• Friday 19 March 2010

Everybody at some stage in their life should visit this place. Like Machu Picchu you dont truly get a sence of what it is like until you get there. You really do feel an energy there, just like Machu Picchu. Angkor was the capital of the Khmar civilization which lasted around 500years until they were removed in 1431 by Thai invadors. The temple that is now known as Angkor Wat was built sometime in the 12 century at the hight of the Khmar civilization. They later built another temple Angkor Thom which was a royal city or temple. Angkor Wat is surrounded by a moat and a stoned bridge that leads to the stone structure. The temple has 3 levels, the top level which was only open to priests and the king is surrounded by 4 towers. The temple is now seen as a spiritual monument by the Buddhist Cambodians. When it was built the temple was devoted to the Hindu god , Shiva and later the temple became a monestery(Wat). The carvings at the temple are amazing even after over 800 years or erosion and plundering by treasure hunters and later the Khmar rouge. Some of the bas reliefs on the walls here are the longest in the world and depicts scenes from Hindu religion and battles. The best time to see the temple is early in the morning before the sunrise. Alot of visiters go first to the North pool to get a glimpse and some pictures of the the reflections of the sun rising but if you are looking for something more spiritual people recommend going to the principal sanctuary of Angkor Wat. You get here by climbing steep worn down stairs which is thought to resemble the hard path to heaven. Priests and the king used to be the only people allowed here but now everyone can make the journey as long as you get there early enough. Angkor Wat and Cambodia have never been easier to get to with cheap flights from Ireland leaving every day. You can also take guided tours to this place visit Asia Travel to get an idea of what the tours take in.