The beauty of Angkor is outstanding and the reflection of water enlightens the imagery of the stone gate and the mot’s bridge impresses you with the powerful figures om either side surrounded by almost still waters and a clear blue sky.

Hindu myths say that the universe was created when gods and demons played tug-o-war with a giant snake wrapped around a mountain. Their churning stirred the cosmic Ocean of Milk, and the universe came from it. The image of this myth occupies a large part of Angkor Wat’s east wall and is spectacular.

On the bridge to the city’s main, south gate you’ll find these sculptures, depicting fifty-four Gods on one side and the same number of demons on the other. Most of the figures are weathered with some of them decapitated, their heads taken off by looters.