March 20, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hi All,
Sorry...Its been difficult to secure internet service here in Cambodia, so I waited till I got back to Vietnam to send this blog on my visit to Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
Angkor Wat (AW) is just hard to describe, an incredible site and one of the worlds finest World Heritage Sites. The Khmer empire existed in Southeast Asia from about 800AD to 1450AD, and most of the temples visited here were built by dynasty kings from 1100 to 1200AD. The palaces were abandoned after a major war with Thailand. This was at a time when Europe was in the dark ages. AW is actually just one temple of many in a complex here, about 15 or so are regularly visited, but there are 100's of others. The stone carvings and inscriptions represent both the Buddhist and the Hindu influences .
Construction reminds me of the stories of the pyramids, with 1000's of local people involved in its construction. Each palace was typically built over a period of 20 to 40 years, with mass labor.
Angkor Thom, the name given to the capital of the area, has the Bayon temple with large face stone sculptures, facing all compass directions, refecting the Buddhist influence. You can see the mysterious Buddha image.
And lastly, I visited Ta Phrom, this one you've probably have seen in scenes in Indiana Jones, with trees crawling over the walls. This temple, after being abandoned and neglected, was overrun by large jungle trees, lifting many walls and all but destroying the temple. Incredible sites!
After the visit of AW, I went on to Phnom Phen, and visited the royal palace. Cambodia has a monarchy and has been ruled by kings for years. The king was in town, and would visit the palace some time after I toured it. It reminds me of the large Wat Phrom in Bangkok, huge grounds with many temples, lavish construction, silver floors, and including an incredible emerald Buddha.
Off early to markets in town this morning and bus ride back to Saigon.
I'll be with you in a day or two.
-Bill
