So this is a post with a mission. I had wanted to visit Angkor Wat for many years, and finally got to do so in 2008. I was amazed at the sheer number of Khmer temples around Siem Reap; the architectural variety – from the step-pyramid like Phimeanakas (reminiscent of a Mayan pyramid) to the temple of Angkor Wat itself with its five soaring towers; and the artistic themes – from the fluid bas reliefs of Apsaras (dancers) at the Terrace of the Leper King, to the cobblestone-like carved lingams in the river bed of Kbal Spean. Now my daughter, living in Thailand for a year, is about to visit and asked me for some pointers.

There is so much to see in and around Angkor Wat – where to start? I definitely did not get to see it all in the few days I was there. So here, very briefly, are some of the places that touched me most. Click on the photos below for more details…