Our second day of exploring the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia led us to the distant but popular temple of Banteay Srei. It is a small temple, its buildings looking miniature compared to the other grand structures in Angkor, but what makes it so popular is its intricate wall carvings. Banteay Srei is a 10th [...]
When we finally made it to Siem Reap to visit the Temples of Angkor in Cambodia, I had no idea where to start. Should we do what most people do and just head straight to Angkor Wat? Should we visit Ta Phrom, Banteay Srei or some of the lesser visited temples first? I spent a [...]
Many centuries ago, the country of Vietnam was largely divided, and Central Vietnam was ruled by the Champa Kingdom, whose religion was actually Hindu. In a hidden valley surrounded by mountains, they built their most holy site - a large temple complex known as My Son. The architecturally brilliant temples were built to worship their [...]
Wat Phra Ram was actually the first of the ruins that we came to when we visited the ancient Siamese Capitol of Ayutthaya, Thailand. It is certainly not as impressive as the larger ruins of Wat Mahathat and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, however it still has some interesting ruins to check out. Towers and chedis at [...]
This week's travel photo is of the remains of a kitchen in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy. Pompeii is one of the most popular ancient Roman archaeological sites in Italy, and the ruins are surprisingly well preserved due to being covered in volcanic ash from nearby Mount Vesuvius for nearly 2000 years.
This week's travel photo is of the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum from Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy. In ancient Rome, Palatine Hill was where the rich and powerful lived. I can only imagine what this view must have been like 2000 years ago.
Wat Chedi Luang is one of the more interesting ruins in the old Lanna city of Chiang Saen, Thailand. The temple was originally built in 1291, not long after the construction of the city walls by King Saen Phu. These days, Wat Chedi Luang is still a working temple, and there are some modern structures [...]
Wat Thammikarat is one of the lesser visited ruins in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya, Thailand. It is believed that it actually predates the city of Ayutthaya, with parts of it possibly dating back to the 12 century. Today it is actually a working temple, and several newer buildings have been built around the [...]
Wat Chaiwatthanaram was the last of the ruins that I explored in the ancient Siam capitol of Ayutthaya, Thailand, but it was definitely the most impressive. It is actually located outside of the main island that Ayutthaya is built on, and its towers stand tall and surprisingly well preserved on the west bank of the [...]
Built in the 15th Century, Wat Ratchaburana is one of the most well preserved ruins in the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya, Thailand. The temple was built by Chao Sam Phraya, who became king after his father passed away in 1424 and his two brothers, Chao Aye Phraya and Chao Yi Phraya killed each other [...]
