Angkor Wat Photo Gallery

Angkor Wat is a replication of the Hindu universe, with the central tower representing Mt. Meru, the home of the gods, the moat representing the oceans, the concentric galleries representing the mountains, and the naga serpent on the causeway being the guards. Built in the early 12th century, the temple occupies about 9 hectares, with the city around it. Facing the west, there are several theories on what Angor Wat was used for. It might have been dedicated to Vishnu, who is associated with the west, or it was a maousoleum as west is the direction of death. If you only have a day in Siem Reap, this and Angkor Thom would be your itinerary. One of the must-do's is to watch sunrise here. Despite being winter, it was still an excessively early wake-up call for the drive in before the sun passes above the horizon. The prime spot is in front of the little pool of water that reflected Angkor Wat's towers. The 350m-long causeway is decorated with naga serpent balustrades. To the left and right was the original city but no trace of that remains. The bas-reliefs in the temple extend some 600m and depict various Hindu epics and even an Angkor military procession. Also on offer are almost 2000 apsaras carved into the walls. They boast 37 different hairstyles and each looks unique. The cruciform cloister connects the galleries on two levels. Stairs to the upper gallery rise on either side. The uppermost level of the temple consists of 5 towers. Reachable via a steep staircase, there are a number of covered galleries with great views of the surrounding forests. Cross a few layers of enclosures to exit the east end of Angkor Wat. The east end of Angkor Wat is deserted, but offers a wonderful perspective of the temple's grandeur. By now, the hordes of tourists who came for sunrise seem to have disappeared back to town for breakfast.