Tag: Angkor

Angkor Small Circuit: Ta Prohm

The second most popular temple in Siem Reap Cambodia is the Angkor Ta Prohm temple. It is the second to the last temple I see during my two day temple extravaganza.

Ta Prohm is impressive for its size and the beautiful trees growing in and out of the ruins. It is also the temple from the famed movie Tomb Raider (which I still have not seen). As it is a highly anticipated and popular temple and I try to not let other rude guests ruin my experience. My patience is really challenged here because people are especially inconsiderate at this temple. I even caught myself scolding others for their inconsideration (not my best moment but sometimes you have to stand up for yourself as a solo traveler). Despite the drama it is a lovely temple. I highly recommend this 12-ish century temple.

Look at those trees!

The temple is mostly preserved as it was found but there are some repairs in progress above.

Angkor Small Circuit: Banteay Kdei

The Buddhist temple Bantaey Kdei is actually the last temple I saw in Siem Reap. I didn’t leave it to last in my posts because I believe in ending my temple posts with the more impressive Ta Prohm .

It isn’t as impressive as some of the others but it is peaceful and quiet and a nice end of two days of extreme temple sightseeing.

Nice terrace across the street

Angkor Small Circuit: Baphuon

The next Angkor temple visited is a actually two temples that are pretty close to each other. The large temple, Baphuon, is an 11th century Hindu temple. Being not crowded it was a nice relaxing temple to visit. There isn’t much to it but it is impressive because it is large and in seemingly good condition for its age. If you visit beware that it isn’t as heavily guarded as some of the others and there were men posing as officials who will try to get you to pay for “extra” viewing options…like a dead alligator skull I think? It is bizarre so just be aware.

At the very top

After my visit I walk a small shaded path to a smaller temple. There are some fun trees growing over the bricks in the path.

The next temple Phimeanakas, is not accessible but it is nice to look at.

From the temple it is another short walk to the Terrace of Elephants. For some reason I didn’t actually get a photo of the elephants along the side.

Heading back to my tuk tuk I found a very cheeky monkey hanging out on someone’s motorcycle.

Angkor Small Circuit: Bayon Temple

My next temple in my Siem Reap, Cambodia Angkor temple adventure is the 12-13th century Bayon Temple with all the fun faces.

Bayon temple is another very popular temple and did get a little annoying with the excessive amount of “model posing” (everyone is insta-famous) but it still is a fun temple to visit. I don’t think I have seen a similar temple that features faces all over the structures.

My “model” pose