After a heavy day of exploring I climbed the hill to Phnom Bakheng where I took this shot. It gives an idea of the setting of the actual Angkor Wat complex in the forest.

On arrival at any of the sites expect to be beseiged by vendors from stalls like these. 'You buy postcards, mister?' 'You buy cold drink, mister?'

The main entrance across the moat into the ancient city now known as Angkor Wat.

Once inside the wall the temple is still a long way off. As this was once a city, I assume this field was then full of wooden houses that have since disappeared.

If you climb the stairs into the metphorical heavens you will be entertained by these beautiful apsaras (dancers). Even if you don't make it up the steep stairs (not everyone makes it to heaven), bas reliefs can be seen just about everywhere.

Fifty-four gods are on the left wall of the bridge over the moat at the entrance to the ancient city of Angkor Tom. Fifty-four demons are on the right wall. For safety sake, keep left.

At many sites the jungle has taken over and trees grow over the ruins. The young man in this picture is a vendor of guide books.

Right column from top:

'We're climbing a stairway to heaven' and many find it quite challenging.

One of the gods at the entrance to Angkor Tom.

Look too quickly and the Bayon appears to be a pile of rubble. Look more closely and there are over 200 faces like this one looking out to the forest.

At the time of my visit to Cambodia I wrote lengthy blogs, including tips for visitors to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. To read them go to my blog and navigate to the archive for the entry for 5 February 2005. The entries before and after this date also relate to Cambodia.