The history of Buddhism in Cambodia spans nearly two thousand years, across a number of successive kingdoms and empires. Today Buddhism is struggling to re-establish itself after it was nearly wiped out during the Khmer-Rouge era. The lack of Buddhist scholars and leaders and the continuing political instability makes its re-establishment difficult. Here are some images of Buddhism in Phnom Penh today plus a Banyan tree flower under which Buddha sat after enlightenment for seven days absorbed in his new realisation.

Labels: Asia, Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Temple

The Inner/Upper levels of Angkor Wat had been closed for three years for innovation and they opened on the very day I visited

Labels: Angkor Wat, Asia, Cambodia, HDR, Siem Reap, Temple

I arrived at Angkor Wat at 5am in the dark. Dawnbreak was lovely but not that serene as I was joined by another 200-300 photographers/tourists. So I left the viewing spot by the lake and entered the temple compound pretty swiftly well ahead of everyone. And then the serenity and wonder of the place hit me strongly.

Labels: Angkor Wat, Asia, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Sunrise, Temple

Bakong was the first sandstone temple mountain (an architectural representation of Mount Meru) constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor in 802AD. There is an active Buddist temple on the site and a few temple boys were laying up for lunch...the monks being out collecting their food donations.

Labels: Asia, Bakong, Cambodia, Roulos, Siem Reap, Temple

As I was wandering around the outer boundary of Bakong Temple, I was passed by several children on their way home from school. Some were on foot, but most were riding knackered old bicycles. These were adult bikes, donated by overseas charities and are well oversize for most children. But as many kids have to walk up to 10km to school they are much prized.

Labels: Asia, Cambodia, Roulos, Siem Reap, Temple

Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) was built in 879AD by the Khmer King Indravarman I. This was the first Khmer temple I visited in Cambodia. It is part of the Roulous group a few miles from the main group at Angkor. It's named after the three sandstone bulls in front of the temple who represent Nandi, Shiva's mount.
In the final image, Nandi is being ridden by one of the hundreds of child beggars who ply the temples.

Labels: Asia, Cambodia, Roulos, Siem Reap, Temple

You can climb up the central prang of Wat Arun. It's very steep and around 75m high.


The gold plated Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho is one of the largest single buddhas. It's 15m high.

Labels: Asia, Bangkok, Temple, Thailand

Gold Leaf, Gold Tiles (glass ones from Murano), Gold Paint features pretty heavily the complex of buildings that comprise The Grand Palace in Bangkok. It served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the 18th century onwards. Construction of the Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I. The Palace has been constantly expanded and many additional structures were added over time.

Labels: Asia, Bangkok, Temple, Thailand

I'm now back from my travels in South East Asia. I have lots of great landscapes, seascapes, architectural, street and portrait photos. Over the next few months I will be sorting and processing and publishing. I'm planning to upload one a day here. Enjoy.

Labels: Asia, Cambodia, Siem Reap, Temple