Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

Sunrise at Angkor Wat. It seems to be the focus of everyone’s visit and we’re not alone.

Up at 0430hrs and out with the parade to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. Despite what they say is a lack of tourists, there’s certainly enough of them to crowd the walkways, jam the perfect locations for sunrise photos, and narrow down what are already crowded passageways. However, one can’t miss the grandeur of the moment.

Angkor Wat silhouetted agains the rising sun was spectacular providing a 40 minute exposure of increasing morning light highlighted by the towers of Angkor Wat.

Not a cloud in the sky and an unobstrutured view of Angkor Wat from across the causeway. This doesn’t stop people from carrying high-powered flashlights as they navigate the roough stone walkways, but it can’t take away the magic of the moment.

After that, it’s mayhem! It’s 0615hrs, and people stream into the interior of Angkor Wat to view the ruins. It’s hardly ruins, but of course, it’s not original. Over the years, reconstructive work has come and gone, and slowly, reconstruction is making progress. Originally, the area housed over 2 million people, but now, of course, the area is closed at 1800hrs and remains silent, giving all the ghosts an opportunity to wander around their old homes with abandon.

Here are a few pictures: