Cambodia - Part 6

What to do when you have a day in Angkor Wat?

Okay, for starters, the Angkor Wat occupies some 208ha around a square surrounded by a moat. 
This temple complex was built in the beginning of the 12th Century by King Suryavarman II and it was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. It's just amazing to see such a magnificent structure towering in the vast Cambodian landscape. 
Believe it or not, it's 900-years-old and still standing.
So, if you are visiting this place for the first time, be sure to get there early. Experience the Sunrise and take a tour of the temple complex.
There are sections in the temple that are sealed for safety reasons. 
Noteworthy, are the Mahabharata scriptures that were chiseled onto the walls of the temple complex. Each embellishment is unique and this is something that is worth viewing.

An epic tale told through the masterful craft of the ancient Khmer people

An aerial view of the complex

A sketch of Angkor Wat at the turn of the century by Henri Mouhot

The Angkor Wat temple complex is a huge place. So, take your time and if you have bikes, be sure to lock it up and remove all your electronics (GPS, cyclometers, POV cameras) before heading into the Angkor Wat compound.
For the photography buff, the interior and exterior compound is worth spending some time for capturing its architectural majesty.

At the entrance of the temple complex

We saved this for the last..

At the main entrance of Angkor Wat

At the upper-level of the complex

Wooden staircases leading to the upper levels

These corridors are cooler than the temple's exterior

The epic Mahabhrata scriptures told on the wall carvings

There are three-levels at this 9-century old temple complex. The first and second levels are accessible by tourist.
But the highest point, has been sealed off. This was because some tourists were seriously hurt and even died falling off the steep steps.
On the average, you can spend about an hour or more at the Angkor Wat complex before moving on to a dozen of more temples within the Angkor area..