Temples of Angkor Day 2

The day started at the bridge over the moat into the South Gate of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was constructed in the late 12th and early 13th centuries after the Cham's sacked the previous capital. At its peak it is thought to of supported over 1 million people (London at this time was around 50,000 people).

The faces above the south gate.

The gate is one of 5 holes through the 12km wall around the city that is 8 metres high and encircled by a 100m moat. You get the feeling that you are being watched, they have this presence about them.

The Bayon is the main temple in Angkor Thom and is one of the highlights of Angkor.

Click for more detail on the Bayon.

After a few hours at the Bayon it was through the Baphuon and through this entrance gate to the Phimeanakas.

Then onto Preah Palilay (pictured) before moving quickly through Tep Pranam.

The Terrace of the Leper King...

... and the 350m long Terrace of the Elephants rounded out the mornings adventure before returning to Siam Reap for a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon we met up with the others for some Angkor Wat fun.

Click for more detail on the temple of Angkor Wat.

Too tired for sunset we go home at a sensible time.