globtr: Angkor

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Cambodia - a sunrise in Angkor Wat

2013 December, The Long Trip - Cambodia, Angkor Wat

After 5 am I was in Angkor Wat to see the sunrise. There were a lot of tuk tuks. When I got to the spot near the small pond there were a lot of people. I managed to find myself near the pond:-) This time sunrise wasn't so spectacular as there were too many clouds. I visited Angkor Wat and followed a big circle. Once more I visited Ta Prohm, then Eastern Mebon with statues of elephants, Prasat Ta Som, Prasat Preah Neak Pean surrounded by a pond. I also went to Phnom Bakheng which should be also good for a sunrise. It's situated on a hill. Elephants rides for 20 usd are available if you don't want to climb it up.
Following the big circle I didn't meet as many people as on the small one. That's why I really enjoyed it.

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat - people waiting for sunrise

Rice

Thomanon

Ta Prohm

Prasat Ta Som

Eastern Mebon and my ticket

Eastern Mebon

Prasat Preah Neak Pean

View from Phnom Bakheng

Angkor Wat

A scooter for the whole family :-)

Friday, December 20, 2013

Cambodia - a sunrise in the temple

2013 December, The Long Trip, Cambodia - Siem Reap

Although, a lot of tuk tuk drivers offered their service I chose to use bicycle instead. Temples are not too far. 3 days ticket costs 40 USD and its valid for 5 days. You can choose 3 random days in 5 days period. They take a photo of you and you are free to visit this amazing place. The ticket office is open from 5 am so if you wish to see a sunrise on the first day you can do that.
It is a huge area with a lot of ruined temples. The first day I visited Bayon temple which is incredible. It is located inside a huge area surrounded by a wall. There are four gates and four roads to this complex.
I will try to provide only a few pictures from each temple I visited. Bayon is known because of faces carved on each tower. Many more temples built in the same style can be found across the complex.
The same day I visited temples on the Elephant Terrace. Prasat Ta Prohm is amazing with a lot of trees and branches. For the sunset I went to Prasat Pre Rup.