Angkor Wat Tours With or Without a Guide - Great Pictures.
<<>> Angkor Wat temple or (City Temple) at dawn and sunset can be spectacular despite the crowds because with good Angkor Wat tours you will be able to minimise the crush.
This temple complex was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century and was first Hindu and then Buddhist. The major visitor attraction in Cambodia and of great national pride it has been displayed on the Cambodian flag since 1863.
The temple lies 5.5 km north of Siem Reap which has become a major tourist destination. From the town it takes about 20 minutes by car or motorbike and a bit longer in a tuk-tuk
The building is part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Covering some 400 sq. km Angkor contains the magnificent remains of many temples and buildings from the 9th to the 15th century. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Passes are required to enter the Angkor area. These are on sale at the front gate for 1, 3, or 7 days. If you buy a pass on the evening before the first day of the pass, you can enter the park after 5PM to view the sunset, after which the park closes. The passes are non-transferable and include a photograph of the owner. The photograph is taken at the counter. Note that regular checks for the pass are performed at almost all sites within the park, so carry your pass with you at all times, and be certain to buy the passes only from the official Apsara Authority.
To fully appreciate this temple and its history a good Angkor Wat guide is essential. An actual person is best but if you don’t want to do that then buy a good guide before you go.
The temple symbolizes the mythical Mt. Meru and its five inter-connected rectangular walls and moats represent chains of mountains and the cosmic ocean.
As you tour the temple, you will see certain mythical figures and other motifs cropping up repeatedly. The main ones are: Apsara Which represent an ideal of female beauty and are celestial nymphs, always bare-breasted and usually dancing.
Kala Which are often found on temple gateways as they are to guard against evil. They have monstrous face without a lower jaw.
Naga Which is a multi-headed mythical serpent. The most famous Nagas' in Angkor can be found on the guardrails of each entrance to Angkor Thom. <<>>
In the temple you will also see many famous wall carvings, which depict scenes from various mythological stories and historic events. Here a good guide will help you understand them.
This building is stunning at any time of day and is particularly atmospheric at dawn and at sunset. Sunrise as the sun illuminates the monument is a particular favourite of the photographers.
Angkor Wat temple is best seen rather than read about so enjoy your visit.
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