Wat

• Angkor Wat is located in northwest Cambodia. It is the largest religious structure in the form of a temple complex in the world by land area, measuring 162.6 hectares (401+3⁄4 acres). At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of four towers surrounding a central spire that rises to a height of 65 m (213 ft) above the ground. The temple has three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. It lies within an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2+1⁄4 miles) long and a moat more than five kilometres (three miles) long.

The temple was built at the behest of Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura, the capital of the Khmer Empire, as the state temple for the empire. Originally constructed dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu in the early 12th century, it was converted to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century.

As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's main tourist attraction.

My complete Cambodia Album is found at www.flickr.com/photos/domnessi/albums/72157680697116845

Antigua capital del reino de Siam (hasta 1767) conserva las ruinas de importantes templos. El Chai Wattanaram es uno de los más impresionantes. Ayutthaya fue declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1991.

Ofrendas en el árbol de Buda en Chiang Mai, ciudad del norte de Tailandia y antigua capital del reino Lanna.

Columns Panorama - Angkor Wat, Cambodia

One of the many temples that make up the world famous heritage site of Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, Cambodia...

One of the many ancient temples of Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, Cambodia....

Antigua ciudad que floreció en el siglo XIII y que conserva algunas ruinas, muchas de ellas restauradas. Este Buda sedente tiene 15 metros de alto. Sukhotai fue declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1991.

Yet another temple at Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, Cambodia....

Nature is reclaiming one of the many temples of Angkor Wat, near Siem Reap, Cambodia