On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Auntie Anne
Angkor Thom was established as the capital of Jayavarman VII’s (Jaya 7 for short) empire and was the centre of his massive building program. Jaya 7 was the first king devoted to Buddhism, as only one prior Khmer king had been a Buddhist. He then built the Bayon Temple as a monument to Buddhism. Jayavarman VII is generally considered the most powerful of the Khmer monarchs by historians. His government built many projects including hospitals, highways, rest houses, and temples. With Buddhism as his motivation, King Jayavarman VII is credited with introducing a welfare state that served the physical and spiritual needs of the Khmer people.
The Bayon Temple’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces of Brahma – probably modeled on the face of King Jaya 7 – on every side the many towers that jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.
North gate of Angkor Thom
Inside the gate of Angkor Thom. The movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider features several characters visiting Angkor Thom during their trip to Cambodia to recover the first piece of the Triangle of Light
Angkor Thom is sadly overgrown. It was abandoned sometime prior to 1609, and the jungle grew up and through the buildings. The site is currently undergoing restoration and conservation, aided by grants from the Japanese and US.
Bayon Temple
Closeup of the smiling face on one of the towers
Closeup of one of the carvings. The carvings are charming – they show people in their daily lives at the time. There are soldiers, a cook, and even a woman giving birth.
Monkeys at Bayon Temple
A final view of Bayon Temple
YY_Sima Qian
Great photos!
stinger
Thank you for these great photos!
Betty
Interesting commentary and great photos.
Torrey
I’m really enjoying your pictures. I appreciate the details you’re catching that are often skipped/ignored in “travelogue” type presentations of the site.
eclare
I love that smiling face!
Auntie Anne
I loved Bayon. Seeing Angkor Wat for the first time took my breath away, but Bayon was much more interesting because the carvings showed how people lived. And the smiling Buddha faces made me smile too.
NutmegAgain
Fantastic, thank you for the whole series. I’ve never been to Angkor, but I’ve been to Borobudur (different country!). You’ve captured the experience so well.
Tenar Arha
@Auntie Anne: Wonderful. Thank you.