Ta Prohm

We found Ta Prohm, a 12th century Buddhist temple, to be in a more natural state of only partial conservation where they allowed us to see how the surrounding jungle with the giant spung trees roots encroached on the temple.

It was surprising to see a dinosaur included in the carvings.

Banteay Srei

 

Banteay Seri means "Citadel of the Women" and is considered to be the jewel in the crown of Angkorian artisanship. It is cut from pinkish sandstone and includes some of the finest stone carving seen anywhere on earth. In many ways we found it more interesting than Angkor Wat.

An upside-down Lotus.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap

As we were walking toward Angkor Wat on the causeway, the statement "the mother of all temples" became evident. Its believed to be the largest religious building in the world. It's the best preserved of the numerous temples in the area and visited by 2.5 million people annually. In the 12th century it took  300,000 workers, 40 years to complete. It was part of a city that at the time had a million inhabitants as compared to London which had 50,000.

Why go in through through the main entrance when you can crawl in through a window?

The temple is famous for its beguiling heavenly nymphs apsaras; more than 3,000 unique apsaras are carved into the walls and there are 37 different hairstyles.

Interior courtyard with an empty pool.

The Happy Wanderers

For more information about Angkor Wat:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/cambodia/angkor-wat

Vientiane Buddhist Wats (Temples)

The Chedi on Laos kip.

A sleeping Buddha and puppy tourist.

COPE Visitor Center

 

We were very moved by the continued after effects of the Vietnam War upon innocent civilians, primarily children, due to unexploded landmines. Every year 300 people are injured or killed by the landmines. The center provides artificial limbs and physical therapy for free.

To learn more about their work:

http://www.copelaos.org

 

Patuxai, Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai is Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe that was built with US-purchased cement designated for a new airport.

The highly decorated ceiling inside the monument.

Scroll work from a window in the top of the monument.

Glimpses of Luang Prabang, Laos

We found Luang Prabang to be a pretty and exquisite French-influenced Lao community.

A frangapani tree in black and white.

Each wat or temple usually has a drum tower with a large drum that is used to announce the very early alms procession of Buddhist monks.