Craig was happy to have watched a few documentaries as they proved equally informative, if not more so, than our friendly guide, who at times hurried us along. (We had a guide for one of our four visits to Angkor).
Six or seven hundred years ago the temples would have been covered in white plaster and gold leaf. While significant restoration and maintenance is ongoing, at this point no efforts have been made to recreate the original style of the temples.
The remaining stone temples themselves were nonetheless stunningly beautiful with their architecture combining Hindu and Buddhist styles and the artistry of the detailed carvings on the sandstone walls. The carvings detail life at the time in the Khmer kingdom, with hundred of figures each with unique faces thought to be based on the actual dancers that worked at the temple at the time of construction. Others provide propaganda detailing the achievements of the particular king who commissioned a given temple. Many of the "achievements" detailed in Angkor Wat are contradicted by the historical record of neighboring kingdoms.
Outside of Boyan, Angkor Wat, and Phnom Bakheng, we were largely able to avoid the crowds and find pockets of the ruins to quietly enjoy on our own. The tranquility was only disturbed by the calls of cicadas, hornbills, and the children in our group complaining about the heat.
Visiting Pre Rub at sunrise was a full sensory experience. The west side of the temple was bathed in early morning light, while the smell of offered incense filled the air. In the distance, there were two wedding days commencing, and their music competed for our attention. We learned that wedding celebrations start at 5 am with the bride and groom waking for sunrise to honour the sun.
Despite the early hour, it was already hot and humid. The many steps of each temple tested the patience of the children, but we all persevered through visiting Pre Rub, Ta Prohn, and Boyan, none of which disappointed. Ta Prohn, with its overgrown trees was a definite family favourite! We hope you enjoy the small selection of photos from the near thousand that we collectively took!
To cap off the day, we went back out for sunset. We did the short hike up Phnom Bakheng to see Angkor Wat temple from above, bathed in evening light. It was very crowded but we enjoyed the view and the chance to snap a few photos.
