Monday, June 30, 2008

Siem Reap - Views from Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is constructed during Early to Mid 12th Century AD under King Suryavarman II with Hinduism influence. Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It consists of a massive 3-tiered pyramid crowned by 5 lotus-like towers standing at 65m.

Suryavarman II constructed Angkor Wat in the form of a massive "temple- mountain" dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Although it served as his state temple, the uncommon westward orientation led others to suggest that it was constructed as Suryavarman II's funeral temple.

Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and an 1300m by 1500m external wall. The size of the temple itself is a square km which consists of 3 levels surmounted by a central tower.

Angkor Wat 3-tiered pyramid

Angkor Wat VIII

Angkor Wat VII

Angkor Wat VI

Angkor Wat V

Angkor Wat IV

Angkor Wat III

Angkor Wat II

Angkor Wat I

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