What an exhausting day of climbing up and over temples. We skipped Angkor Wat this morning as I’d seen it last night and thus my day began at the walled city of Angkor Thom, which is actually bigger than Angkor Wat. The city had a 13km long wall around it as well as a 100m wide moat. We went through the south gate which is wide enough for 1 elephant it seems.
Then I headed for the temple in the centre called Bayon. Bayon has a large 4 faced centre piece which the souvenir sellers are only too happy to try and sell souvenirs in the likeness of Bayon.
Bayon Temple
After Bayon, I visited Baphuon and the terrace of the elephants, before we left the Angkor Thom area.
Next up were some minor temples, before I took on Ta Keo, or as its should be known “Thighmaster Ta Keo”. Although, the many visitors who were on the hands slowly hauling themselves up, explained why wearing of skirts was not allowed 🙂 I tackled the beast of a climb, very steep and very big steps, and surged past everyone and even got a round of applause from some Japanese tourists. Seriously, I did, the japanese are wonderful like that. Not wanting to show the pain my legs were suffering I slowly edged away.
Bicycles and temples have such a harmony together!
The trick to visiting Angkor, is to be one step ahead of the crowds, thus lunch at 11:30am is a brilliant idea. I had the restaurant to myself, when I left, there were no free tables in the restaurant. Plus I got served quickly, but paying the bill was a challenge. It was also hiked up prices for tourists kind of restaurant.
My favourite temple is Ta Prohm. It has nothing to do with the fact that Tombraider was filmed here, it was just an amazing place, where the jungle had grown over the temple, and nature slowly regaining the land it once had. Also the dappled light makes it a really nice place to photograph.
Ta Prohm elephant tree
Then it was onto Banteay Kdei and the pool of Sra Srung, before heading to Angkor Wat again. By now I’d had enough of people and temples for the day. I have more planned for tomorrow, but I’ll definitely be skipping a third day to relax.
Theres a bumper update of photos, as words don’t do the place justice.