Magnificently detailed, carved bas-reliefs line its corridors, depicting
stories from some of the great Hindu epics.
Angkor Wat is a timeless symbol of national pride in a country desperately trying to leave behind some painful recent decades of war and isolation.
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| Bayon Temple, Cambodia |
But it is just one of around 100 ancient temples in the area north of Siem Reap that was once the heartland of the Khmer Empire.
Nearby is the Bayon Temple where more than 200 immense carved stone faces grimace and grin from every direction. Another incredible sight is the ruins of Ta Prohm, where the roots of trees drip and spill like wax from giant candles over the ancient stones.
We took in all three stunning temples around Angkor Wat in one day of sightseeing.
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| Maison Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang, Laos |
It was the fourth day of our tour of Cambodia and Laos and both former French colonies had made an instantly favourable impression, especially when compared with other parts of South East Asia.
They make the perfect getaway for those who fear some areas of Thailand have become a tourist-plagued paradise lost.
Visitors will find ancient world sightseeing, top quality hotels and outstanding natural beauty, along with some of the world's friendliest people.
And one of the most attractive things about the region is there is not a fast food outlet in sight - just some of the finest cuisine ever to tickle a gourmand's palate.
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