Kampuchea-temples and people (cont)

Had to publish last one was going on and off line. Friday morning after taking in the sunrise at Angkor Wat we went to Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.  These  were built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12 th century. Angkor Thom means "Great City". It is protected by a 26ft wall 7.5 miles long and surrounded by a wide moat. There are five gates each with four stone faces. The Bayon Temple is at the center of the city. Jayavarman VII is felt to be the greatest of the Khmer kings building free hospitals and roads that run to Vietnam and Thailand complete with rest stops.

Evil figures guarding one of the gates to Angkor Thom -Good figures are on the left

Gate Entrance

Bayon Temple

Bas reliefs show battles , scenes of everyday life and Hindu legends

Cobra head usually at the end of balustrades

Elephant heads with trunks

In the afternoon we went to Ta Prohm temple also known as the jungle temple-restoration was done without removing trees which have continued to grow throughout the temple. Tomb raiders was filmed here because of the eerie nature. Unfortunately my camera battery died (you were right Alexis-I ordered another but they sent the wrong type) so you'll have to see Michele and Solange's comprehensive recording when they return.
Will leave you with some selected shots from other temples we visited- Will try to get in one more blog about the Khmer.

Siva in the middle has assumed the form of half man half monster to kill the most evil villain who can't be killed by man or monster

The trees are incredible including this elbow bend-many mahogany trees

Temple gate

Buddha

5 headed snake with tree growing out of the top

Tree roots inside the window and growing in front

Same tree from the outside