Angkor Wat

Recharged and cooled down, we walked across the road to the famous Angkor Wat complex. Much larger than the other temples, it is surrounded by a huge moat. We passed through the West Gate, then across a very long causeway with statues of lions and nagas (snakes) along it. Very much an imperial feel, with a great sense of grandeur. Local boys were diving off the tall steps into the moat, then climbing back up the steps to dive again.

Once inside the outer walls, we walked across massive fields (playing fields), and then to the left for photos of the temple towers reflected in the pond. Further to the left, were we saw monkeys scampering about, and a horse (for tourist rides) getting a bath. Then onto the main Angkor Wat temple. Long bas-relief walls inside and out told numerous stories (the history book of the time?), some of which Mr. Teng shared with us. One told the story of heaven and hell, and how a powerful ruler (god?) decided men’s fate, then directed his assistant to catch some into hell, where they suffered a variety of particularly nasty punishments.

Angkor Wat is impressive, and although we didn’t see the temple at sunset (which is apparently strongly recommended), I frankly liked Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm much better. Angkor Wat temple reminded me a bit of the difference between Windsor Castle and Stirling Castle – the first is impressive because of its grandeur, but someone formal; the latter is funky and unique and much more interesting to see.