We visited Angkor Wat, the vast temple complex the size of Manhattan that dates back to the height of the Khmer Empire in the 12th Century. Originally constructed by Suryavarman II as a Vaishnavite Hindu temple, depicting stories from Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, it was rededicated to the Buddha as the country converted to TheravAda Buddhism later in the century. The central towers are important national symbols of Cambodia and appear as an emblem on the Cambodian National Flag. Important ceremonials have been held there as symbols of national unity throughout history.

Slide through this gallery to see something of the temple structures and their intricate carvings, including some of the hundreds of photos taken by our budding photographer James Beecroft.

The next slider gallery shows the bas relief friezes depicting the epic battles between the Pandavas and the Kauravas; the Ramayana; a depiction of Hindu heavens and hells and a historic procession of Suryavarma. Columns are carved with dancing devatas, and Buddhas once lined these galleries, decapitated through the ages by vengeful armies.

Later in the day we visited other parts of the temple complex now overgrown by jungle vegetation and in need to careful restoration, the Angkor Thorn and the Bayon temples. What workmanship these ancient craftspeople used! How many labourers and slaves perished dragging the stone blocks from the river! We were lucky to see the complex in low season when we could contemplate it quietly without being jostled by noisy squawking crowds. It was a real privilege. Photos courtesy of James Beecroft