Cambodia, Angkor National Park - Travel Photography at Baphuon

When I traveled to Siem Reap in May 2022 to visit the famous archeological and historical sites at the Angkor National Park, I found the place fairly deserted of international tourists. This was in start contrasts to my first trip there in 2015 where the whole area were basically swarming with lots of visitors, most of whom had travelled there internationally.

Seizing upon this rare opportunity, I had a great time photographing the temples at the sites, including closeups photographs of the many intricate and stunning wall carvings, paintings and sculptures that had stood for centuries.

For me, one of the most impressive sites at the Angkor National Park is the Baphuon Temple. Built sometime in the 11th century by Suryavarman I, Baphuon was originally dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. If one exits the temple at its west side and goes further back, an impressive sculpture of a reclining Buddha measuring approximately 9 metres by 70 metres can be seen. According to historians, this reclining Buddha was a relatively late addition to the complex, probably around the 15th century, and may had involved the demolishment of parts of the original temple complex itself to supply stones for the "new" addition.

Today, more than 10 centuries later, Baphuon still stood. A testament to the ingenuity and skills of the many ancient architects and craftsmen who worked to build this magnificent temple.

The reclining Buddha as seen at the west side of the Baphuon Temple, Angkor Thom, Angkor National Park, Cambodia (2022)