Angkor Thom

On our last day we visited Angkor Thom. The largest city in the world in the 12th century. We started at the Victory Gate- way away from the crazy crowds at the Southern (?) gate and walked along the wall to the Death gate. We were all alone. It was awesome. Our guide said all the gates look the same- with the Buddhas heads up top and the elephant pillars on the side so I am glad we went to the less crowed gates.

Our walk between gates:

After the gates we walked around within the city. Here is a shrine to Buddha. The large Buddha in the back was originally in the Bayon temple, but was smashed when one ruler change the temple from a Buddhist temple to a Hindu temple. The found the Buddha burried underground and put him back together. They were unable to fit him back in his original place, so they put him here:

The only thing they know about these towers is that they put a rope in between them and acrobats walked across them.

Elephants were used a lot in the actual construction of temples, in warfare and in myths. On this wall you can see an elephant strangling another animal. There was a huge wall with carving similar to this one.

I think this is the Baphuon temple. We didn't spend much time in it because we wanted to save our strength for the Bayon temple and Elyse was pretty tired at this point.

Super Dad carrying both girls:

This is the Bayon temple. It is very impressive. It has many towers and great carvings. It is our guide's favorite temple.

We could not really escape the crowds at this temple which was unfortunate. It made me appreciate the others routes we took at the other temples. Too many people make it hard to enjoy things. Although there were tons on people, I can see why this was Boon Chai's favorite.