Definitely worthy of an entry of their own entry, the carvings at Angkor Wat and surrounding temples are a sight to behold. Although many of the carvings have had some of their detail worn away by the elements, there are still lots of examples that look like they might have been carved only a few years ago. While most of the temples now house statues of the Buddha, they were originally built at a time when the Khmer Empire was dominantly Hindu. Consequently, almost all of the carvings are representations of the Hindu pantheon and/or scenes from Hindu mythology. Even a little effort to learn about the Hindu gods and the classic myth "The Ramayana" will be rewarded with a much richer understanding of the carvings.

For most Westerners, some sort of guide or guidebook will be essential. I picked one up right outside the Temple for $6 from a street vendor and referred to it almost constantly while I was moving through the temples. I did some background reading from the guide on history, culture, building methods, materials, etc., and I found that it significantly improved my appreciation and understanding of the carvings on the second day. One thing to remember is that lighting can make a huge difference. Angkor Wat has over 2,000 Devatas, and I particularly enjoyed noting the difference it made to view them in the shade, the morning/evening light, and the bright midday sun.

Things to keep in Mind: Broadly speaking, there are two types of temples around Siem Reap, monastic complexes and temple mountains. Try to include both types in your itinerary. Also, some temples have been restored and some have been left basically as they were first discovered. Again, try to visit examples of both. Finally, the temples were built over a 400-year period, and the building style and materials evolved over this period, so try and visit both early and late period examples. Angkor Wat and Bayon (in Angkor Thom) are both unique in their own right and are must-see's, no matter what your planned route. Try and include any sights that are dependant on the weather as early on in a multi-day visit as possible. i.e. don't leave a sunset climb of Phnom Bakheng until the last day just to have it rained out. Try and visit the temple mountains early in the day, when it’s cooler. Steep climbs are required, and there is little shade at the top. Visiting the monastic complexes can be done through midday as there is plenty of shade.

Before you go: Pick up a guidebook that details the bas-relief carved at Angkor Wat and Bayon; it will be invaluable. If you decide to use a guide, speak to them first. The level of English fluency and knowledge varied dramatically among the ones I saw at the temples. Also, when booking a driver, make sure he understands your itinerary, as they may expect additional money to visit some of the farther out temples or for a very long day that goes from before sunrise to after sunset.

Considering all the above factors, my ideal route (and close to the one I followed) would be: Start the day at Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise from the north lotus pond. Move immediately on to Angkor Thom (you’ll comeback to Angkor Wat in the afternoon, when the bas-reliefs are better lit.) for a quick walk along the Terraces and chance to admire the South Gate. After that, head out to Banteay Srey, stopping at Ta Keo, Pre Rup, and East Mebon on your way out. Then come back towards Angkor Thom and do a long walk From Sras Srang through Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm. This should take a couple of hours and carry you through the midday heat. Have your driver meet you at the west end of Ta Prohm so that you don’t have to walk back. From here, move to the bas-reliefs at Bayon and Angkor Wat, but still take the time to enjoy the temples in their own right. Then end the day with a climb up Phnom Bakheng to watch the sun light up Angkor Wat as it sets.

It was built as a Hindu temple and decorated accordingly, the statues of Buddha being added at a later stage. We went before the sun came up and bought our temple passes for our time in Siem Reap for $40 for a three-day pass. One day passes are available for $20 and all passes give you access to all the temples in the area.

It is possible to climb all over the temple presently. Though there is a great view from the top it is a bit hairy climbing back down again- look for the staircase with the new addition of concrete even steps when you are trying to get back down.

Overall, from the grandness of the moat to the sight of the temple appearing majestically through the haze of the dawn, Angkor Wat is everything that you imagine it to be and more.

However, there were many monks sitting and chatting with tourists in the central tower. I met an 18-year-old monk who insisted that I was Japanese and kept on speaking Japanese to me. He apparently teaches Japanese to the other monks. It was quite amusing.

I really enjoyed sitting outside Angkor Wat. Riding a bike there can be physically tiring if you are not fit. I tried it and it almost killed me. I also didn't want to my bike to get stolen so I sat with it by the lake. Then a bunch of Cambodian men/boys came and sat and chatted with me. It's nice to be traveling alone and watching a wonder of the world without being disturbed!

I went to visit Angkor Wat during Khmer New Year. There were so many Cambodians there. It was too crowded!! But the wat is still very impressive and looking at it every time just hits me how beautiful it was, and with the breeze how good it felt to be there.

I could have sat there reading forever!