Reap area, many of the most significant within the Angkor
Archaeological Park north of town, others further afield. The temples vary in importance, interest and
condition and are spread over a large area, often kilometers apart. In order to get the most of your visit, it
is best to prepare a preliminary itinerary. Your itinerary should depend largely on the length of your visit and
your level of interest, though some ruins are must-sees. Any itinerary should include the legendary Angkor
Wat and Bayon. These two temples offer the most spectacular and unique examples of Angkorian art and
architecture. On the road trip to Bayon, you will also see the South Gate and other minor ruins. As it is within
walking distance of Bayon, even the briefest visit can usually include central Angkor Thom with its artistically
interesting terraces and massive ‘temple-mountains,’ Baphuon and Phimeanakas.
As time and interest allows, build the rest of your itinerary around visiting each type of major ruin – temple
mountains such as Pre Rup, Ta Keo, Bakong and West Mebon; flat, sprawling monastic complexes such
as Ta Prohm, Preah Khan and Banteay Kdei; and unique monuments such as Neak Pean and Srah Srang.
The Roluos Group, which is comprised the monuments of an early Khmer capital, sits about 13 km west of
Siem Reap. It is a bit out of the way, but offers some fine examples of early Angkorian art and should be
included in two or three day itineraries. Of special note is the artistically exquisite but more even distant temple, Banteay Srey. If there is any way of squeezing it into your itinerary, it is well worth it.