pictures from cambodia

[PhillyB]

Major ceremonial chamber in Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world and considered the eighth wonder of the world. This was shot with a wide-angle lens because it was so massive (and I still couldn't capture the entire thing.)

A shot of the mirroring chamber. If I recall correctly these chambers were used in the filming of Tomb Raider (one of the bars in nearby Siem Reap is notorious for having been the after-hours hangout spot of Angelina Jolie and the crew.)

Part of a massive relief carved into a wall in Angkor's outer wall. This particular scene was one of tens of thousands around the complex, and depicts a Khmer war horse.

Intricate stone inscriptions like this one were commonplace (but no less astounding for it.) These designs have lasted eight hundred years, a testament both to the quality of the original work and the skill of modern archeologists working to restore the temple to its original glory.

The front of Angkor Wat as viewed through central columns on the upper prangs of the temple.

Unrestricted view of Angkor from the same spot as before. The massive outer wall is visible in the distance; a tremendous moat wraps the temple just beyond it.

The classical view of Angkor: three distinct prangs justting skyward, tribute to premodern Khmer glory.

Smaller temple sits just behind Angkor wat. This particular one was filled with probiscus monkeys.

[PhillyB]

Restored wall with intricate reliefs in Angkor's main courtyard.

Buddhist monks stream up the main walkway to visit Angkor Wat.

Probiscus monkey watches me intently - humans are by no means a new encounter for him, but I am still a subject of interest.

Massive temple structure at Bayon, home of the famous Faces of Bayon.

One of Bayon's stone faces as viewed from an interior corridor.

These massive monoliths depict then-king Jayavarman VII and have weathered the test of time well.

Sunlight streams through a hole in the central prang of Bayon's ruins.

[4Corners]

where are the hookers?

[PhillyB]

The skulls of 8,000 men, women, and children lay in their final resting place in a 13-story-tall memorial tower. They were victims of Cambodia's infamous Khmer Rouge, excavated from mass graves in what is now known as the Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek.

Victims' bones and the ragged remains of the clothing they wore are still visible through eroded dirt on the main walkways of the fields.

At Cheoung Ek's internment center every victim to be slaughtered was dilligently photographed and documented. Fear is plain in the faces of the doomed - a chilling testament to the brutality of the Khmer Rouge.

New life sprouts amid tragedy at the Killing Fields. Vibrant beauty stands in stark contrast to the horrors of the history recorded here.

[PhillyB]

...thats all for now. I'm headed off to Singapore in a few hours, I'll post pictures of it and Vietnam in a few days.

[bleys]

incredible photos... forces me to rethink some of the travels I intend to make in the near future..

[KBlizz]

i've always wanted to visit cambodia. those places look incredible.

[sunbunny]

I am totally loving your pics.

[Guest]

Those pics are amazing, thanks!!!

[Floppin]

You're a lucky man.

[Epistaxis]

Great pics.

Thanks for sharing.

[Bronn]

Aliens built that, btw

[Hawk]

monks and monkeys but no chicks?!!!!

kidding man...cool pics...thanks alot for sharing!

[Jhyler12]

amazing photos....