In the footsteps of Pierre Loti

Angkor is one of the most visited sites in the world. A human flow that seems relentless and which threatens the preservation of ancient Khmer temples and disturb the spiritual atmosphere of the place. But within the perimeter of the archaeological area, far away from mass tourism paths, is still living a community of Buddhist monks, scattered in several small monasteries. Monks spend their day in prayers and meditations, walking around nearby villages to ask for offers and food or performing blessing ceremonies that people ask for for many different reasons. Older monks have their bodies covered with tattoos (sak yant), which lead to an extremely complex symbolic code. The body becomes a parchment where to write prayers to seek protection against evil spirits or to attract good fortune, prosperity and wisdom.