The Hall of Whispers

Visiting ancient Buddhist temples always feels so peaceful. Except, this isn't exactly an ancient Buddhist temple, although it sort of is. Angkor Wat, or "City of Temples" was originally built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. Eventually in the late 13th century, the temple moved from Hindu to Theravada Buddhist use. As the beliefs of the Kings' changed, so did the temples. Today, roughly 95% of the Cambodian population follow Theravada Buddhism.

Cambodian Monk kneels in prayer inside the Angkor Wat Temple Complex.