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Second day in Angkor Wat

I had no idea that there were so many temples scattered to such an extent. Each has its own unique appeal. Way too many to get to in one day.

We started with the temple that was located the furthest from the hotel, Banteay Srey Temple. This area is one of the smaller built in the 10th Century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

It takes a walk to get from the parking area to the temples. This is the first gate.
In the center of the temple complex with delicate etchings which has led descriptions of this temple as a women’s temple.
They are still working to place temple remains into the proper temple structures.

We left one of the smaller complexes to visit one of the larger, Angkor Wat. Again, it is hard to relate the distance that needs to be walked from the bus to the ramp that crossed the surrounding moat in order to enter the temple grounds. This was the capital city of the Khmer Empire. The kingdom was vibrant between the 9th to 15th centuries. The original religious association was Hindu that transitioned to Buddhism.

Moat ramp
Approaching the first point of entry.
One of the temples.
A park that separates temple areas.
Some of the decorative aspects shown in the ceiling of a temple.
Beautiful wall carvings.
Buddha.
Final steps used to get to a higher temple level.
View from a top level showing how large the complex is.
An often photographed view of the temples showing its reflection in one of the reflection pools.

After a hearty lunch, we toured the Prasat Bayon Angkor Thom which is best known for its carved faces.

Carved deities that border the road used to enter the complex.
A photo that might be familiar.
One of many monkeys that make the temple home.

Finally, we went to the Ta Prohm Temple that is best known for all of the trees that grow and at one time covered the buildings. The location was used in parts of one of the Raiders of the Lost Arch series of films.

The discovery of these temples was hampered because they were covered by tree roots and branches.

What a stay! The temperature reached over 100 degrees today. It was a challenge touring this area while dealing with the heat but well worth the effort.

This was a whirlwind two days. We could not have been treated better. The people extend smiles and waves with ease making Cambodia a great place to visit.

Cheers and good night Joey.

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