Angkor Archaeological park consists of 400 sq km of sites that were developed between the 9th and the 15th centuries. There are more than a hundred temples in the architectural park. The complex was developed by the Khmer empire and by the 16th century was largely abandoned and engulfed in the jungle. Angkor Wat started as a Khmer temple and then became a Buddhist temple.
There are many temple and palace complexes but the most important are Angkor Tom comprising 1008 ha, Angkor Wat 199 ha and Ta Prohm which is 8.2 ha. Angkor Wat is the most visited and best preserved site. Ta Prohm has been partially left in its state when found with the jungle encroaching into the buildings.
Ankor Wat
Angkor Wat is formed in a square surrounded by a moat 200 meters wide, which is crossed in the west by a stone causeway. The temple grounds inside the moat is protected by a large 4.5 m wall with ornate towers and gateways. Inside the wall is an area of 820,000 sq m that contains where the city was ( was built of wood and is gone) and the temple itself. This area is the oldest part of the architectural reserve built in the 9th century.
Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple but later became a Budhist temple. It was built as a temple dedicated to the god Vishnu and represents the legendary mount Meru with the five towers representing the five peaks of mount Meru. The large moat represents the sea
The temple has an outer set of galleries in a square and then an inner set of galleries and finally the central most sacred part with the central tower. The towers are ornate and represent a lotus bud. The core of the building is laterite covered in sandstone panels. All the surfaces of the sandstone are decorated with carvings representing battles or scenes from history and with beautifully carved figures called Devatas.
Decoration on the pillars with human figures and animals set into an intricate pattern each circle is about 5 cm
Another pillar with an even more detailed relief
Another surface with detailed carving from about the year 1000AD
And Devatas about one meter high ,each one different
Details of one Devata with hair style and jewellery
Angkor tom
Angkor tom is a much larger complex and was developed by the Khmer after they left Angkor Wat. The site is only about a kilometre from Angkor Wat. It is again enter by crossing a causeway and passing through a gate. The causeway is lined by statues with very interesting faces
Baphuon
Close to the Bayon site is the palace with its steep sides and many steps. Baphuon is approached by a smaller causeway
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is probably the most photographed part of the Angkor reserve. This part has been partly preserved as it was found with the jungle growing through the buildings. Work has been done to make the site safe for tourists and to preserve the structure from further damage but has been left to experience how it was when found.
Trees grow around and through walls
These tree are hundreds of years old
Many of the walls and buildings have collapsed
But the carved details persist
Even with trees covering them
Perhaps they hold the buildings up now
They cover almost everything
And give a different beauty
Which is why the site is so popular with tourists