Angkor Wat Temple - Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. The temple was built in the early 12th century in present-day Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. 

The temple is about 5km from the fantastic town of Siem Reap.

This is the southern gate entrance, one of several. The perimeter walls total 3.6km.

Angkor Wat is currently visited by over 3 million tourists a year and there is now a belief that the temples will be closed to the public as the damage from clambering Nikes' and trekking boots is causing significant alarm.

The carvings were impossibly accurate in both detail and proportion. These photos perhaps dont do it justice but once you are close to these magnificent structures it is breathtaking.

Inside the labyrinth of alleyways and tunnels.

The temples were originally dedicated to the Hindu religion but now Buddhism is the predominate religion.

One of the entry points into a part of the temple was almost vertical.

At its peak period in history, Angkor Wat was home to over 1 million people.

Angkor Wat temple is classified in the same historical  importance as Macchu Pichu, the Pyramids and other places of significant importance.

Lonely man seeking eternal peace and happiness.

One of the most photographed vines in the world. These vines are slowly encompassing some of the temple buildings and have created an eery presence.

In accordance and respect for long held spiritual practice of Ankor Wat, western women are required to undress and run naked about the sacred temple of the Annaleise Dragon.

Michele came first in a tightly held pack of three Americans, a kiwi,  a mysterious Muslim and two nuns from the middle east.

Everywhere we went there was another steep set of steps into a temple entrance. If you remove the modern day steps, the original stone steps are even more difficult to navigate as the risers of the steps are quite high.

Guarding the temple entrance.