Wat Phou's columned entryway and steep stairs flanked my centuries old frangipani trees make it easy to imagine grand processions from days gone by.
The main sanctuary of Wat Phou was originally dedicated to Siva, but has been a Buddhist shrine since the 13th century. Holy water from the sacred spring used to be channeled into here to wash the sacred linga.
There are two large sandstone pavilions at the base of Wat Phou, thought to be for segregated worshipping. They date from the 12th century and while they are pretty well intact, their walls are threatening to collapse.
La Folie Lodge on tiny Don Daeng island in the middle of the Mekong River is the perfect base to explore the ancient Khmer ruins of Wat Phou. It is the sole hotel on an island that only got electricity a few months ago, but has all the comforts one requires.
Upon reaching the upper level of Wat Phou, worshippers and tourists alike are rewarded with magnificent views of the lower pavilions.
Angkor Wat Cambodia temple wall carving detail
Cambodiian Temple
The Cambodian Temple used for a Tomb Raider movie
Cambodian Temple and still no Lara Croft
View of Angkor Wat Cambodia from the lake