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There are three significant periods of Angkorian architecture. Each
has its elegant examples. Rather than rush from one monument to another
in order to see all of the ones in the area, we have chosen the best
examples of the architecture and art of each period, in order to be
able to linger, explore and contemplate. The amount of art is simply
overwhelming. It takes time to absorb it, put it in historical context
and appreciate its remarkable beauty.
At least 30 monuments have been found by aerial mapping that have
yet to be uncovered. Some, such as Angkor Wat, The Bayon, and Banteay
Srey, have been carefully cleared and greatly reconstructed in a continuing
program of restoration. Other temples and monuments such as Ta Prohm
and Preah Khan have been partially cleared and partly reconstructed
to give visitors an idea of how these ruins appeared when they were
"discovered" in the 19th century. Great gum trees and banyons emerge
from walls and corridors, their pale roots entwine the blocks, prying
them apart. I am fascinated by the fusion of art, architecture and forest.
Many of the temples were set in reflection pools or bathing pools
in which healing herbs were grown or placed to treat bathers. Reflection
pools such as Eastern Baray are enormous--7km by 2km! The temple, East
Mebon rises in forest that has grown in the abandoned pool. It is guarded
by stone elephants on its corners and lions on either side of the steep
stairs that lead to the Temple Mountain, the symbol of sacred Mount
Meru.
Neak Pean means "entwined serpents". The island temple in the middle
of the deep pool is set on a round base, the coils of two giant nagas,
their tails twisted together, their heads facing a horse swimming across
the pond. This monument and its ponds may derive from a miraculouslake
in the Himalayas from which sprang four rivers.
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The Bayon has dozens of giant faces, Buddha like, facing each of
the four directions, carved into the spires that surround the central
Temple Mountain. Murals carved into the stone walls of the base portray
daily life and chronicle the history of great land and sea battles.
Bird watching in the area is excellent. Parrots, parakeets, pygmy
geese and Indian Rollers populate the trees and river banks. You can
enjoy a day on Lake Tonle Sap where there are egrets, herons, maribou
storks and kingfishers. Tonle Sap has unique floating villages, composed
of boats that come together to follow the fishing in the lake and to
do business along the shore. Beauty parlors, banks, police stations,
restaurants, machine shops, and the other shops found in town are tied
up to floats or anchored in the shallows. Small boats make their way
back and forth. A Crested Serpent Eagle sits on the rail of the police
station boat. Pelicans and storks hustle fish from the fish corrals.
Birding trips can be arranged to the nearby mountains as well.
Contact us at mailto:indepth@loxinfo.co.thfor
further information about your personalized adventure.
Robert Cogen & Office:
U.S. (May-Aug):
Phone (1-707) 443-1755
Fax (1-707) 444-8574 |
Thailand (Sept-April):
Phone: (66-76) 383-105
Fax: (66-76) 383-106 |
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