The access from the West is composed like a symphony.
Overture
Coming from the West we stand in front of a wide moat. It covers nearly the same space as the temple complex within it.
A sandstone causeway spans the moat, leading to a large building. Three towers are marking entrance gates. Two more entrances are at the far away ends of the lateral galleries. Looming above the roof are the spires of Angkor Wat.
We get familiar with the huge horizontal dimensions of this temple plant. Horizontally the structure is similar to the west face of the pyramid, where we will find again three towers, and the large outer gallery with corner pavilions.
First movement
After crossing the moat by the sandstone causeway we pass by the central gate and have a view to the pyramid, from a distance almost twice as far as the its breadth. We are prepared for its width by the view we had before to the entrance building. (It is a few meters wider than the west face of the temple). We will step by step get acquainted with its height. At the first, everything is on one level, from which the slender towers loom up.
Second movement
Leisurely proceeding along the splendid causeway, we see the pyramid getting higher and higher. Two halls are flanking, and two basins are preceding the west face, which is crowned by five towers. At last, in front of the outer walls, we must crane our neck to have a view of the top. A moment later the spires are hidden.
Third movement
We cross the gallery of the large bas-reliefs and enter a wide cruciform gallery, opened by basins in four courts, adorned by reliefs, and the play of light and shadow between the pillars. Here the transition happens – from the secular to the sacred space.
Fourth movement
Almost imperceptible, stairways, ingenious constructions, bring us to the courtyard of the second gallery. Here suddenly the towers are high up in front of us. Again we have to crane our necks.Topped by the towers and a high gallery, a bulky but well sectionalized structure rises in front of us. Though as tall as a five-storey-building it does not look overwhelming. Twelve steep stairways run up like leading to the Heaven.
Finale
At the uppermost platform we are again in a cruciform gallery, now you have an open view to the four directions. Pillars open to four courts with basins again, giving views to the towers at their intersections. Above these galleries, the towers look like gigantic buds, floating and opening to the sky.
(We can see an early example of an avenue at the Bakong.)
Visitors are recommended to follow this route as close as possible. In the Northeast of the second level a wooden stairway runs up to the top level.
Reference: Stierlin, p. 147-150. - Updated May 26, 2011.
Aerial view from south-east. Photo courtesy of Dave Taylor
View from the baloon.
The West Gate
View from the West Gate to the Pyramid
Lower Cruciform Gallery