Angkor Temples

We were fortunate to arrive in Cambodia just in time for the Chab Dai staff retreat in Siem Reap, where the ancient Angkor Temples are. We had a great time getting to know the people we’ll be working with in the next six months. They were very warm, although not all of them speak English, so we’ll have to “brush up” our Khmer as fast as possible. The temples are huge and the detail on them is amazingly intricate. A wonder of the world they are indeed! The size of the temples (and they are massive) highlights the fact that every inch of every wall is covered with details and carvings. Cambodia was once the most powerful kingdom in the region, and these temples testify to the grandeur and magnificence of that empire. If nothing else, this experience has inspired us to learn new adjectives for “big” and “beautiful”!

Here are some of our favourite pictures from our time in Siem Reap.

Banteay Srei: A temple believed to have been built by women, partly because of its intricate detail, even in comparison to the detail on other temples. It was the first temple we visited and it took our breath away.




Ta Phrom: Nature was purposefully left free-reign over this temple, and this ancient relationship is overwhelming and beautiful. This was our favourite.




Bayon: Also a very famous temple, each “steeple” has four sides, with a face carved into each side. Astounding to walk through, although a little intimidating, with a huge stone face around every corner!



Angkor Wat: The main temple, and most known throughout the world. “Just gigantic”, is all Charlie can say. We were there near dusk, and it was so quiet and peaceful inside the temple, a good end to the day.