Category: Art

To grasp the impact of the temples around Angkor Wat, think of Chartres. Chartres is wonderful — here you find a dozen-plus Chartres, all within 45 minutes of each other. The Cambodian temples are every bit as spectacular as their reputation would have you believe. Their massive scale, their finely crafted detail, their lovely jungle settings, their ruin and their restoration combine to make this one of the world’s great places. Yes, it is very hot, and many of the sites are crowded with tourists. Some temples were probably over restored. But the architecture is compelling and the sculpture fascinating.

Visit the 10th century Pre Rup temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 9th century Preah Ko temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 10th century Prasat Kravan temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 10th century Banteay Srei temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 12th century Banteay Samre temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 9th century Prasat Lolei temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 9th century Bakong temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit the 12th to 13th century Ta Prohm temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Visit Angkor Wat, the 12th century temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the most famous.